10 Questions with Alterraun Verner
For coming closest to correctly predicting the UCLA v. Washington State final score, Maltbaa won a chance to ask any 10 questions of a selected UCLA football player.
His choice: Alterraun Verner.
1) Before choosing UCLA, which schools were you seriously considering?
UCLA was definitely the top, but before they gave me the offer, it was Oregon, Washington and Boise State.
2) Who did you stay with on your official visit to UCLA and what were the activities you participated in while on your visit?
My host was Aaron Ware, and he showed me the basic college life. Took me out, let me meet the players, and I felt a good bond off the top with Aaron. We continue that friendship to this day.
3) Besides the NFL, what would you like to do after you graduate? Is grad school in the equation?
Grad school can definitely be in the equation. Especially in today's society, a bachelor's doesn't do that much. It's almost like a high school diploma. Eventually I'm trying to get my teaching credential or maybe do statistical analysis.
4) What was the feeling around the team in the locker room after Washington game?
It was a feeling of relief. All that weight on us the past couple weeks let off of us. We were able to mesh and built on that momentum all the way up to today.
5) What parts of your game do you feel need improvement?
Being more physical on my press coverage, my eyes - sometimes I let the quarterback draw me away from my coverage - those are the main things
6) What does the rivalry with USC mean to you?
It means everything. I grew up a UCLA fan, and this was always the one big game you worked on. Now it has so many implications this year.
7) Are you happy you stayed for your senior year? Why or why not?
Definitely happy. I was able to experience another year of being a part of this. I would've missed this. I was able to enjoy some of those senior moments - bonding with the team, hanging with the guys, watching the freshmen grow up.
8) The team seems to be showing progress, do you believe the team is progressing and becoming stronger?
Yes, and you'll see the continuance of it past this year.
9) Do you feel extra pressure to play well when the offense struggles?
No, as a defense we take it upon ourselves to be flawless anyway.
10) Two part question, what was your proudest athletic experience and your proudest non athletic experience at UCLA?
On the field was the win against USC. That was definitely something I'll always relish. We're the one team in the decade to do it. Non-athletic, the 'Big Moment' commercial I did. That was an honor, and something I'll never forget.
Decent questions. Well done.
Sounds like a well-rounded, down-to-earth guy... another fine Bruin who will leave his stamp on the world!
thanks a lot jon!
When I read comments like AV made it reminds me why I am proud to be a Bruin. As J.D. Morgan would have said, a thoughtful "student-athlete".
And he is a MATH major!!!!
Yes!!!!
How cool would it be for some kid 10 years from now having ATV as a teacher. Whatever he ends up doing, Verner is a class act and a perfect representation of what a STUDENT-athlete can be. Maybe the SCum across town should take notice when they decide to take a quarter consisting of one class of dance. Or maybe they'll start to notice when ATV returns a pick six on saturday at the Mausoleum!
"7) Are you happy you stayed for your senior year? Why or why not?
Definitely happy. I was able to experience another year of being a part of this. I would've missed this. I was able to enjoy some of those senior moments - bonding with the team, hanging with the guys, watching the freshmen grow up."
Is there any chance we get print this out on a bunch of 3x5 cards and have Alterraun give one to Brian Price every time he sees him? :-)