Aug. 21, 2009

Senior defensive lineman Jada Brown joined the Tigers in 2005 after originally signing with Ole Miss out of Banneker High School in College Park, Ga. Brown started 12 games for the Tigers in 2008, and is one of the most experienced returning players on the team, having seen time in 36 games over the previous three seasons. GoTigersGo.com sat down with Jada this summer for a Q&A session.

Q. What have you been doing this summer?
A. We've really just been here working with the team on strength training, team unity, and getting everyone on the same page.

Q. Have you had a chance to go home this summer?
A. I say home is where your family is, so this is home for me. My family is here. My father comes here every week, and my mom does also.

Q. With Memphis being your adopted home, what does it mean to you to represent the Tigers?
A. I love it. I love representing this place. I have the Tigers on my back and Memphis on my chest. We have a tradition to uphold.

Q. What are some of your favorite things about playing here?
A. My teammates, of course, are amazing. The times on and off the field are great. I also appreciate the times on and off the field with the coaches. I love playing football too.

Q. What might we not know to you?
A. When I take the shoulder pads and helmet off, I put the headphones on and pull up the mic. I'm a radio host for a jazz radio station. It's actually the school radio station WUMR. I have a show every Tuesday from 9-12. I even have a radio personality D.J. Jada-B. I have a fan base.

Q. Who are some of your favorite musical artists?
A. Gucci Man, T.I., OutKast, Goodie Mob, and Tupac are all some of my favorites. With jazz, I like Al Jarreau, Grover Washington, and Etta James of course. There are so many artists, I just love to listen to. I love all music in general.

Q. What are some of your goals for the team in 2009?
A. We have to get everyone on the same page. We have to take things one game at a time. Everyone has to uphold the same characteristics and work hard on the field and off. We have to continue to improve our strength and speed.

Q. Now that your time at Memphis is coming to an end, what's that like for you?
A. It gets real to you. You always knew it would happen, but now you know you're about to leave these great people. I mean, you don't necessarily leave them, but you're about to leave this great situation you entered four or five years ago. You realize how much you grew with these people as a family. You've all matured so much. It's a special time.

Q. Anything else to add?
A. I'm just ready to play some football.

Tiger Football FanFest will be held at Echles Field on the U of M campus from 3-5 p.m. Construction on the new FedExPark at the Park Avenue Campus and at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium has forced the change of venue for the annual event. Echles Field is located east of the Larry O. Finch basketball practice facility at the corner of Goodman and Spottswood. Parking will be available in lot 15 on the northeast corner of Southern and Goodman.