Aug. 19, 2008

SAN DIEGO - The 13th in a daily series during fall camp, get to know another Aztec newcomer. Today, a conversation with freshman linebacker Colin Shumate (Las Vegas, Nev./Las Vegas HS).

GoAztecs.com: What are your overall impressions of camp so far?
Shumate: Camp has been going well. It's been a really good experience getting to know the team. I'm surrounded by good coaches and players, and I'm just trying to learn everything I can. It's been going really good so far.

GoAztecs.com: What have the coaches been working on with you the most?
Shumate: Everything. I've been working on footwork, reads, taking on blocks and just the linebacker position as a whole.

GoAztecs.com: How was your experience at Family Day?
Shumate: Family Day was fun. My family didn't make it out, but it was nice to meet the other guys' families.

GoAztecs.com: What are your thoughts on the scrimmage?
Shumate: The scrimmage was fun. There was good energy with everyone running around and it was cool to be in the stadium too.

GoAztecs.com: Why did you choose SDSU?
Shumate: Out of all the schools that I was talking to, I felt like San Diego State really had a plan for me. I just wanted to go somewhere that really wanted me.

GoAztecs.com: Did you play any other sports in high school?
Shumate: I did track in high school, but I decided to stick with football.

GoAztecs.com: What events did you do in track?
Shumate: I did shot put and discus.

GoAztecs.com: What is your most memorable high school football moment?
Shumate: My junior year when we won state for the second time in a row. That was really good.

GoAztecs.com: Who was your role model when you were growing up?
Shumate: My dad has always been my role model. He's always provided everything for me and helped me get to where I am today.

GoAztecs.com: Do you have a favorite NFL team?
Shumate: I like the Ravens for their defense.

GoAztecs.com: Do you have any relatives who played sports competitively?
Shumate: No. I have a few relatives who coached, so I've always been around football, but no one has really made it to the level where I am at right now.

GoAztecs.com: What type of music do you listen to?
Shumate: I listen to everything.

GoAztecs.com: Who is the best player you played with in high school?
Shumate: Probably our old running back Jamal Lomax. He was really fun to play with. He always worked hard and is a really good player. He's at the University of Mary in North Dakota now.

Wednesday's profiles: freshmen OL Alec Johnson and RB Ramon Judkins