University of Tennessee Athletics
Vol Profile - Will Overstreet
September 12, 2001 | Football
Sept. 12, 2001
Vol Profile: Will Overstreet
VOL PROFILE: As a senior, what are your goals for yourself and the team?
Overstreet: "For the team, obviously, to go out there and win a SEC Championship, and a National Championship. To be one of top teams in the nation, and have one of the best defenses in the nation. I think for an individual, you obviously want to make All SEC, and All American. To be a really good player that people remember as a great player, and a great defensive end -- my position."
VOL PROFILE: Is there anyone you would credit for your incredible work ethic?
Overstreet: "I think so, my father, he always taught me about working hard and doing things the right way and sticking with something, and if you're going to do something, so it as best you can. He said a lot of guys may have more talent, or be stronger or faster or whatever else, he said but you can always determine how hard you work. He said that's one of those things that can maybe beat somebody else out when you don't have as much talent."
VOL PROFILE: What kind of leader do you want to be? How do you plan to lead this team differently?
Overstreet: "Hopefully, I'll lead by example, first, I think that's the biggest key, because if people see you do it they step up to your level and they try to emulate you, in a lot of ways if you're an older guy who's doing the right things. Secondly, I think you have to be a motivator. I think at times when people are down or not thinking right or they're messing up I think you have to be the one that corrects them or stands in front of them and says this is why we're going to do this and give them confidence."
VOL PROFILE: How do you think that Henderson on your side will effect your play?
Overstreet: "Hopefully, he'll open some things up for me, and I'll be able to make some more plays, and take the pressure off him. Hopefully a team will not be able to single anybody out on the defensive line. Hopefully we've got enough talent and enough guys that can play up to that level where they say we could double team this guy, but then this guy will hurt us. Hopefully we'll be helping each other always and always be there for each other."
VOL PROFILE: If you could tell people anything about you, what would you want them to know?
Overstreet: "Just that I'm a Christian, and a good person, that I do what I say, and what you see is what you get. I act in a way I'd have other people treat me."
VOL PROFILE: What are you interests other than football?
Overstreet:"I read a great deal. I read basically anything I can get my hands on, books, magazines, newspapers, pretty much try to read them cover to cover. During the summer I usually read about a book a week. J.R.R. Token, The Hobbit, is one of my favorite books."
VOL PROFILE: Is there any significance behind your number (#90)?
Overstreet: "No, that's the one I got."
VOL PROFILE: Do you have any pregame rituals?
Overstreet: "I have a certain CD, basically the Terminator 2 soundtrack. I listen to two songs on it, just basically introduction music. I sit there off by myself, and I'll put on my pads and just sit there and say confidence things to myself to pump myself up, basically mental preparation.
VOL PROFILE: How would you describe your relationship with John Henderson and the other captains?
Overstreet: "I think we're all really good friends on the team. I think this team is very close as a group and one of the closest we're ever had I think. Everybody may not hang out with each other, but everybody pretty much respects and likes each other and they're able to talk to each other. A lot of easy-going guys basically who just enjoy being around each other and playing with each other and respecting each other and knowing what each other can do.
VOL PROFILE: What is your most memorable moment on the field at UT?
Overstreet: "Definitely the most memorable moment so far on the filed is probably the South Carolina game last year. After I sacked the quarterback and John (Henderson) and the rest of the team coming up to me and more than the sack, it was just a great feeling to have Big John come up to me and shake hands with me and the rest of the team come together in a game like that was just a great feeling. After so many frustrating moments in that season to finally come out with a victory at the end of that ball game and win 17-14, that was a great game."
VOL PROFILE: What would you like to be remembered for after you graduate?
Overstreet: "Hopefully I'll be remembered for a guy they said he had some talent but he came out every week and he worked hard and he got better and he was a good person, he treated everybody the way he wanted to be treated. Hopefully, he did not tick too many people off.
