Sept. 8, 2006
A second-year starter, Cody Kase is one of the top up-and-coming linebackers in the Mountain West Conference. Kase was a preseason first team all-conference pick this year by Street & Smith’s, which also named him the league’s “Hardest Hitter.” He got his first opportunity to play full-time in 2005, starting at outside linebacker, and went on to earn honorable mention all-MWC honors. Kase has established himself as one of the team’s top defensive playmakers and is also a tremendous performer in the classroom. He is a two-time Academic All-MWC honoree and an ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District selection with a 4.06 GPA in General Management.
Last season Kase made an immediate impact in his first year as a starter, leading the team with a career-high 11.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. He was fourth on the Lobos’ gang-tackling defense with 62 tackles, had 15 QB hurries off the blitz, and recovered a fumble for a touchdown in the Lobos’ road win at Utah.
Question: What does being a team captain mean to you, what responsibilities to you think you have?
Cody Kase: As a team captain it’s your responsibility to make sure your whole team is on the same page and that there’s no quarrels between teammates or between the team and the coach. It’s also making sure that everyone is ready to play everyday.
Q: How long did it take you to memorize all of coach Long’s defensive signals?
CK: There’s definitely a huge learning curve here. I would say that almost that whole first year you’re in the program is dedicated to knowing the defense. Even today I’m still learning bits and pieces of it.
Q: Have you ever laughed while watching him signal on the sidelines?
CK: During the game you’re locked in, but you watch it on film sometimes and you see him at the last second getting a call in and struggling, you can get a laugh in then.
Q: Were you ready for how much running you do in this defense when you showed up for your first practice?
CK: You see it on film, but I definitely wasn’t ready for it. You get out there on the field and there’s a lot of running around, but it’s a lot of fun as well.
Q: You led the team in sacks and tackles for loss as a first year starter – were you pleased with those numbers as a first year starter or did you think you could have done more?
CK: This defense is made to get a lot of sacks and tackles for loss, so on this defense they were just okay numbers. For my first year I was pretty happy, but I’m hoping to increase them every year.
Q: How did scoring your first collegiate touchdown feel last year at Utah?
CK: It was a great feeling and it was actually the winning touchdown as well. It was pretty awesome to score and have you picture on the front page of the Albuquerque Journal the next day.
Q: Did you ever think a TD in an important conference game would come that easy?
CK: I get a lot of flack from my teammates for the one yard touchdown, but I had to scoop it up and get that one yard.
Q: Have you been studying Bengal receiver Chad Johnson so that you can really take your celebration up a notch the next time you get into the end zone?
CK: If you’ve ever seen me on the dance floor you’d know that a celebration dance would be the last thing on my mind if I scored again.
Q: What’s your favorite pregame music?
CK: I like to listen to anything with rock and roll, but lately it’s been a lot of Disturbed.
Q: Your brother George played defensive tackle at UCLA, does he ever offer you any advice?
CK: Me and my brother are very close. We talk before every game and practice. He gives me tips on how to get by during the season and let’s me know that when you’re struggling, it’s something everyone in football goes through. He definitely helps me with all that stuff.
Q: You had a hamstring injury in the season opener – what’s the worst injury you’ve had to deal with in your playing career?
CK: I’ve gotten pretty lucky. This hamstring may be the first reason I’ve ever missed a game because of an injury.
Q: Like a lot of guys on the team, you were a pretty good basketball player in high school – if you had to go into the Lobo locker room and put a starting five on the floor right now, who would they be?
CK: There is a lot of good players, but I’d probably go with five of my best friends if I had to create a team. I’d put George Carter, Justin Clayton, Quincy Black is really good, I’d have to put him on there, and then fifth I’d probably go with Bryan Clampitt.
Q: What’s the secret to your academic success – are you really that smart?
CK: It takes a lot of time. It’s not like I look at something and get it right away. It’s mostly scheduling. Being able to get to practice and set aside time for studying. You know, prioritizing – if it’s a test I definitely need to study for or whether it’s just a homework assignment that you can do pretty quickly.