Hubert landed on several award watch lists this month, including the Bednarik Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy, presented annually to the best defensive player in college football. He was also named to the Preseason All-Big 12 team for the first time in his career.
The conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity.
AS: What's been the biggest challenge this offseason for you guys as you try and stay focused on football and controlling what you can control?
WH: Well, the biggest challenge has just been keeping that team camaraderie because we've been working out in certain groups and meeting with certain position groups. Out of your 120 teammates on the team, you probably only get to see a small, select group of maybe 20 or 30 guys every day. So, obviously keeping that team bond between each other has definitely been a struggle, especially this offseason.
AS: One thing a lot of guys mentioned when everything moved off campus back in March was how hard it can be to work out by yourself. How helpful has it been to get back to Manhattan and have the whole team there to hold each other accountable?
WH: It was definitely a big, big challenge. A lot of guys, like any other college football team, struggle with self-discipline and staying on top of runs and lifts. But once we got back to campus, it helped a lot because you get back on that routine. Having that strict schedule, the same thing every single day at the same time, that helps keeps you on schedule and on task. It really helps when you know what to look forward to.
AS: Walking into the stadium last week, I saw a lot of guys down on the field running through some different sets. When it comes to voluntary workouts, what are some of the things that you've been focusing on?
WH: We're still lifting and running. And then we try and get together as a team and do our seven-on-seven practices with the playbook. Obviously, we're still trying to help transition some of our young freshmen into the system and help them learn the playbook as well. Even the young guys who have been here, just trying to get them ready for the season. More specifically, the young guys who haven't had any playing time yet but are going to this fall.
AS: Between the Nagurski and Bednarik awards and all the watch lists that you're on this preseason, what does that mean to you as somebody who's really stepping up this season as one of the leaders on this K-State team?
WH: It definitely means a lot, but I can't approach the game any differently just because I'm up for those awards. I've just got to keep doing what I've been doing the last two seasons and hopefully I can make it to the finals of those awards. Like I said, I just have to approach this season the same way as any other one.
AS: As one of the older guys on this team, what have you learned about leadership and accountability during an offseason like this, where at one point all your communication with your teammates was happening through videos and Zoom calls?
WH: It's definitely a lot tougher to do it virtually, instead of in-person. You know, you can tell a guy to do this or do that, but at the end of the day, it's their decision to make. The hardest thing is just staying on top of the guys and encouraging them to run through the new plays, stay in shape, obviously classes were online too. So, I kept pounding at them to stay on top of their grades and finish strong in the classroom as well.
AS: Are there any players in college or the NFL that you continue to model your skillset after?
WH: Looking at outside linebacker and defensive end in the NFL, those are guys who step up when a play needs to be made. I really can't think of anyone specific. Growing up, my favorite player was Clay Matthews. I always liked watching guys and studying guys who were the same size as me, so I could kind of replicate myself and my game after how they played and just trying to do the same things that they do.
AS: Especially today, when you look at the NFL, it seems like the two positions that teams are investing the most in are quarterback and defensive end, and obviously the league continues to evolve every year, but why do you think your position is becoming more of a priority?
WH: Well the game is evolving and becoming more and more pass-oriented every single season, so finding someone who's naturally gifted as a pass-rusher is challenging. It isn't something that you can pick up right away, it takes a lot of time and a lot of practice. You look at the NFL like 20 years ago and they were running the ball a lot more. Defensive guys were probably a little less athletic than they are now. In today's game, you need pass-rushers who are stronger and more athletic, especially at defensive end. I think that's why they go so high in the draft and are evaluated so highly.
AS: Getting awards at the end of the year is obviously a tribute to the work that you've put in, but getting preseason awards over the last two weeks, does that kind of motivate you to go out and prove those people right?
WH: Definitely, I mean the accolades are great but a lot of guys in college football, they get all of these accolades and they kind of let it go to their heads a little bit and become complacent. With me, it's the complete opposite. The first thing that comes to my mind is, OK well I need to back this up with my play and that's what motivates me. You know, it's nice getting the awards and the recognition, but like I said, it just motivates me to keep going out there, playing harder and making plays.
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July 31, 2020 at 06:01PM
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