In the latest installment of GoBearkats.com's series of interviews with the 2015 Sam Houston football staff, defensive end coach Roderick Wright talks about his experiences during his first season with the Bearkats and the expectations for the coming season.

When Wright joined K. C. Keeler's staff in February 2014, he brought experience both as a player and coach at the FBS and NFL levels to Sam Houston. Wright worked two seasons as defensive special assistant at the University of Texas. He was an All-America and All-Big 12 defensive end for Mack Brown and the Longhorns and played four years in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins.

Question: Looking back to 2014, how was your first year as defensive ends coach for the Bearkats?

Wright: It was great. Being from the Houston area and having played in high school and college in Texas, I understand the pride both kids and fans have in their football here. Huntsville is a great college town and there is a lot of pride in Sam Houston football after the run the program has made the last four years. Growing up in Houston with that same pride in Texas football, it was easier to come here as a coach and be in a community that really loves their Bearkat football.

Question: Being part of the outstanding football program at the University of Texas both as a player and as a special assistant, how does your experiences with the Longhorns compare to your time here at Sam Houston?

Wright: Touching on the same thing as the first question, playing for the University of Texas you learn all about pride in your state and your program. At Texas, just like here at Sam Houston, the majority of the players are from Texas and feel that pride. The biggest difference, obviously, is FCS versus FBS. Texas has a much bigger stadium and a bigger budget. But, as far as pride is concerned, it's very similar. When its football season in Austin, you know it. When it's football season in Huntsville, you are going to know it too. It's two different oranges – burnt orange and Bearkat orange – but it is still orange and white and there's a lot of pride at both places.

Question: Last year was your first as a position coach. What was the experience like for you?

Wright:  When you are a position coach, you are like a father to your players. Your responsibilities include things both on and off the field. I learned early what a huge impact you have on your players. The relationship with our guys is the biggest thing I take from this job. I'm a teacher and mentor. One of my favorite things is our position meetings. We're both relaxed with music in the room but also serious. There is a close bond in my meeting room.

Question: As a former player on both the pro and collegiate level, how do you use that background when dealing with the defensive ends as their coach?

Wright: This month I turn 31 and my last game on the pro level was when I was 25, so it's hasn't been that long since I was playing. That really helps me relate to the players. I understand those guys much better than they really know. I know what they're thinking about on and off the field because I went through it all myself on the high school, college and pro levels. Sometimes I have to remind the players that not long ago I was in their seat. It's funny how the players don't realize I was thinking the same things back then as they are now. I'm able to use that experience as a player because what I'm teaching is something I've actually done. The guys joke with me a lot, saying “Coach, we know you played” but I keep repeating it because I want them to know I didn't just go to some coaching clinic. I've actually used the techniques I'm teaching at all levels of the game. I like to get involved in practice and show them how to do it.

Question: How do you like working with head coach K. C. Keeler?

Wright: It's been amazing. Coach Keeler reminds me a lot of Coach (Mack) Brown at Texas in so far as his relationship with the players. Coach Keeler is a true player's coach. He wants the players to step up as leaders and to do what it takes to win because they understand it and want it. A coach can tell a player what they need to do to succeed. But it makes an even bigger impact when the team captains and seniors tell them the same thing the coach did. We all have to speak the same language. The stronger leadership base you have on your team, the better you all are going to be. Coach Keeler also is a great leader for the assistant coaches. He is a family guy. He encourages us to enjoy time with our families. Most importantly, Coach Keeler's expectations are high and it rubs off on the players as well.

Question: Speaking of expectations, what do you see ahead in 2015 for the Bearkat defensive ends?

Wright: Last year, I told my group that they were young and I was a first-year coach. My oldest guy last season was a sophomore. So we were in this all together. Our goal was to be a group that the rest of the team could count on. We weren't going to play like a young group. We had some success last season and now we're a year older. No one is going to give us a pass for being young any more. We have higher expectations. We want to be consistent and we want to be leaders. Everyone on our defense should know that can count on the defensive ends to do their jobs. The expectations people can put on the defensive ends can never be higher than what we put on ourselves.

Question: After a conference championship and a run deep into the playoffs, what are the goals for the 2015 team?

Wright: When Coach Keeler arrived at Sam Houston last year, he did not shy away from what our goal is. As a team, he always talked about our potential, even when we started the year 1-3. He kept saying there was something special about this team and never changed that all the way to the FCS semifinals. Everyone on the team understands what the expectations and goals are. Now we have to put in the work and earn it.

Question: What is something people don't know about you?

Wright: I like to tell people I already had Bearkat blood in my family when I came here. My dad and my sister both went to Sam Houston. My first time on a college campus was when I was 14 and I came to visit my sister here in Huntsville for a week. The apartment complex where she lived isn't there anymore, but when I first drove into town to start this job, so many other memories came back to me.

Question:  What do you like to do in your time away from the job?

Wright: My son is just turning six and, when I get away, I spend the majority of my time with him in Houston. I love to take him places. He really loves the Bearkats and likes to come and watch us. We've got some big family reunions coming up before the season starts. Family is very important to me.

Coach Wright and the Bearkat defensive ends report for preseason camp on August 6 and begin the 2015 season Sept. 5 in Lubbock against the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

Season tickets for Sam Houston football games are available now online at www.gobearkats.com or at the Sam Houston athletic ticket office at (936) 294-1729.