Q & A with Aaron Lockett
October 14, 2011
Kurt Haberstroh
I am extremely fortunate to get the opportunity to work with some amazing athletes and leaders from K-State. One of the alum in particular recorded 2,400 yards receiving, averaged an outstanding 17.5 yards per reception, 14 receiving touchdowns, 3 punt returns for touchdown, and a kick-off return during his time as a Wildcat. He also holds a tie for the 5th fastest time in the NFL combine. It’s always a pleasure to get to talk sports with Aaron Lockett and he has graciously accepted my request to answer some questions for this site!
What are you up to these days?
Living in Houston, Texas. Currently working for COP as a financial analyst!
What is your fondest memory as a Wildcat?
1998 Victory over Nebraska my redshirt freshman year. Also, being ranked #1 in 1998 for a number of weeks.
Playing for Coach Snyder during his first tenure and knowing him now during his second go around, has much changed in his approach?
Not much. Still demands the same respect as always. Man of very few words. Always honest and humble as ever.
How persuasive were your brother and you in Tyler’s decision to attend K-State?
Not as much as people would think. He grew up a KSU fan and by nature wanted to be a part of the Wildcat tradition. He had options, but at the end of the day KSU was the best fit for him. We were onboard with any university he decided to attend. Of course we are proud that he is a wildcat.
As a player that had extremely good success at K-State, how does it make you feel seeing your nephew succeed so early?
Hard to watch. I am on pins and needles every play; I can actually see some of the plays before they happen. We played the same position and I know some of the challenges that he faces. He still has a world to grow, but glad that he has a couple of games under his belt. I look forward to seeing Tyler become more comfortable in the second half of the season along with the other receivers and offense.
What advice do you give him to handle the ups and downs?
To understand the mistakes and grow from them. Keep from making the same mistakes over and over, but make big plays when your time comes and the good will always outshine the bad! Learn from others mistakes as well. Pay attention to everything and take it all in.
What are some of your thoughts on this year’s team? Can any comparisons be made yet to past Snyder teams?
The team this year has strong work ethic and is learning how to win the big games. I would love to see them become more balanced on offense, but that is part of the growth you look for in a season. Every team is different from an athletic standpoint, but all teams are accountable and focused on winning. The conference games will determine the real identity of KSU this year.
At 5-0 K-State continues to be the underdog when it comes to odds makers. Does it make a difference going into a game as an underdog, or do players even put much thought into it?
Not much thought at all. I think the home team should be the favorite most of the time, if the teams are equal. They are playing at home. At the end of the day there is still a game that has to be played.
Do you play Fantasy Football? Would you ever draft the Steelers or any Defense with Troy Polamalu on it?
I do. LOL… Of course. He is a polished NFL player with a great defense. I looked at the "hit" I took my senior year as a compliment to my accomplishments in prior years! We still won the game even with all the future 1st rounders they had!
