ORANGEBURG, SC--During Bulldog Spring Football we had a chance to sit down with Cornerbacks coach Michael Styles, Jr.  Styles, Jr. is in his first season on the SC State football coaching staff. He comes to the Bulldogs after serving in a similar role at Benedict. During his times at Benedict College, the team had back-to-back undefeated regular season and SIAC Conference Champions. Styles helped Benedict become of one of the 5 defenses in all categories in NCAA Division II, while having the #1 defense in passing yards allowed and #1 defense in passing efficiency in the nation at the end of regular season in back-to-back years. He helped produce First Team All SIAC Conference and First Team All Super Region Cornerback Ja 'Voni Melidor, while on the other side of the field he had NFL prospect Josh Heyward who was invited to the Hulu and Legacy Bowl. As a collegiate player for Warner, Coach Styles was a part of the first program ever fielded at Warner University and served as a team captain for the 2013 season, where he also earned his bachelor's degree in Sports Management. To see Styles, Jr. complete bio, visit www.scsuathletics.com

Q: What made you decide to coach for South Carolina State?
A: It gave me the opportunity to be a Division One football coach.

Q: What would you say was one of the biggest challenges transitioning from a player to a coach?
A: Understanding that the players are not you and have different capabilities.

Q: What would you tell your younger self as a player that you would as a coach?
A: To work harder when no one is looking and be more discipline.

Q. What was the best advice given to you as a coach?
A: That players don't care what you know until they believe that you care and are willing to invest in them.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you face today as a coach?
A: Getting players to be more consistent.

Q: What is a misconception about coaches' society always claim?
A: That coaching is easy, and we don't work long hours.

Q: When I am not coaching, I am doing? 
A: Spending time with family.

Q: If I wasn't coaching football, I would coach what sport? 
A: Track

Q: A hidden talent I have no one knows about is?
A: I can rap.

Q: The person I admire the most in life?
A:  My parents

Q: My favorite quote in life? 
A: "We all die. The goal isn't to live forever; the goal is to create something that will."

Q: If I can spend time with one person dead or alive it would be?
A: Malcolm X

Hot Seat

• Favorite Food: Oxtails
• Favorite Cereal or Snack: Reece's Puff
• Favorite Song and Artist: "A Dollar and Dream" J-Cole
• Favorite Hobby: Playing video games.
• Favorite Sport besides football: Track
• Something About Myself No One Else Knows: I was in a rap group in high school.
• One word that describes yourself: Chameleon.

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