University of North Carolina Athletics
One-on-One With Bosley Allen
September 15, 2000 | Football
Sept. 15, 2000
Earlier this week, we encouraged Carolina fans to submit questions via email for standout wide receiver Bosley Allen.
One of Carolina's brightest young stars, Allen was named last week's ACC Specialist of the Week after returning 7 punts for 153 yards and a touchdown. Allen's electrifying TD came on a 78-yard, fourth-quarter return against Wake Forest that broke the game open for Carolina and helped lead to the 35-14 Tar Heel win. The Bradenton, Fla., native also scored on a 60-yard pass play.
Now, here's what Bosley had to say:
Question from James Whitlow in Tyler, Texas: You come from a tough background where a lot of kids don't succeed in life. Why do you think you made it while many of the others did not?
A: I just think God stayed with me. I had a crazy injury that happened to me and he allowed me to come back and play. I just think there's a reason for him to do that. I just have to try to fulfill whatever he asks me to do.
Question from Paul Clarkson in Richmond, Va.: Will you have many friends and family in the stands on Saturday?
Bosley Allen: Yeah, I'll have about 75 friends and family in the stands on Saturday watching the game. Everyone will be there. I tried to get a ticket for anyone who wanted to come.
Question from Peter O'Neal in Asheville, N.C.: Do you think you will be more psyched up than usual on Saturday, since you are playing a team from your home state?
A: Everyone gets psyched up for Florida State, and me personally I'll probably get even more psyched up for this game. But I just need to keep my composure during the game.
Question from MunkTwin@aol.com: How did it feel to catch the football and run it in for a touchdown in the Wake Forest game? Do you think the team is ready to go up against the best of the best?
A: It always feels great to score a touchdown and get some yards after the catch. I felt great out there against Wake Forest. I definitely think this team is ready for Florida State. People may be doubting us, but I want to go out and show people what we're made of this weekend.
Question from Eddie and Linda Poole in Concord, N.C.: You commented in the 2000 media guide that you wanted to run better routes this year. How do you feel about your performance in the first two games this season and are you running them the way you wanted to? Who inspired you while you were down last year with your knee injury?
A: I do feel like I'm running better routes, but I think there's always room for improvement in every aspect of the game. Coach Brewer's helping me out a lot with that, trying to help me get better at my position. I just try to always listen to what he has to tell me.
There were a lot of my friends and family trying to help me out last year. They just told me to keep up the hard work and to keep God first. I knew if I did that I'd come out on top.
Question from Charlie Hamrick: Boz, we love having you where the Carolina Blue, but why did you decide to come to UNC? Also, what would you like to accomplish by the time you leave Chapel Hill?
A: It's always been a dream of mine to come to this school ever since I was small. I used to like the colors growing up and watching the basketball team. Then I started seeing that the football team was getting better, and when I found out they didn't have a national championship, I knew I wanted to be a part of that. And I know we've never beaten Florida State, and with me being from Florida State, that would be something great to accomplish.
Question from Barbara Watson in Paducah, Ky. What persons other than your mother have had the greatest impact on your life?
A: My brothers. Most of all, Donnie Ray Allen. He's had the most influence on me. He's tried to help teach me how to live my life and to do better than he's done. He's really helped me out a lot. And my stepfather got me into sports when I was younger so I'd stay out of trouble.
Question from John in Hendersonville, N.C.: Congratulations on an incredible performance against Wake! Your fabulous season so far coupled with a comeback from such a devastating injury is nothing short of miraculous. It speaks volumes about your character and faith...you're an inspiration to all of us. My question is this, Florida State can definitely be beaten by the Heels but what will it take?
A: We're obviously going to have to play well, but I don't think we have to expect to be absolutely perfect to beat them. We have to bring our A game, and play with intensity to be able to come out on top. You know Florida State is always going to put a great team on the field, but we want to go out and play our game and compete at the highest level. If we maintain our energy and our focus, we know we can compete with anyone.
Question from Erica Lee: What are your expectations about playing against FSU? How do you think your home state crowd will react to your re-emergence as a standout player?
A: I expect Florida State to put a lot of pressure on the quarterback and throw a lot of different defenses at us. We know they have great speed, but we have to execute the way we practice and stay in our game plan. We go into every game expecting to win, so this week can't be any different for us.
I think people in Florida know what I can do, so I want to take this opportunity to go out there and show that I still have it even after my injury.
Question from LaTeta Lancaster in New Jersey: I'm a big fan of yours, After college, where do you see yourself in ten years, personally and career-wise?
A: I plan on helping little kids, young people who grew up in the same situation I did. I just want to guide them in the right direction. There's a lot of talent out there, but sometimes people just need some guidance. I plan on being a special person in children's lives.
Question Angel Stoots from Reidsville, N.C.: I wanted to know how practice went this week in preparing for FSU? Great luck this week, hope you bring home the "W."
A: I think we had a very good week of practice. We're trying to get the ball off quicker because they have so much speed on their defense. But I think we're ready for Saturday. We've worked hard this week to be at our best down in Tallahassee.
As always, thanks to everyone for the great questions. We weren't able to get to all of you, but be sure to check back next week to see who will go one-on-one next Friday.
ALSO OF INTEREST
Greensboro News & Record Feature on Bosley Allen (9/15/00)
One-on-One Archives
One-on-One with Wags (September 8, 2000)
One-on-One with R. Sims (September 1, 2000)
One-on-One with A. Crumpler (August 25, 2000)
One-on-One with E. Hood (August 18, 2000)
One-on-One with B. Spoon (August 11, 2000)
Players Mentioned
