Makiri Pugh (August 4, 2007)

 
N2FL:  At what age did you start playing football?
 
M.P.:  I started at 7 but I've known I wanted to be a pro ball player since I was 6.
 
N2FL:  What was your favorite college team growing up?
 
M.P.:  I didn't have a favorite but I liked Georgia, Florida State and Notre Dame.
 
N2FL:  Favorite NFL Team?
 
M.P.:  The Redskins were my favorite team growing up but as of late I just enjoy watching certain players.
 
N2FL:  Do you try and idolize any specific player?
 
M.P.:  No, I think that the top players all have their own special traits that make them great so I try to watch them all for what they do the best.
 
N2FL:  When and who was your first scholarship offer?
 
M.P.:  In February, Duke offered me first.
 
N2FL:  How many scholarship offers do you currently have?
 
M.P.:  Somewhere around 10 or more.
 
N2FL:  You committed to Georgia in June, why did you decide to end the process so early?
 
M.P.:  I wanted to get it done early so I could focus on my senior season and winning another state championship. And I felt that UGA had everything I wanted in a college.
 
N2FL:  What were some of the considerations when choosing your school?
 
M.P.:  It's 3 hours away from home, I like the south. We have also had four players go to UGA before me they rotate corners in and out a lot, so I'll have an opportunity to play with and against the best in the SEC.
 
N2FL:  What position would you prefer to play in college? Who is recruiting you to play where?
 
M.P.:  I prefer corner. UGA is recruiting me to play boundary corner. Clemson wanted me as a safety and boundary corner and everyone else just wanted me as a DB.
 
N2FL:  Are there any schools who continue to recruit you despite your commitment?
 
M.P.:  I get a lot of mail but I let schools know I was no longer open so a lot of them have respected that.
 
N2FL:  Who was your lead recruiter at Georgia?
 
M.P.:  Coach (Mike) Bobo
 
N2FL:  Despite your pledge to the Bulldogs, will you take any "official visits" anywhere else?
 
M.P.:  No, I'm happy with my decision.
 
N2FL:  Was there another school(s) in consideration before you pulled the trigger on the Bulldogs, and what was it about Georgia that ultimately sold you on them?
 
M.P.:  Clemson and Georgia Tech but Georgia had everything I wanted - not just some of the things I wanted, so it was the clear choice for me.
 
N2FL:  What are some of your playing strengths?
 
M.P.:  I'm very physical and I can play safety as well as corner. I'm quick out of my break on the ball as well.
 
N2FL:  What are some things you would like to work on between now and college?
 
M.P.:  My mechanics as well as getting bigger, faster and stronger. I will also work on my ball skills.
 
N2FL:  How do you feel about Redshirting?
 
M.P.:  If that's what my coaches ask of me - that's what I'll do, but I'm going to play to earn early playing time.
 
N2FL:  Do you have a major in mind?
 
M.P.:  Sports and Entertainment Law
 
N2FL:  What are your goals for your senior season?
 
M.P.:  To win another state championship and go undefeated - so we reach 124 straight wins. Hopefully I can be an All-American as well and gain honors in North Carolina.
 
N2FL:  What is the craziest recruiting "pitch" you have heard so far?
 
M.P.:  That I can drive a Ford if I go to their school, lol.
 
N2FL:  Have you communicated with any prospective recruits about attending Georgia with you?
 
M.P.:  Yeah I've met a lot of them and hopefully they'll make the same decision I did.
 
N2FL:  Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
 
M.P.:  My father