"Trux" The Bandit: James Truxillo

As a redshirt freshman James Truxillo made the most of his playing time recording 35 tackles and forcing 2 fumbles. Now that Kevin Payne and Austin Willis have graduated, he will take what he learned into this season as "The Bandit".

Nicknamed "Trux" by his teammates, James Truxillo made the most of his playing time recording 35 tackles and forcing 2 fumbles. Now that Kevin Payne and Austin Willis have graduated, he will take what he learned into this season as "The Bandit".

WarhawkNation: This year you will play the same position Austin Willis played last year. How did having a senior like that help you prepare for this season?

Trux: Austin was a senior and I was a red shirt freshman. I guess it was the middle of the season the coaches moved me to bandit to get me some playing time to be ready for this year. Austin helped me a lot by explaining what I was supposed to be doing and helping me watch film and break down offenses.

WarhawkNation: Tell us what exactly a bandit is and what they do.

Trux: Bandit is almost half safety, half linebacker. I line up about 5 yards from the line of scrimmage and help will run and pass support.

WarhawkNation: A lot of preseason magazines are not giving the ULM defense any respect in 2007. Your reaction to that?

Trux: Everybody in our secondary got a lot of playing time last year and we all have experience. I think we will we be just as strong as we were last year if not better.

WarhawkNation: ULM has been in the top 10 in takeaways in the nation the last 3 seasons. How much is that stressed in practice?

Trux: Definitely. We practice flying to the football, stripping the ball, picking up fumbles. Coach Dickerson has us ripping and stripping every time we get close to the ball carriers.

WarhawkNation: How did you prepare yourself for this season?

Trux: I was up here all summer working out, took a class, and ran with the team. I tried to put on some weight and I think that has helped me so far.

WarhawkNation: How does a college athlete juggle school and football at the same time?

Trux: It's hard, lol. Basically football and school is your life. Football is almost like a job to you. Your here half the day and the rest of the day you spend in school going to classes. Sometimes it's hard.

WarhawkNation: Some say this is the best crop of athletes ULM has had in years. Is there a sense of urgency to win this season?

Trux: Absolutely. We got the entire offense coming back so they know what to do. On defense we got the majority of the guys back. We feel like there is no reason why we shouldn't win the conference this year.

WarhawkNation: Who is the vocal leader on defense when times get tough?

Trux: I am going to say Kendal Mouton and Josh Thompson. They are our leaders on defense, they got the most experience out there and we look up to them.

WarhawkNation: Good Luck Trux.
Trux: Thanks, appreciate it.