Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?
Ta’lon Mack: Football is a gateway to a better platform in life. Without it I would be a totally different person. It gives me so much excitement when I put on a helmet.
Joe Gaiter: Tell us about your childhood.
Ta’lon Mack: My childhood was pretty rough growing up in Liberty City. Football was the only way you can stay out of trouble. My cousin Joewaun Coles was a better athlete than me! But we lost him due to gun violence. So I walk with that chip on my shoulder each day !
Joe Gaiter: What are your fondest memories of Lithonia High School?
Ta’lon Mack: My fondest memories is just being apart of a genuine family. I went there my last 2 years of high school coming from Flanagan High school which was a powerhouse in South Florida at the time. The workouts and runs we had will forever stick with me.
Joe Gaiter: Tell us about Juco life at ASA Miami.
Ta’lon Mack: Juco Life was tough but also an amazing experience. You compete against the best of the best against guys that had a second chance to play ball no matter what the circumstances. But you also learn about brotherhood. It was a humbling experience.
Joe Gaiter: Do you feel like ASA Miami and other Junior Colleges get the credit they deserve?
Ta’lon Mack: ASA Miami is the only D1 Juco in Florida.I think they should be more on the map then what they are especially the season we had last year! We should be on Last Chance U because we have it way worse.
Joe Gaiter: You transferred and played at Albany State. Tell us about that experience?
Ta’lon Mack: Redshirted at Albany State but I made Scout Player of the week with my Homeboy Johnathan Singleton. Me and him competed to be great each day to make the coaches recognized he has young talent. HBCU life is such a rich Culture, from the band, to homecomings, and the HBCU crowd that came to support on Saturdays.
Joe Gaiter: What attracted you to Ottawa University’s football program?
Ta’lon Mack: The attraction that Ottawa University gave me was that the Defensive Coordinator Coach Pearson, reached out to me after evaluating my film and made me feel at home already. I was holding 7 offers before they even offered but I knew I can come and make an instant impact.
Joe Gaiter: What is your relationship like with Head Coach Kent Kessinger?
Ta’lon Mack: Me and Coach K hit it off the first day I came on campus. I was an early enrollee for spring so he thanked me for accepting the offer and opportunity to show off my skill set. He checks on me and my family during this rough time with Covid-19.
Joe Gaiter: What motivates you when you are on that field?
Ta’lon Mack: I just remember that I have to better my circumstances. I have to make my family proud. I see the people who made it from my city. It inspires me knowing that if I give it all I got on the field! I can be in the same situation there in if I remain focused and motivated.
Joe Gaiter: What makes you a great Defensive Back?
Ta’lon Mack: I’m 6’0 that’s a great height for a DB. Recently gained weight so I’m 183 lbs as well as a freshman DB. I have a fast twitch in my play and I hit hard whenever I get a chance.
Joe Gaiter: How have you faced adversity?
Ta’lon Mack: I faced many adversities as a young child growing up all the way to college. I just See it through each situation. I pray and ask God to put his hand over me to put me on the right path to my destiny.
Joe Gaiter: Do you feel like you have something to prove on the field?
Ta’lon Mack: Yes, I feel like I have to give it all I have to be seen by NFL/CFL scouts. I feel like I should let the world know that I’m just not an average player.
Joe Gaiter: What is your untold story?
Ta’lon Mack: I been in a lot of trouble during my teen years but the move to Georgia my 11th grade year helped mold me in the man I am today. Thanks to my mom,Coach Jelks, and the rest of the Lithonia bulldog staff.
Joe Gaiter: What is your major and how will you use it?
Ta’lon Mack: I am a business administration Major. I cut hair in my spare time as well as music. But I will like to own my own barbershop and salon one day.
Joe Gaiter:What is life like for you off the field?
Ta’lon Mack: Life for me, I’m a great person love to make people happy. I love to perfect my craft as a DB. Also I love giving back to the youth in my community the knowledge that I gained.
Joe Gaiter:Tell us more about your music.
Ta’lon Mack: I was upcoming and rising in 2018 but I stopped because I started to get more focused on school and football. But now that I mastered it, I’m ready to grow more.
