Dalton's Mays uses speed at linebacker

Monday, August 18, 2014

photo Nate Mays

Dalton linebacker Nate Mays is the No. 5-ranked college football prospect among area high school seniors. Mays, who recently committed to Wake Forest University, sat down with the Times Free Press recently before the start of his final prep season.

Q: You had offers from a few FBS schools. Why did you choose to commit to Wake Forest?

A: "It's not too big of a school, and academically you can get to know the professor because they average 18 kids in the classroom, so as a student you get more out of it. The campus is neat; I just love the place."

Q: You transferred to Dalton for your senior year. What do you hope to gain from that move?

A: "I wanted to get myself prepared for college, and this is where I wanted to finish my senior year. Just being here in the offseason, I've gotten stronger and faster and bigger. I wish I had been here the whole time."

Q: Describe your style of play.

A: "I'm real athletic. I make plays that people wonder how I made them, so quickness is my best attribute. I like to fly around."

Q: Do you prefer to play inside or outside linebacker and why?

A: "I used to really like playing inside, but now that I play mainly bullet (outside), I like that better. I haven't blitzed much, but I know I can get to the quarterback when I get the chance."

Q: What aspect of playing linebacker do you hope to improve upon the most this season?

A: "I tend to worry about the run first, and I need to recognize the pass quicker. I haven't been asked to cover much in the past, so that's something I need to work on."