Getting to know Maurice Hurst, Jr.

Westwood (MA) Xaverian Brothers defensive tackle Maurice
Hurst, Jr is a high-intensity player that the Michigan coaches are going to love
to work with.  The athletic defensive tackle
plays with a lot of energy and a great motor. With his passion for the game and
willingness to serve his community and help others, Maurice Hurst, Jr. has Michigan
man written all over him. He kindly took the time out of his preparation and
busy schedule to answer a few questions about becoming a Wolverine.

  

Can you elaborate on your decision of
become a Wolverine, what stood out the most about Michigan, and what was your
deciding factor?

 “The tradition is what stood out to me the most. Before I even had an offer
to the university, I knew that it would be my top school. Another thing was the
coaches. Coach Hoke is a very family oriented guy and that’s the type of person
that I am also. With a Defensive Coordinator like Coach Mattison and his
history how can you not put all of your faith inside of him and know he’s going
to set your team up to make plays on the defensive side of the ball?”

Have
the coaches discussed contributing next year, and do you have a preference in
redshirting or not?

 “Coaches haven’t discussed whether I would
redshirt or not and of course I would like to contribute right away. I want to
go in there and dominate and if they think I need to redshirt, so be it.”

How
has your father’s experience in college and the NFL helped you with your path to
becoming a collegiate athlete?

“I don’t
really have a relationship with my father but knowing my father made it to the
next level, I know that I have high expectations in the football world and need
to live up and exceed those expectations.”

 Have the coaches discussed a playing weight
for you, and where are you most comfortable?

“No, they
haven’t really discussed a weight for me to play at with the coaches but
between 285 and 290 would probably be the best weight for me to maintain my
speed.”

 Is there a game on the schedule next year
that you have circled?

“Every
game to me is important but the Notre Dame game is probably one of the ones
that I am most excited about. It is only going to be the second one under the
lights, and the first one was so exciting with that catch by Roundtree.”

 We saw the moves on your highlight tape. Any
dreams of a goal line fullback package at Michigan?

“I
love being versatile and utilizing all of my athletic abilities and just love
the sport.  If I had a chance to ever
carry the ball in a Michigan uniform, it would be a wonderful experience.”

 Any idea of who you will be rooming with
when you arrive at Ann Arbor?

 “No, I’m not sure yet who I’m going to room with.”

Do
you have any pregame superstitions?

“Listen to music.”

Meal
of choice the night before the game?

“Chicken Parm.”

Hobbies
outside of football?

“Playing Madden and I love to volunteer
my time to my community.”