Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Q&A with offensive guard ZeVeyon Furcron
11/14/2019 | 12:48:00 | Football
ZeVeyon Furcron has made 21 consecutive starts at offensive guard since transitioning over from defensive tackle after his redshirt freshman season. Now a redshirt junior, Furcron is having his best year at SIU, as he has helped pave the way for a Saluki offense that is averaging over 28 points per game and ranks 14th nationally in rushing offense (222.0).Â
The team wore shirts that said 2-9 on the back during offseason workouts this past winter and spring. What was the reason for wearing those shirts?
We were a 2-9 team last year and thought we were better than that. Those shirts were meant to never let us forget about what happened last season and to always keep that in the back of our mind when we're working out, on the field, or even going to class. We realized that we had to be better than 2-9 and it stuck with us.Â
Did it motivate you to work harder during the offseason?
It definitely did. No one wants to be 2-9. We all strive to be better than that. We have to do different things sometimes to get different results.Â
You're known for being one of the strongest guys in the weight room. What are some of your biggest lifting accomplishments?
I set the offensive line squat record at 800 pounds last offseason. I already had the record at 775, but when we started to go heavy again, I figured that I could probably break my record. That ended up happening by hitting 800.Â
Can you get past 800?
I don't know. My knees are telling me differently, so I'm content with that being my max. I'll probably lower the weight a little bit in the future.Â
How does your lower-body strength help on the football field?
It transitions perfectly. Being in the trenches on the offensive line, you got to have that lower body strength and be strong down low and even up top as well. It's important to build that strength.
Was anything done differently in weight room last offseason?
Credit to Meade (Meade Smith) and the coaching staff. We didn't do anything too different, but they definitely had some things planned to take us to the next level. From the Navy Seals training day to different drills on the field, it worked. Also in the film room and focusing on different stuff. Our coaches were getting us mentality and physically prepared to be a successful team.Â
Fast forward to fall camp, coach Hill (Nick Hill) named you a captain. How did it feel to receive the honor?
It meant the world to me. With what I went through with my mom passing away, I knew how proud she would've been for me and how proud of me she still is. Having the team behind me, supporting me through that meant a lot.Â
What did it mean to have your team's support during the period of your mom's passing?
I don't think I would've made it if it wasn't for my team. That's what brothers are for. I know the type of players and coaches on this team, along with the family and Saluki culture. I knew they were going to stick with me and I appreciate them more than anything.
Are you playing this season in dedication of your mom?
Absolutely. Even before she passed, I was still playing for her. It's even stronger now.Â
What has this season's success meant to you as a fourth-year player?
It means a lot. I'm a senior in the classroom, but I still have another year of eligibility. For the guys who don't, this is their final chance. I've been with D.J. (D.J. Davis), Ernest (Ernest Dye Jr.), Chinn (Jeremy Chinn), Marnin (Jacob Marnin) and many others since the very start, but this is it for them. We're all trying to play for them. We still have more football to play, but we wouldn't have experienced this success without our seniors.Â
What can the team do to capture a win at Western Illinois this weekend?
We just got to go out and do our job. We're a good team and just need to focus on our roles. Dive into the details, stay focused and get another win.Â
Are you used to playing in cold November games as an Illinois native?
Practice was a little chilly yesterday, but I'm used to it. In Carbondale, the cold can occasionally hit you out of nowhere. I definitely like playing when it's a little colder, but once it gets too cold, I'm not afraid to put on some sleeves.Â
Do you feel more comfortable on the offensive line since it is your second year with the group?
I feel like I have taken my game to the next level this season. Especially the mental part of the game. I played o-line in high school and had a year under my belt last year. But getting in the film room and learning different schemes and techniques has helped me improve. I just have to keep striving to get better by watching film. You can never know or learn too much.Â
How tight-knit is the offensive line this season?
One as five, five as one — that's how we roll. We got good guys all across the board, especially with our starting five and main backups. I think we're the tightest group on the team. That's how it has to be on the o-line. There's five of us on the field and if one of us is not on the same page as the other four, then it's not going to work well. We all have to be on the same page and I feel like we are.Â
A few weeks ago, D.J. Davis was giving you a hard time about your voice freshman year. What's behind that story?
When I came in freshman year, all of us football players had to introduce ourselves to the team. I know my voice isn't the deepest, but I don't care. I was in the middle of the line, so everybody is going and then it gets to me. When the first word came out of my mouth, the whole team started dying laughing. I remember it because coach Hill responded with, "Why are you guys laughing, he's one of the strongest guys in the room". I was just coming out of high school, so I appreciate coach sticking up for me at the time. It's all love with my teammates though.Â
What kind of relationship do you and coach Hill have?
It has grown a lot in the last couple of months. He did some things he didn't really have to do. It took my respect level to a different stage with coach Hill and the rest of the coaching staff. But especially with him and coach Olson. They were there the night of my mom's passing. One phone call and they were immediately on the road. That meant a lot to have them there for me.
