Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: On this episode of Cox Talking Gamecocks, Kai Kroger joins for an interview about this past season and his prep for the NFL. And also a weekend recap, including the men's basketball team's first SEC win. Okay, here we go.
[00:00:58] Speaker B: Okay.
[00:01:00] Speaker A: Welcome to episode three, 300, of Cox Talking Gamecocks. I am your host, Tim Cox, and let me just say, wow, 300th episode. Now, I normally say I will keep every episode from 1801 to 2001, but that won't be the case this episode. So I'm not even going to pretend.
[00:01:23] Speaker B: That to be true.
[00:01:23] Speaker A: But, wow, 300th episode. Really, really cool. It's been a really fun ride hosting this podcast, connecting with other Gamecock fans, whether it be on social media or real life, at bars, at games, whatever it is, it's been really, really cool. And, you know, am I here getting rich from this podcast? No, not yet. Maybe one day. Do I have thousands of fans?
No. Well, at least not that I think of. Maybe, you know, couple dozen. But nonetheless, it's really fun. And I just think sports are supposed to be that. Sports are supposed to be a passion that you follow that sometimes isn't always logical or sometimes doesn't always yield those immediate results, and yet it's supposed to be fun and bring you joy. And that's exactly what this show is for me. And I hope that it is the same for anyone who listens to it regularly, that it's talking Gamecocks, just talking sports with a buddy. That's what this whole thing was supposed to be. Just a Gamecock fan trying to talk to other Gamecock fans. But much appreciated for anyone who's listening, whether it's your first time or your 300th time. Thank you very much for the support. And let's just keep sharing the show. Share it to a friend, you know, post it on your Instagram. Let's just get the word out there. And yeah, maybe then we can get thousands of fans together. But the reason why we will not be sticking to our normal time constraints is because after the weekend recap, it is the Kai Kroger interview. I teased it out last episode, had Kai join for a fun interview, his third time on the show in honor of the 300th episode. So, super nice guy. We talked a wide array of topics from last season to his next step in the NFL. I tried to, like Galaxy Brain it and have like, a fun, like, NFL talk, like, who do you want to go play for? It didn't really work out, you know, it was kind of cringe. It's towards the end of the interview, so if you get to that part, you can, you know, skip forward a little bit because there is a fun thing that we end on, but was awesome to have Kai back and I hope you all enjoy. But before we get into that, let's do a quick weekend recap and then we will kick it over to myself and Kai. So starting on Friday here, softball beat Boston University 9 to 1. Saturday, equestrian was in action. They lost to UGA, unfortunately, 11 to 8. Softball beat BU again 8 nothing and beat Fordham 9 to 1. Men's tennis beat Alabama 4 to 1. Beach volleyball had two games on Saturday. They lost the first to North Florida 3 to 2, but beat UNCW 4 to 1. So. And we'll take that. And then on Sunday, softball beat UNLV 9 to 4. And I know I mentioned it recently, but softball is kicking ass. Like, take notice of Gamecock softball. They are undefeated and they are off to their best start since the 70s. I. I think I saw that this is their best start since 1976, I think so. Really, really cool. We brought in coach Chastain. Former Gamecock had a good track record as a head coach. We needed some new energy, needed, you know, some new life in that program, which still had been fairly successful in recent years. But wow, this new staff has come in and brought a surge of performance and energy and fun into the locker room. Seeing some of these videos, really, really cool. It's going to be a different beast this year in the SEC play with Oklahoma being added, of course. They are a powerhouse in this sport. But this is cool to see. This is pretty cool to see. So shout out Gamecock softball. And then also on Sunday, women's tennis unfortunately lost to UGA and. And women's volleyball, beach volleyball. They beat Jacksonville 4 to 1. So a very busy and fun weekend around Gamecock Nation. And the fun continued late into Saturday night as it finally happened. Men's basketball did it. They did it. I have never been so happy for a random ass February college basketball game against, like, not a rival against Texas.
Our long Gamecock national nightmare is over and the Gamecocks have won an SEC game. You know, that's not Gamecock basketball. That's Q Zip basketball right there. I've been holding off calling them the Q Zips. That was all fun and games. Last year when they were winning, you had to earn that title back. And I think they have once more. Saturday night, the guys beat Texas 84 to 69. So a decisive victory here this was a late game. I think it tipped off at 8:30. I want to say it went late. It was not for the faint of heart to tune in, especially with how the season has gone, but the guys made it worth it. Everything. It just felt like everything was clicking on all cylinders. And yeah, there were points in that game where, you know, maybe some other teams could have folded or, you know, you, you don't hold off that run. But just even going into this game in late February, where any hope of anything, postseason or whatnot, is long gone, like this team could have packed it in and they didn't. And we've seen that. Right? And that's what's been so tough with this SEC slate, because we see them playing hard and being in games and you felt like they were finally going to crack through once, and they did. So it's great. And you know, in this game, it was the, the Gamecocks defense, really, in my opinion, it was just smothering. It was too much and too good for Texas to handle. When you look at the stats, I think they held him to like 40% from the floor, you know, around 30% for three. You know, they caused turnovers. They. And then South Carolina protected the ball, got big contributions from the bench. Again, it was just this emphatic end to the losing streak. And it was just great seeing it all come together. Like, how many times have I sat here and we talked about the turnovers or not getting the contributions from your top players, and then we talked about the bench coming up empty, you know, points off, turnovers, like all these things that we've talked about, it came together and you nailed every single point. How about that first half? Gamecocks dominate the first half. You end up with a sizable lead going into halftime for what feels like the first time ever, you know, so you're not playing in this close game or digging out of a hole in the second half. So that was refreshing to see. So just all these different narratives and all of these different pain points that we've talked about this season went away in this game and you saw the result. And I think that's what we've been saying, like Texas is not going to win the SEC this year, but they beat Kentucky. I think the game right before ours, you know, they're a well coached team. They've had success in the postseason super recently.
You know, they've recruited well. Like, that's not, you know, JV Pickens Tech. Right.
It's a good team. So it was nice to see that. You Know when things come together and you play the game the right way and you play our game the right way, you can hang with these teams and you can win. So that was really, really cool to see. CMB had himself a huge night, double, double to lead the way. And this, you know, this win, I. I just think it's a. It's a testament to this team's resolve. It's a testament to Lamont Paris for keeping the faith, for keeping his team together, you know, and just getting it done. And also, you know what? It's a testament to us, the fans who have stuck with this team and shown up for them game in and game out. And look, I wouldn't blame you if you said you didn't watch, or I wouldn't blame you if you said you had kind of. You're just watching from afar this season, right? It's been tough, but there are certainly some people who have gone to those games in Columbia regularly this season. And there's, you know, a lot of us out there who have watched these games regularly on tv and we've been so close. And even if you are watching from afar, you. You know what's going on.
And so it's a testament to this, you know, it's a testament to just the hard work and dedication that you need and, you know, just let it.
[00:10:48] Speaker B: Just enjoy this one, you know, who.
[00:10:50] Speaker A: Knows what the next one's going to bring? Who knows how the rest of the season is going to turn out? You know, there's not a ton left, but it was great to finally break through. It was a long, long stretch there. And so we enjoy this win on a Saturday night. Absolutely. Some player highlights from this one. You had CMB 2210, Jamari Thomas 15 points, and then here you go, Morris Ugasuk, 10 points off the bench.
Fantastic. And I want to say Pringle went for nine and six. I could be a little off there, but you got a decent game out of him as well. Up next for the Gamecocks, they take on Mizzou Tuesday evening. Mizzou is having a fantastic year. Going to be a tough challenge to go out there, but look, crow to the game. This one is just continue the momentum that you have, right? Realize the formula that you brought to Texas against Texas rather, and try to replicate it. You know, the monkeys off your back a little bit, so to speak, if you're in a close game late, maybe some of those mental mistakes aren't as prevalent now that you've kind of gotten this off your shoulders. So we'll see.
[00:11:57] Speaker C: We'll see.
[00:11:58] Speaker B: It'll be.
[00:11:58] Speaker A: It'll be a tough challenge for sure against Mizzou, but enjoy this one for the next day or so. And yeah, Q Zip's back, baby.
And then women's basketball, the ladies were in action Sunday night as they continued their bounce back as they beat Vandy 82 54. Ladies got off to a good jump on this one, but they had a little bit of a sluggish second quarter, kind of beginning of the third.
So they were able to bounce back from that though and ultimately run away with that. And yeah, I mean, obviously after suffering that frankly embarrassing loss to UConn, you saw two good wins, you know, and so that's exactly what you want to see. When the Gamecocks have suffered losses this season, that is how it's gone. They have tended to respond well. And look, Vanderbilt is scrappy. You know, their record might not be anything crazy to look at. They're a pretty good team. And you know, and you know, they have gone toe to toe with some of some good competition this year. So that is a good win for sure. Some player highlights here. Tahina Powpow went 13 points. Joyce Edwards 17 and 12. And Malaysia Folweile saving the best for last with 24 points. Phenomenal.
[00:13:29] Speaker B: Absolutely love that.
[00:13:29] Speaker A: You saw some great defense too. Raven had a nice play there late in the game. So this is exactly what you want to see. You want to see that bounce back win. And then up next for the ladies, they take on Ole Miss Thursday night. That's a late game as well. I think it tips off at 9 Eastern, very late. That's like my bedtime. Not really. Bing will exaggerate there, but nonetheless it's a late game. Crota the game is also just continue that momentum. You know, we've seen some good strong guard play. I mean look. I mean look, you got Powpow Malaysia leading the way there. Joyce Edwards putting some quality minutes and some quality basketball out there. So just continue this and continue to get that team effort up and down the roster.
But okay, now leaving the hardwood and moving to the diamond. The Yardcocks continue to roll on here. Now, in the name of. You know, we got the Kai Kroger interview coming up right after this. Going to do a quick recap of the weekend, give you scores and my general thoughts here. And then of course as we get more into this season, we'll dive a little more into that analysis there. But on Friday, Gamecocks were taking on Milwaukee this whole weekend and they got the W for 5 to 2.
It was an absolute brilliant effort, winning effort in relief for Pitzer. You had a grand slam in there to put the Gamecocks over the top by Reuter. It was just a very nice outing there. And then on Saturday, you had the guys back in action, of course, and they got the W6 to 3, Matthew Becker on the bumper. And then on Sunday as well, the guys got the win big time, 14 to 4. So game cost. Get back to back sweeps in weekend series. They are also undefeated. I think I saw this where Paul Manneri is undefeated now, 7 0. And he is only the second baseball coach to start his tenure with that type of record with, with 7 0. So that's very impressive there. And you know, I talked about it going into, you know, after, sort of after the opening series, you know, those midweek games. I'm liking what I'm seeing. You know, you're seeing a scrappy team that is able to generate runs and not necessarily having to rely on the long ball. We saw that in action. Milwaukee, especially in that opener. They had a good pitcher going. They had their starter rolling. They were getting some guys on base. But Carolina did not make the mistake to really let that big one go. And it's nice to see and you know, in this bullpen, I think you're seeing it's a little bit deeper than maybe we realized. And you know, hopefully the starting pitchers and that rotation can continue to go. So really nice to see from the yardcocks. They are back. Great to see this convincing win in the Sunday matchup. Well, so look for them to continue to go and no midweek game for them. They will be taking on Clemson this weekend and it is absolutely time to get ready for rivalry week. Actually, excuse me, I'm mistaken. The Gamecocks are taking on Gardner Web Tuesday evening. Had that written down. My bad. They take on Gardner Web. We're already looking forward to Clemson a little bit, but let's get. Let's get over Gardner Web first and then I will, of course, preview the Clemson series next episode. But okay, weekend review done. Very fun and active weekend for the Gamecocks. There a lot of W's all around things that we love to see. But without further ado, I bring you Kai Kroger. Okay. Want to welcome back a very, very.
[00:17:25] Speaker B: Special guest coming back for his third time in honor of the 300th episode now, former South Carolina punter Kai Kroger. Well, first off, it's very sad to say that former. But second off, it's your. It's your third time back on the show. Can I officially say you're a friend of the program?
[00:17:45] Speaker C: Of course. Yeah.
[00:17:46] Speaker A: All right.
[00:17:46] Speaker B: Well, it didn't matter.
[00:17:47] Speaker C: Cause I was saying that.
[00:17:48] Speaker B: I was. I was saying that anyway, like, always.
[00:17:50] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:17:50] Speaker B: If people ask, like, we're best friends. But it is. It is great to have you back.
Feels like we have a lot to cover. But let's just. How have things been lately for you? You've been a busy man. I seen you doing, like, a press. Press tour, it feels like. But how have things been for you?
[00:18:06] Speaker C: Yeah, I mean, really, probably the busiest I've been, just because the season or the bowl game happened, and then I think I was home for about three or four days. And then ever since then, it's been, you know, working out every day here. Went to the East West Shrine Game for a week, got back last week, continue training, and now in two weeks, going to the combine.
[00:18:24] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:18:25] Speaker C: And then basically two weeks after pro Day, so everything's just kind of. It's moving really fast. But it's been a really cool process so far.
[00:18:32] Speaker B: So just, like, back and forth from Columbia more or less for the last several weeks.
[00:18:36] Speaker C: Exactly.
[00:18:36] Speaker B: Right. Gotcha. Yeah.
[00:18:37] Speaker A: Busy man. Busy man.
[00:18:39] Speaker C: But I love it.
[00:18:41] Speaker B: Yeah, it's great. I mean, it beats the alternative, right? Like, getting ready for, like, a real job, like, you know, like myself.
But, yeah, so got a lot to cover, and so I wanted to step back, you know, a few months. It's funny, actually, when I. When I looked back at the last times we've talked, we talked in the off season of 2022, and the team was coming off fantastic wins to end the season. A lot of momentum going into 23. Then we spoke in the offseason of 23, coming off a tough year, but the vibe was, you know, we're going to be back, we're able to bounce back, we have the pieces. And now here we are in the off season of the 24, 25 year.
[00:19:21] Speaker A: Where that's exactly what happened, where y'all.
[00:19:24] Speaker B: Bounced back with some key pieces, yourself included. So that's where I want to start. What was the vibe like going into this past season? Like, was there a sense of, like, we can be great? Just overall, what did that look like?
[00:19:40] Speaker C: There are. There definitely was a sense of that, but I think it was more so like, the belief that we could do it. And from a leadership standpoint, I mean, we brought in guys like D. Knight or Demetrius Knight, was tremendous for us, and guys really just stepped up. Obviously, Lenores being the starter now, he stepped up and filled that leadership role. And the main thing really was accountability, but also the closeness of the team. And last year in the off season, we did a ton more of, like, team activities. We did the basketball tournament. We did dodgeball. I think we did like a wiffle ball tournament or something. And it's little things that you wouldn't maybe, like, on the surface level, it doesn't seem like it does anything, but in terms of, like, building relationships and trusting someone else, those. Those types of things we did were huge. So just things like that. And for me, being able to see it and see guys talk and build relationships that never. I had never seen before, that was really the big key because then in games, guys are talking to each other. You know, I'm having guys come up and talk to me that, you know, I'd never talked to before and whatnot. And there's just that sense of camaraderie that we have. So that was probably the biggest thing for me, is seeing those relationships be built and also being a part of those.
[00:20:46] Speaker B: That's really cool. Yeah. I think I saw D. Knight say something along those lines after the Clemson game. Just like, he wanted to be able to talk to anybody on the team. I mean, obviously it seems like something worked, right?
[00:21:00] Speaker C: Definitely.
[00:21:01] Speaker B: So I hope this offseason the guys play some more basketball or whatever it may be, and then, oh, yeah, they're doing stuff. You touched on it with Lenora stepping into that role. Like, was there a sense of, like, obviously people knew he had the fast track for QB1. He had been around you guys for a little bit. Did he have to sort of grow into that role, or was it already of, like, I'm a leader, like, I'm QB one type of deal he had.
[00:21:27] Speaker C: Like, when Spencer was here, he had kind of shown flashes of taking the leadership role, but he's a relatively quiet guy. Even, like, when you get to know him, he's not super talkative. And it's in a good way. It's nothing bad. Yeah, but he. So he definitely kind of had to take that role. And it started immediately after the season ended with winter workouts. He's stepping up and talking, doing things that I'm sure he was uncomfortable doing, but that he needed to do being the position that he was. And definitely older guys like myself, I know guys like Boogie Debo, those guys, they definitely appreciated that because you know us where all of our trust is in, well, I guess a redshirt freshman, but essentially like a freshman Quarterback. But he also has to trust us to help lead and do our job. So he definitely had to fill that role. And it was cool seeing his progression because definitely in the beginning you could tell, like, he would know what to say, but just, like, the delivery of it was, like, not forced, but you could tell it was a little uncomfortable. But then, you know, through summer workouts and all that, I mean, it's like routine. Routine in the sense of he's comfortable doing it and guys are getting behind him.
[00:22:26] Speaker A: Really neat.
[00:22:27] Speaker B: Yeah. I mean, I would imagine it's a tough position for anybody. Like, you know, and even just like, being in college when you're hanging out with older guys, you know, sometimes. Sometimes there's a little bit of a learning curve. Right. Just even, like, socially. But then. So we're in the season now. You guys are three and three. For my mental health, I can't get into maybe what the record could have been for. None of Yalls fault, right? Yeah, one game in particular, but. So we're at three and three.
You go on the road to Oklahoma and y'all win out the rest of the regular season. Like, you guys were winning on the road. You guys were playing at such a high level. You were beating highly ranked teams. Like, it wasn't fluky. And that's what I kept saying on the show here.
[00:23:08] Speaker A: What changed?
[00:23:10] Speaker B: Like, there's a lot that gets made of this meeting that happened with some of the older guys and Coach Beamer. Like, was there a noticeable shift going into that Oklahoma game?
[00:23:20] Speaker C: Well, it's funny because I was actually going to bring that up.
I was part. I guess I was part of that group that meets with Coach every week. And I remember just sitting in there and after that Alabama game, it was collectively a bunch of people were saying it. I think Nick Iman Warrior said it first. But just like, we're gonna win out, like, there's no other option. And obviously you believe that as a player and you believe that that's going to happen, but to actually witness it happen, it seemed like not. The guys weren't playing with that attitude before, but for us, we viewed every play or every game after that like a playoff game, because it really was. Because we lost another game. There was no chance we made it. If we went out there, there's a chance. So that's kind of what the mindset was. And so it was really cool to see us actually go out and do what we said we were going to do in just that meeting. And Coach, I brought up that point and practiced that next week about what we had talked about. And like, like I said, everything was a playoff game moving forward. But, yeah, it was funny you brought that up because that's exactly where I was going with that meeting.
[00:24:18] Speaker B: Now every time I hear about this meeting, like, it sounds like there's like another guy. Like, I heard it was like, first it was like Deebo and Boogie, then Tonka was there, and now you're here, and then Nick is there. Like, was it like 10 dudes? 12? Like, what did that look like?
[00:24:34] Speaker C: Oh, man.
I believe there was about 12.
[00:24:39] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:24:40] Speaker C: It was like roughly one to two, depending on the room. Guys, per position, group.
[00:24:45] Speaker B: Okay, got it.
[00:24:46] Speaker C: And just like the leaders in each room. So.
[00:24:49] Speaker B: And would y'all. Would y'all get together? Like, was it was this, like, individual meetings?
[00:24:54] Speaker C: No, it was a group meeting together with coach once a week. We met with him.
[00:24:58] Speaker B: Really cool. Really cool. And so then coming out of that, you know, you guys obviously said, you know, we got to try and win out here. Was there a vibe shift, like, in practice? Were things more intense? Was there just a change at all? Or was it more of just like, we're going to speak this into existence and keep plugging away here because we're not that far off?
[00:25:15] Speaker C: It's hard for me to tell with a practice, like, attitude just because for me, like, when I'm watching guys and from my perspective, it looks like they're giving 100% effort and we're only watching a certain amount, like certain periods of practice just because we're off doing our kicking stuff or whatever. But I guess from what I saw, it was more the speaking it into existence and kind of the verbal side of it where guys are saying to each other, talking about on the sidelines, like, there's no other option, we need to win out all this stuff and just believing that we can beat whoever we play. Especially playing in those games like LSU and Alabama, where obviously we weren't favored to win or whatever. And we. I mean, easy to say we should have won, but we didn't. So, yeah, we'll just let that happen. But just seeing, like, it's not like we're not good enough, like, that's not the problem. We're more than good enough. It's just making the plays and not leaving it up to other people or the referees or anything like that.
[00:26:05] Speaker B: Yeah, I mean, it makes sense. And I think it was really cool to see the week over week success from you guys. Like, it wasn't this, we're going to win one game and it was like, you know, maybe we'll level off. It seemed like everyone collectively was leveling up together.
And so that kind of leads to my next question here. Like, not to put you on the spot, but could you summarize this team or this season in one word?
[00:26:36] Speaker C: That's. That's. Wow. One word. That's tough.
[00:26:39] Speaker B: We could take words.
[00:26:41] Speaker C: From my perspective, probably just connectedness, I guess. Yeah, it's a good word because, like, for me, obviously, I talk to guys like Debo and Boogie and Tonka and all these guys that I've been here a while and like, for multiple years with. But for me, being able to talk to talk to guys in other positions that either were new or they transferred in and it was like they wanted to talk as well and ask questions and I guess specifically within our room, but like I mentioned with. With guys like in the running back room or the DB room and hanging out with guys outside of the building, that's something that I'll always cherish and remember forever.
[00:27:20] Speaker A: No, that's great.
[00:27:21] Speaker B: I mean, it seems like there was like a lot of that work that was put in you said earlier, and it paid off. And then that's cool. I mean, that's what, from a fan perspective, like, you hope your team is like, having fun. Like, you hope your team is like.
[00:27:35] Speaker A: Friends with each other.
[00:27:36] Speaker B: So that's.
[00:27:37] Speaker C: That.
[00:27:37] Speaker B: That's really cool to see. And I mean, on a personal level, like, you found a lot of success this past season, second team All American, single season, program record for punts per yard. That was pretty cool. And that was, you know, in our past times talking, you know, you talked about some of those things, like improving your punts per yard, things like that. There's a few other accolades you have, you know, like most games played. I think you're tied, I want to say.
[00:28:01] Speaker A: Yeah, that's funny.
[00:28:02] Speaker B: You know, same team.
[00:28:04] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:28:04] Speaker B: But what could you attribute some of that to?
[00:28:10] Speaker C: If we're talking just on field success?
[00:28:12] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:28:13] Speaker C: Yeah, I would say bringing coach Jody in was. I mean, I'll always say he was definitely the most in or impactful coach for me from an on field standpoint. Just kind of the. The specific issues I had in the 23 season.
Physical issues, I guess, and more so punting specific. He came in and introduced me to drills and, and kind of like a mindset of how to approach the game in like, in ways that I had never heard before, so. And even like in pregame, how. How you approach pregame, how you approach each field zone we call it on the field when you go to punt, all these things just significantly contributed to. I was the reason I was able to have my most successful season so far. So yeah, I mean, bringing him in was, was unbelievable for me.
[00:28:56] Speaker B: That's awesome. That's really cool. I mean, he brings so much experience at the highest level. It's pretty cool to see it trickle down. And then what was it like? Kind of knowing that when you were punting things away, you had a top tier defense behind you and you were really playing complimentary football there. Was that a little bit of a relief.
[00:29:15] Speaker C: That was probably the most fun part because, well, the one thing was our offense, obviously we found more success as the season went on. So I started to punt less as the season went on. But like, like, like you said, when I go out there to punt and before I would go out, some of the defensive guys, like I know TJ would come up to me and tell me to put it on the one or you know, that kind of stuff. Uh, and so when, when we were able to flip field position and then the defense goes out and does their job, then it's like, obviously I'm not like taking like, I don't take credit for that, but it's like I feel a, I feel a part of the team's success.
[00:29:48] Speaker B: Sure.
[00:29:49] Speaker C: When that stuff happens, which, which at the end of the day I'm just trying to contribute to games and help us win. So that was the coolest part for me and just being able to help the defense do their job. And I always give, I guess, good for. I don't know if you can really be friends with a coach like that, but Coach White and I, we always talk about it and he appreciated what, what we did on special teams.
[00:30:09] Speaker A: No, that's great.
[00:30:10] Speaker B: I mean, I feel like I've heard it before, but like being an extension of the defense as a punter, like, you know, you really are and when. And then it all works together. It was really cool as a fan to see like you do your job and then the defense does theirs. You get good field position for Lenoris and company, they score. It was, it was beautiful. It was, it was fun. It was, there were some laid back games. It was, it was chill.
And then just to put a bow on this current team here, like, how are we feeling about this group of specialists for next year? Like, are we in good hands?
[00:30:41] Speaker C: Yeah, I mean, I haven't been able to see Max the kicker. We have signed too much, but I know the snapper that's here early In Rollie Kyler, he's going to be really good. I mean, he's. In terms of, like, a snapping velocity. I was very blessed to have Hunter for, you know, four seasons or whatever it was, but he's. This kid came in, he's 18 years old, and he's snapping at close to the same speeds as Hunter, which is unbelievable. So I know he's going to be good. And obviously, Mason, he's. I've actually lived with him now for a while, but he's. Yeah, I mean, he's. I always say. Well, there's a few things I say about him, but one is, I'm happy he wasn't here when I was a freshman because he's way above where I was. But also, like, if he. If he doesn't come here, I don't know if I have the season I have just from the one. The talent he brought, but also the mindset and how, like, we're communicating with each other all the time. He's obsessed with getting extra work, which, then again, makes me want to go into extra work and vice versa. So he's going to be totally fine. He can do all three. Obviously, he was mainly the backup Hunter this year and Holder, but I know whatever he does, he's going to be great at it.
[00:31:48] Speaker B: Wow. Really cool.
[00:31:49] Speaker C: Really cool.
[00:31:49] Speaker B: I mean, it's been a. It's been a great run of specialists, like, even going back before Coach Beamer got here. Like, it's been. It's been.
[00:31:56] Speaker A: It's been cool.
[00:31:56] Speaker B: So it's a fun little thing to. We have going here.
[00:31:58] Speaker C: Specialist you.
[00:31:59] Speaker B: Specialist you.
[00:32:00] Speaker C: There we go.
[00:32:01] Speaker A: Print the T shirts.
[00:32:02] Speaker B: I'll. I'll go in with you on that.
[00:32:04] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:32:05] Speaker A: And then.
[00:32:06] Speaker B: So now that your time is done at Carolina, we're not going to get sentimental here, but looking back, is there one punt that's a favorite?
[00:32:17] Speaker C: Oh, yeah.
[00:32:18] Speaker B: I'm not going to sit here and say, what's your favorite game or season? Do you have a punt that stands out?
This would be impressive. It's okay if you.
[00:32:29] Speaker C: I would. I would say I have two.
[00:32:31] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:32:32] Speaker C: But for different reasons. All right, so the first one would be against Georgia State.
I guess I have three, but.
[00:32:40] Speaker B: All right, well, we'll go top three. I'm fine with that.
[00:32:42] Speaker C: Okay. We'll say the first one was Georgia State. That was my longest punt of my career.
[00:32:46] Speaker B: Okay.
[00:32:47] Speaker C: And that was right after I came off a bit of a foot injury. So, like, I'd gotten back. That was my. There. I guess it was. Yeah. It was the first game of the season, it was like my third punt of the game and had longest punt of my career. So that one then probably it was the one before they fumbled against Clemson in 22.
It was a rollout that got down to the one just like slow rolled and stopped there. And I remember like wanting to do the MJ shrug. I didn't at the time because I didn't really know what to do. I was just so, so shocked with like how the punting was like working like that.
So that one. But I guess more recently more so because of what it meant the last punt in the Cheez it bowl for me just because one, it was the last punt in my college career in a Gamecock uniform and two was the punt that got me that single season average, neat record. So that'll always mean a lot to me.
[00:33:40] Speaker B: But yeah, those top three fantastic answers. I mean I'm not surprised that you knew it but like at the same time I was like that's going to be kind of out of left field this question. So fantastic answers. But so now the season's over, things are rolling for you. You had a great showing at the Shrine Bowl. Invite to the combine, wanted to know about that. Like what did that invite process for the combine look like and what are you doing now to prepare?
[00:34:06] Speaker C: Well, really I just got an email from the, I guess the NFL, like specialist people or whatever.
[00:34:12] Speaker B: Easy enough.
[00:34:13] Speaker C: Yeah, you're invited. It's these dates. We'll send information out, more information sooner but like complete this stuff, whatever. And then they sent out more recent information about travel.
We have a zoom a couple days before we leave, talking about logistics, how it's going to work with the on field workouts, the interviews, the medical stuff. So I know I'll know more about that specifically. And I think it's in a week from tomorrow maybe.
But yeah, I leave on the 25th and it's like a three day process while I'm there. So yeah, super excited.
[00:34:48] Speaker B: Yeah, it's neat.
Has coach D. Camillis, like you talked about the impact he had on you this past season? Like has he been a resource from that regard? Just kind of knowing like what pro.
[00:34:59] Speaker A: Scouts might have like an eye out.
[00:35:00] Speaker B: For anything like that?
[00:35:02] Speaker C: Oh, I mean, yeah, I saw him yesterday actually. So we were talking about. He kind of showed me what it at least what it was like when he was at the combine and stuff, what it's going to look like, what they're going to have me do. And then so it's nice for me because I can kind of build a mental. I can kind of play the scenario out in my mind of what I need to do and kind of do that mental preparation stuff. But yeah, he's telling me, I mean the kind of questions they'll ask, what it's going to be like, where you're going to be going, all that kind of stuff, which I, which I'm extremely grateful for.
[00:35:30] Speaker B: Yeah, that's great. Are you going to be running the 40?
[00:35:33] Speaker C: You know, I haven't decided what I'm going to do and not do.
I still got two weeks to train, so. We'll see.
[00:35:40] Speaker B: Everyone wants a fast punter, man. I'm just saying.
[00:35:42] Speaker C: I know, I know.
[00:35:43] Speaker B: Now I won't specifically ask you what team you'd want to play for in a scenario that you, you know, play for the NFL, but I'm sure everyone would be a fantastic opportunity.
[00:35:53] Speaker A: But I'd like to play a little.
[00:35:55] Speaker B: Word association with you. I'll say a phrase, praise, and just like give me like your, your first instinct, you know. And again, this is not a spouse specific team or anything like that.
[00:36:05] Speaker C: So wait, before we start, are you're saying a team or.
[00:36:09] Speaker B: I'm gonna say a phrase, a random phrase. And you just, you just let me know what you think about that phrase, how it makes you feel.
[00:36:16] Speaker C: Okay.
[00:36:18] Speaker B: Planes or jets that are in New York.
Busy bear weather.
[00:36:32] Speaker C: Chicago.
[00:36:33] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:36:34] Speaker B: Raiders. There we go. It clicked for you.
[00:36:37] Speaker A: You want to go back and do this?
[00:36:39] Speaker C: I think I know. We're trying. Okay. Okay.
[00:36:42] Speaker B: Raiders of the Lost Ark.
[00:36:45] Speaker C: Vegas.
[00:36:46] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:36:47] Speaker B: Yeah. How's Vegas make you feel like a good place to live?
[00:36:51] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:36:52] Speaker B: Good place to hang out.
Packing.
[00:36:57] Speaker C: Ooh, rival. But would be really cool. Would be cool.
[00:37:04] Speaker B: All right.
[00:37:04] Speaker A: Hey, look.
[00:37:04] Speaker B: Hey. You said it, not me. So yeah, just, just a few random phrases that, that I came up with that might. Might, might, might be of interest later.
But then last thing here, I feel like that like fell flat. I tried, man.
[00:37:19] Speaker C: Well, I was like, am I saying team or how I feel or I.
[00:37:22] Speaker B: Was kind of mixing both. I tried to kind of dance around it there, but albeit the last thing here.
Wanted to clarify something. I once heard that you said when you're done playing, you'd want to get into the Secret Service. Is that true?
[00:37:40] Speaker C: Yes. I've kind of also now gain interest in more of the defense side of things.
[00:37:47] Speaker B: Okay.
[00:37:49] Speaker C: So I don't really know specific. It's between the two.
So right now, yeah, dhs, that kind of field I've started to look into a little bit. But yeah, Secret Service that stuff's all.
[00:38:03] Speaker B: It's very cool. So I came prepared with another list here. Don't worry, it's not going to be word association.
[00:38:08] Speaker C: Okay.
[00:38:09] Speaker B: This is a simple yes, yes, or no lightning round. So if you are in the Secret Service one day, you know, the old saying is, you know, you might have to be prepared to take a bullet for someone, you know, that you're protecting. So I got a list of things here. Yes or no? Would you take a bullet for these things?
[00:38:25] Speaker C: Okay.
[00:38:26] Speaker B: Cocky.
[00:38:28] Speaker C: Yes.
[00:38:29] Speaker A: Paul's Chop House.
[00:38:33] Speaker C: No.
[00:38:34] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:38:35] Speaker B: All right.
Trains in Columbia.
[00:38:39] Speaker C: No.
[00:38:40] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:38:41] Speaker B: That one was a. That was a shoe in.
[00:38:42] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:38:42] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:38:43] Speaker B: The state fair.
[00:38:49] Speaker C: A bullet. Is it lethal?
[00:38:52] Speaker B: No.
[00:38:53] Speaker C: Yes.
[00:38:54] Speaker B: We're not gonna get morbid.
[00:38:55] Speaker C: Okay. All right.
[00:38:57] Speaker B: Fair traffic.
[00:38:58] Speaker C: No.
[00:39:00] Speaker B: The Garnet Trust.
Yeah, that's a good. And that's a free ad for the Garnet Trust. That was not a paid ad. Last one here, Bernie's Chicken.
[00:39:11] Speaker C: You know, I've never been.
[00:39:13] Speaker B: Wow.
[00:39:14] Speaker C: So possibly. Maybe. Maybe like a flesh wheel.
[00:39:18] Speaker B: It's right down the road.
[00:39:19] Speaker C: I know. I drive by it almost every day, and I just. It's good.
[00:39:22] Speaker B: It's good. I mean, it might change your tune once you try it out, but yeah, man, that. That's all I got for you. I appreciate you coming on. It was really, really cool watching you play on Saturdays and some of the things you did for our program. I hope to see you on Sundays at maybe one of these word association teams, but you're welcome back anytime, man. Really appreciate it.
[00:39:42] Speaker C: Thank you. I appreciate you having me.
[00:39:44] Speaker A: And there you have it. Third time is the charm with Kai Kroger. Really, really cool to have gotten to know him over these last few offseasons and whatnot. And always just cool to get the perspective of a student athlete who is so involved in sport that I personally love. And I know that all of Gamecock Nation loves our football program. And it's going to be weird not seeing Kai out there in the fall, but really appreciative of everything that he.
[00:40:11] Speaker B: Did and appreciative of what he has.
[00:40:14] Speaker A: Done for Gamecock athletics and look forward to having him back. And hopefully we see him on Sundays. But with that, y'all, that wraps up this episode. Please follow me on social media, Twitter or X is Cox Gamecox. Instagram is just the name of the show. Cox Talking Gamecox. And please, like, subscribe and review the podcast. I appreciate all y'all. Go Cox.
