Photo by: Ball State University Creative Services
#CardinalCamp19: Five Questions With … DL Emeka Jillani
August 13, 2019 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. – Emeka Jillani is in his second year on the Ball State football team. He grew up in London, England, playing rugby and a little bit of soccer. After making the transition to American football in high school, Jillani is competing for a playing time on the defensive line this fall. He took a few minutes after a recent practice to share his thoughts on preseason camp.
--What is it like going through year two of preseason camp compared to last year when you were a true freshman?
EJ: Last year of camp was a grind. [I] didn't know what to expect. You have upperclassmen telling you it's going to be the worst time of your life. This year I knew what to expect. The plays come easier. Experience helps, too. Now, instead of being taught things you are able to help younger guys.
--Do you have a favorite coach McKenzie saying?
EJ: Yes but I don't know if I'm allowed to say it (laughing). It's really funny because he says it almost every other sentence.
--What's your favorite food to eat during camp?
EJ: Wings. On Fridays we have chicken wings, and they are really good. I mix ranch and barbecue sauce. It sounds disgusting but it's really good.
--Who's the toughest guy to go against on the offensive line in one-on-one drills?
EJ: Jaylen Turner. He has such heavy hands that when he grabs you it's like a bear wrestling with you. We help each other get better.
--Growing up on the other side of the pond you played a little bit of backyard soccer. Do you think you could be a field goal kicker?
EJ: I think I could be a field goal kicker, but I don't know if [the coaches] would let me. Back in high school I tried to convince my coach to let me do it. He gave me a chance one time, but he had one of the ends get a free release so that he'd rush me and I wouldn't make the kick. I'm still waiting for that time when I'm allowed to kick a field goal. I say I could make it from 40 yards on a good day.
The Cardinals play host to Indiana at Lucas Oil Stadium in their season opener on Saturday, Aug. 31. The last time the two teams played at LOS in 2011, Ball State came away with a 27-20 victory. Click here to purchase tickets.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @BSUCoachNeu.
--What is it like going through year two of preseason camp compared to last year when you were a true freshman?
EJ: Last year of camp was a grind. [I] didn't know what to expect. You have upperclassmen telling you it's going to be the worst time of your life. This year I knew what to expect. The plays come easier. Experience helps, too. Now, instead of being taught things you are able to help younger guys.
--Do you have a favorite coach McKenzie saying?
EJ: Yes but I don't know if I'm allowed to say it (laughing). It's really funny because he says it almost every other sentence.
--What's your favorite food to eat during camp?
EJ: Wings. On Fridays we have chicken wings, and they are really good. I mix ranch and barbecue sauce. It sounds disgusting but it's really good.
--Who's the toughest guy to go against on the offensive line in one-on-one drills?
EJ: Jaylen Turner. He has such heavy hands that when he grabs you it's like a bear wrestling with you. We help each other get better.
--Growing up on the other side of the pond you played a little bit of backyard soccer. Do you think you could be a field goal kicker?
EJ: I think I could be a field goal kicker, but I don't know if [the coaches] would let me. Back in high school I tried to convince my coach to let me do it. He gave me a chance one time, but he had one of the ends get a free release so that he'd rush me and I wouldn't make the kick. I'm still waiting for that time when I'm allowed to kick a field goal. I say I could make it from 40 yards on a good day.
The Cardinals play host to Indiana at Lucas Oil Stadium in their season opener on Saturday, Aug. 31. The last time the two teams played at LOS in 2011, Ball State came away with a 27-20 victory. Click here to purchase tickets.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @BSUCoachNeu.
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