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Q+A With Duke Football: Jake Bobo
9/8/2021 4:50:00 PM | Football
DURHAM – The Voice of the Blue Devils, David Shumate, sat down with senior wide receiver Jake Bobo for a brief question and answer session.
DS:Â Let's start with the opener, seven catches for 81 yards. I know it wasn't the outcome the team was looking for, but what was the key for you to have a great performance?
JB:Â Just being there when my name was called. I pride myself on being there when my team needs me and going to make a play, whether that is getting five yards and a first down or getting a score. Obviously, it wasn't enough. I wish I could have done more but when you have 21 [Mataeo Durant] and seven [Jordan Waters] back there it is just about being a compliment to those guys. When they need a breather, go make a play.
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DS:Â The longer guys are here the more they appreciate Noel Durfee. I saw you were 190 as a freshman and up over 215 now, talk about building strength and how that affects your game?
JB:Â Yeah, 190 is generous. I was 190 soaking wet with a five-pound plate in my pocket. He's awesome. Coach Durfee's influence goes on beyond the weight room. I've put on 25 to 30 pounds of good muscle over my time here. He's just such a good role model, a good man, a good father and a good husband. He'll have all of us over to his house on Sunday nights during the season and the offseason as well. He's a guy that we can go to with whatever. If I'm having problems in my life outside of football that is a guy I can go to. He's had probably countless guys go to him in that respect and is a guy as a team that we know is there outside of the weight room.
Â
DS:Â Leave football for a second, I know you played basketball growing up. Who were some of your favorite NBA players?
JB:Â My favorite NBA guy growing up was Kevin Durant. Not as much later in his career, I think for obvious reasons. I was a big Russell Westbrook guy as well. I was a big Thunder fan for some reason. The athleticism of that guy, the dude is fierce. I was a big fan of him as a kid growing up. Then obviously, you have your Celtics legends.
Â
DS:Â Most of the guys who are division I athletes are unique to their families, but not yours. Let's talk about mom and dad, he played football and she played ice hockey. Who is the best athlete out of the two?
JB:Â Mom. No doubt about it. Dad's going to kill me for saying that but there is no doubt. Mom is the better athlete comparatively in the family. Dad's no slouch but you have to give the nod to mom, it's ice hockey. You have to be tough and physical. It's definitely the truth.
Â
DS:Â It's a long year, what are your goals when you look at the entire season this year?
JB:Â As a team, our goal has always been to win the ACC. Obviously, the loss last weekend was disappointing but I told the team we are still undefeated in the ACC. That's something that is definitely reachable. We have to bounce back in these next couple games, but I think with the talent and personality of the team it is a reachable goal. Definitely realistic. For me, I think it is less of the statistic things and I just want to be the guy that is reliable. My goal has always been to be that guy. I want to make plays when my name is called.
Â
#GoDuke
Â
DS:Â Let's start with the opener, seven catches for 81 yards. I know it wasn't the outcome the team was looking for, but what was the key for you to have a great performance?
JB:Â Just being there when my name was called. I pride myself on being there when my team needs me and going to make a play, whether that is getting five yards and a first down or getting a score. Obviously, it wasn't enough. I wish I could have done more but when you have 21 [Mataeo Durant] and seven [Jordan Waters] back there it is just about being a compliment to those guys. When they need a breather, go make a play.
Â
DS:Â The longer guys are here the more they appreciate Noel Durfee. I saw you were 190 as a freshman and up over 215 now, talk about building strength and how that affects your game?
JB:Â Yeah, 190 is generous. I was 190 soaking wet with a five-pound plate in my pocket. He's awesome. Coach Durfee's influence goes on beyond the weight room. I've put on 25 to 30 pounds of good muscle over my time here. He's just such a good role model, a good man, a good father and a good husband. He'll have all of us over to his house on Sunday nights during the season and the offseason as well. He's a guy that we can go to with whatever. If I'm having problems in my life outside of football that is a guy I can go to. He's had probably countless guys go to him in that respect and is a guy as a team that we know is there outside of the weight room.
Â
DS:Â Leave football for a second, I know you played basketball growing up. Who were some of your favorite NBA players?
JB:Â My favorite NBA guy growing up was Kevin Durant. Not as much later in his career, I think for obvious reasons. I was a big Russell Westbrook guy as well. I was a big Thunder fan for some reason. The athleticism of that guy, the dude is fierce. I was a big fan of him as a kid growing up. Then obviously, you have your Celtics legends.
Â
DS:Â Most of the guys who are division I athletes are unique to their families, but not yours. Let's talk about mom and dad, he played football and she played ice hockey. Who is the best athlete out of the two?
JB:Â Mom. No doubt about it. Dad's going to kill me for saying that but there is no doubt. Mom is the better athlete comparatively in the family. Dad's no slouch but you have to give the nod to mom, it's ice hockey. You have to be tough and physical. It's definitely the truth.
Â
DS:Â It's a long year, what are your goals when you look at the entire season this year?
JB:Â As a team, our goal has always been to win the ACC. Obviously, the loss last weekend was disappointing but I told the team we are still undefeated in the ACC. That's something that is definitely reachable. We have to bounce back in these next couple games, but I think with the talent and personality of the team it is a reachable goal. Definitely realistic. For me, I think it is less of the statistic things and I just want to be the guy that is reliable. My goal has always been to be that guy. I want to make plays when my name is called.
Â
#GoDuke
Â
Players Mentioned
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Saturday, October 18
Cooper Barkate Postgame: Georgia Tech
Saturday, October 18
Coach Diaz Postgame: Georgia Tech
Saturday, October 18
Coach Diaz Media Availability: Georgia Tech
Wednesday, October 15
