I got the awesome opportunity to interview MSU Linebacker Taiwan Jones over the weekend, which was great.

Taiwan “Juice” Jones is a Sophomore out of New Baltimore, Michigan. Analysts and bloggers alike are speculating that, after a year of being overshadowed by star linebacker Chris Norman, Jones will get his big break this season. Last season, Jones showed signs of greatness, being the only true freshman to get playing time and racking up a total of 18 tackles. This past weekend, I got a chance to talk to this up and coming player.

Q: Hi, Taiwan. Thanks for doing this interview. My first question for you is: What’s your favorite part about being a Spartan?

A: My favorite part about being a Spartan is the family atmosphere. I love all of the support from fans and former Spartans!

Q: How did the nickname “Juice” come about?

A: [Laughs] I was back home with my friends and we were just giving each other nicknames, and mine happened to  be juice. It just stuck with me.

Q: Did you idolize any players as a kid?

A: I idolized Michael Vick, because he was just a great football player.

Q: When did you realize you were a great football player?

A: I realized I had some talent when I started playing young little league football in Detroit. As the years went by, I got better.

Q: Why did you pick #34 as your number?

A: Coach D [Mark Dantonio] felt that was a good number for me, because no one had that number yet.

Q: Sports analysts and bloggers like us here at Banks Of The Red Cedar are seeing you as a potential breakout player this year. What are your thoughts on that, and how will you deal with the hype?

A: I try not to let it go to my head. I’m from a great family and they stress over and over to be humble, and to just go out there and have fun.

Q: What have you been doing over the off-season to become a better player?

A: Learning the game more mentally than physically, and going through workouts 100%.

Q: What game are you most looking forward this year? Why?

A: The Michigan game, of course. They’re a rival and it’s considered to be one of the biggest games of the year for us.

Q: One more thing. When your career is over as a Spartan, what do you want to have accomplished?

A: I want people to know that I’m a great player who gives back to the community, and I had great goals that I accomplished.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

A: Nope. Go Green!

Thanks, Taiwan. Good luck this season.

Thanks.

There you have it, Taiwan Jones wants to be the best he can be, and loves embracing the Spartan spirit. It’s going to be exciting to see what he does this season.

Remember to follow Taiwan Jones on twitter at @TJ_Spartan34.