Stealthman

In an exclusive interview with BlackandGold.com, University of Middle Tennessee football Head Coach Buster Faulkner explains why quarterback Logan Kilgore has a legitimate shot at making it in the NFL.

B&G.com: Coach Faulkner, we really appreciate your taking the time for this interview. We know that this is recruiting season, and a very busy time of the year for you.

Coach Faulkner: It’s not a problem, and I’m actually wrapping up recruiting this evening. I’m on my way home right before the Memorial Day weekend.

B&G.com: Coach, do you have any direct or distant ties to the Saints or anyone on the Saints’ staff?

Coach Faulkner: No one, to the best of my knowledge.

B&G.com: Why do you think the Saints sought to get Logan Kilgore?

Coach Faulkner: Logan has the physical tools to compete at the pro level; he’s gifted physically. He has great arm strength, large hands, and can move well inside and outside of the pocket. In fact, if you look at NCAA stats, Middle Tennessee has consistently ranked in the top 15 in the country in giving up the FEWEST number of sacks. You can attribute a lot of that to the fact that Logan gets rid of the ball quickly, doesn’t get sacked often, is very elusive and has what many call “escapability.” He is tall and lanky, and might remind you of Glennon (Tampa Bucs), but isn’t quite that tall.

B&G.com: What qualities about Logan work to his advantage in making the Saints’ final 53?

Coach Faulkner: His physical attributes (already mentioned) and his work ethic will definitely be noticed by Saints’ coaches. He will also put in a lot of time in studying the offense. He is competitive, and has overcome adversity. Through Logan’s leadership, Middle Tennessee has been bowl eligible two years in a row.

B&G.com: What is the most memorable performance you’ve seen from Logan?

Coach Faulkner: It had to be this past season. The team started out 3-1, but Logan injured his shoulder (throwing arm) and the team ran into a tough span and lost 3 in a row. This put us with a 3-4 record, and we knew that we had to win-out the remainder of the season to have any chance at a bowl bid. Battling back from the injury, we faced Marshall (who was undefeated at the time) on national TV. Both teams went back & forth, and Logan threw 4 or 5 TD’s, including a late 2-minute drive where he tossed a 9-yd TD as time expired (in a 51-49 shootout). We needed that game, and we got it. We also went on to win the remaining games and got our bowl bid.


B&G.com: Is Logan likely to get involved in community outreach? If so, what?

Coach Faulkner: He will be involved in a lot in the New Orleans community. Right now he is a community leader reaching out to local school children. He also helps in cancer treatment organizations and other outreaches. He will definitely be an active participant.

B&G.com: What one or two things do you believe differentiate Logan from others whose athletic performance tailed off?

Coach Faulkner: Personal drive. Logan was a football player that never started for his high school team. Yet he walked on as a starter at a Junior college, and hasn’t looked back. He will not give up. His drive and enthusiasm (and gunslinger mentality) reminds me of Brett Favre, Jake Plummer, Jake Delhomme and Jay Cutler. He is absolutely fearless, and his performance on the field will show that he believes in himself and his abilities.

B&G.com: What type of player is Logan on the sidelines, locker room and in the game?

Coach Faulkner: For one, he was voted as team captain by his teammates. He communicates well on the sidelines and in the game. He shows that he is a leader of the guys. He is also a model citizen off the field. His parents raised him well.

B&G.com: Where do you expect to see Logan this season: Practice squad, final 53, another team?

Coach Faulkner: If the Saints carry 3 QB’s on the roster, I expect Logan to be one of the three. I will certainly be pulling for him.

B&G.com: Does Logan have any nagging injury that he’s prone to or still fighting through?

Coach Faulkner: No. He’s 100% recovered from his shoulder injury mentioned earlier. His performance shows that he’s in top shape.

B&G.com: Did Logan have a parent, sibling or adult that served as a special mentor in his life?

Coach Faulkner: His dad; they are real close. He’s actually very close with his entire family. In fact, his parents (who still reside in California) came to EACH-AND-EVERY-GAME that Logan played in at Middle Tennessee (home and on the road).

B&G.com: Coach Falkner, on behalf of the WhoDat Nation and Saints fans everywhere, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. All the best to the Blue Raiders this season.

Coach Faulkner: It was my pleasure. Go Saints!

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