

	Volume 2, Number 3

RANDY STARKS

Even though he lines up next to veteran nose tackle Jason Ferguson, Dolphins defensive end Randy Starks is very much the opposite when it comes to his personality. But while he might not be as vocal and colorful as Ferguson, Starks' intensity on every snap is undeniable, which is why he forced the issue during training camp when it came time for Head Coach Tony Sparano and defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni to decide who would start in the 3-4.

For the first time since his second year in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans, Starks is a full-time starter after earning the starting job opposite second-year defensive end Kendall Langford and he has delivered through Miami's first five games. The 6-foot-3, 305-pound former Maryland Terp is fifth on the team in tackles with 12 (11 solo) and has registered two sacks in a system that benefits the outside linebackers more in the pass rush than the front three. Last year he had his first career interception in Week 3 at New England and finished the season with 29 tackles (22 solo) and three sacks.

Starks was a three-year letterman at Maryland from 2001-03 and racked up 201 tackles (34 for loss) and 17.5 sacks while forcing three fumbles, recovering two and knocking down nine passes. He was a first-team All-ACC selection as a senior and was the first of Tennessee's two thidr-round draft picks (71st overall) in the 2004 NFL draft. He chose Maryland over Penn State so that his father, Randolph Sr., and his mother, Beverly, could see him play more often and they did not miss a single game, home or away, during his college career.

Starks discussed the different mind-set he has had to take on as a starter as opposed to coming off the bench, how difficult it was for him to transition to a 3-4 defense from the 4-3 the Titans ran in Tennessee and what has been the highlight of his NFL career so far, among other things, during an exclusive one-on-one interview with Andy Kent for this installment of First-and-10.

1.

You became a full-time starter this year for the first time since 2005 with the Tennessee Titans. Can you describe the different mind-set you have as a starting defensive end as opposed to coming off the bench?
When you come off the bench you've got to make a play right off the bat because you don't know the next time you're going to get a rep, whereas when you're starter you know you're pretty much in there for the whole game. As a starter when I come out of the locker room I'm ready to go, and when you're backing up you kind of have to keep yourself up because you don't know if you're going to get in there. You have to keep your stinger up.

2.

What does it mean to you to be a starter?
It means a lot, especially that we're in the top five rushing defense). It means a lot because I worked hard the last two years to get this spot, so I feel like I earned it and I feel like nothing was given to me. Everybody in this league wants to start but everybody can't start. I'm not giving it up because I worked too hard to give it away.

3.

You played in a 4-3 with Tennessee. How tough was the transition to the 3-4?
It was tough. I struggled at the beginning of the year because I was so used to just having a man and everything here is square up and keep your shoulders square. The whole technique is different. I'm just used to getting off the ball and reacting. Here it's playing blocks, so once I got that down I kind of put my 4-3 aggressiveness into the 3-4.

4.

Why did you choose to leave a playoff team in Tennessee as a free agent in the spring of 2008 to come to a team that was 1-15 the year before?
It was time for a change. I wasn't getting the playing time and I was told different things at Tennessee, beating around the bush why I'm not playing, so I felt like I was coming here and getting a fresh start. They know how to win here and how to put together a winning team.

5.

Your parents saw every one of your home games during your first four seasons with the Titans and all of your college games at Maryland. How much did you enjoy having them in the stands, and do they catch any of your games now?
It was cool having them in the stands. Now this year it's kind of hard because we're flying all over the place; to the West Coast. The ACC everything's pretty much East Coast, local and like a four-hour drive. It's cool because I know they're watching and they come down here for the most of the home games.

6.

The media guide says you want to become an elementary school teacher someday. Why is that?
Because I know there are going to be questions in the book I can answer. No, I'm just joking. Really, I think it's just about being with the young kids and knowing you can have a positive influence on them in their early lives as opposed to waiting until later in high school trying to get a hold of them. So I think just being a good male role model for kids will help them throughout their lives.

7.

Did you have an influential teacher in elementary school, and what did he or she teach you?
Not in elementary school. I had one in high school, Mrs. Ball. She was my basketball teacher and she kept me straight in high school. She just sat me down and told me I had a realistic shot of going to the NFL and she was not just joshing me. She also preached the importance of education and getting your grades and making sure I stayed on top of my schoolwork. I mean, she showed favoritism, but at the same time she didn't.

8.

What has been the highlight of your NFL career so far?
It had to be last year's regular season finale against the Jets because I had never been part of a division championship. I think what stands out is when it was all said and done and we were sitting in that locker room putting those (division championship) hats on, that was a good feeling.

9.

Is there a defensive lineman that you watched closely coming up through college or whose game you like to try to emulate?
Warren Sapp just because he made plays and he was quick off the ball. I took some moves from him and always watched him; even when I got to Tennessee and we played against him I'd watch him during the game. He's got a different personality, but he's added a little favor to the television broadcast.

10.

In this locker room, who's the most fun, most colorful teammate in here?
Jason Ferguson. He's going to keep you laughing in meetings, outside of meetings; he's going to keep you laughing. You may be bored in here, but he's going to keep you awake and he's also teaching me how to be a vet. He's a great guy to learn from.