Preseason Camp Q&A, August 16, 2006

How does it feel to be back in camp?
Marshawn Lynch: It's camp. It's a great feeling after being away from it for so long to get back into your football mode.

What's your best memory from camps in the past?
When I first came in, we used to run around the locker room and mess with all the older guys like Chase [Lyman], Wendell [Hunter], A-Rod [Aaron Rodgers], J.J. [Arrington], O.C. [Ryan O'Callaghan]. We had a lot of fun messing around with the older guys.

What's the best part about camp?
When we get to go to the water park. It's a little time to get away and get relaxed.

What's the worst part about camp?
6:30 wake ups.

What advice would you give to an incoming freshman arriving for the first day of camp?
Come in with a clear head and with your mind set on one thing, and that's football.

Is there anything you're going to miss about camp?
The players. I miss the players from our previous camps too.

During camp, what do you work on the most?
Mental toughness. Striving to keep going when I have sore legs and sore shoulders and aches and pains, you still have to keep going.

What do you think of the attention you are getting as a Heisman candidate?
It's solid, but it's kind of weird to me. I never get asked how I am feeling as a person, rather than people just asking me as a "Heisman dude."

Do you like doing interviews with all of the media?
I like to do interviews when they allow me to sit down and do them with my cousins or some of my other teammates.

Who's your favorite football player in the country?
My favorite running back is [Cal running back] Justin Forsett and I also like [West Virginia running back] Steve Slaton, but I have a new favorite players - [Cal redshirt freshman defensive back] Syd'Quan Thompson. That little guy, he's like a buck fifty and he comes down and lays hats on 260-pound dudes. I've seen him take tight ends out. That's my kind of player.

What is your favorite thing to do on the football field?
Throwing a pass.

If you could play another sport at Cal, what would it be?
[Despite Lynch not being a golfer] Golf! Just hang out all day and play golf.

Who are your favorite football players?
Barry Sanders, [Cal running back] Justin Forsett, [cousin and former Kansas State DB] Randy Jordan

What is your favorite part about playing football at Cal?
Playing on the team with my two cousins Robert Jordan (WR) and Virdell Larkins (DB).

What has been the best college football moment for you at Cal?
When Robert, Virdell and I decided to sign at the same school.

Who are the hardest hitters you have faced?
The safeties from Arizona --Darrell Brooks and Lamon Means.

What are some of your favorite movies?
Boomerang, The Sandlot and Mulan.

The best thing about game day is...
When I'm in the locker room before we go out on the field and I'm listening to my music.

What is your favorite music to listen to?
I like to listen to MAC, Keak da Sneak, Dubee, Dirty Mackin, Shotty Boy, Mac Dre, Thizz Nation, Hustler and the Jacka, J Diggs and any Town music.

What have been some of your favorite classes?
Sociology 3AC and a DeCal about Dave Chapelle.
[Sociology 3AC covers the Principles of Sociology and focuses on comparing the experience of different ethnic groups covering topics ranging from culture, community, social movements and race. DeCal is the Program for Democratic Education at Cal. The classes are student initiated with faculty sponsors. DeCals give students pass/not pass units.]

What's the best part about going to school in Berkeley?
It's close to home.

What are your goals for the season?
Since I've been here, we've had two winning seasons. I'd like my third season be like the last two - winning seasons.

If you could have dinner with any four people who would they be?
God, Barry Sanders, DeShaun Foster and my momma.

Who are your heroes? Why?
I admire Magic Johnson because of what he went through and how he has bounced back to be who he still is.

When you're not studying or practicing, you are...
... playing Madden (EA Sports' football video game). Sometimes I'm Fred Taylor or Jerome Bettis.

The best part about being a college student is ...
... getting to meet a lot of people from all different places.

If you could play any other position, what would it be and why?
I'd want to play Donnie McCleskey's position (Rover) because Donnie always gets to make big hits.

What other positions have you played? How has that helped you be a better football player?
I've played tight end, quarterback, DB and offensive line. You get to look at the game in a different way in another position. It's a whole new game. It's not the same game to everyone.

Who would win a dance contest, you, your cousin Robert Jordan or your cousin Virdell Larkins?
Virdell.

What's your favorite part of practice?
Pass and go - when we play catch with the quarterbacks.

Why did you pick Number 10?
I saw my older brother David wear it in a basketball game once, and ever since that, I liked that number.

What is your favorite thing your mom cooks when you go home?
Lemon cakes. Sometimes she'll cook lasagna.