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DAVIS, Calif. - If there is anyone who knows firsthand about UC Davis football's #AGScension, it's Keleen Culberson — the only member of this year's team that has been a part of the program since it first joined the Big Sky Conference. Earlier this week, the senior safety spoke with UCDavisAggies.com about his undergraduate experience, both on and off the field.

How is the team feeling coming off an impressive victory at Portland State?

This was a solid win for the team. We can take this result one of two ways: feeling satisfied and thinking we made it by beating a good team, or realizing that game offered a glimpse of our potential. I want to build on that result, and everyone on the team feels the same way.

By having a good week of practice, which is what took place leading up to Saturday's game, we can take one more step towards fulfilling this team's potential.

When individuals experience a challenging week of practice, respond accordingly and execute the way they did in Portland and against San Diego, those workouts, combined with the results of our last two games, builds everyone's confidence.

Once Sunday arrived, it was time to start preparing for this week's game at Weber State.


What is it like being a leader, not only within your position group, but for the team as one of its captains, as chosen by your peers?

This is something that should come naturally; if you feel the need to say or do something that's forced, one should not be a leader. Real leadership is genuine, and I am fortunate enough to feel comfortable in this role. The guys understand that after six years with this program, I have no problem sharing my knowledge and experience to help everyone succeed.


Looking back from your first day on campus, to now, describe your UC Davis experience.

This school has helped me grow as an individual so much, I do not know where to start.

My experience here at UC Davis has prepared me for whatever challenges I will face for the rest of my life. The type of student that attends this school, the type of professor or coach that teaches here, and the type of people that surround me are constant reminders of the type of individual I want to become.

I'm proud to be a part of the sixth-ranked (public) school in the country, and represent this University as one of its student-athletes. The way I see the world, approach challenges and view things has transformed dramatically since my first day on campus.


What advice would the Keleen we know today share with the young man who arrived to campus as a freshman?

It's a long season, stay focused, know your techniques and the team's game plan. Stay dialed-in on the preparation, day in and day out, and focus on what adjustments you need to make. Last week's game plan is not this week's game plan.

Young Keleen sat in the back of the class, thinking he was the cool guy. There have been times where I realized that my classes were tougher than I originally thought, and tests were harder than I expected. That's when I started moving forward during classes and lectures, changed where I sat and took advantage of office hours.

If there is one thing I want to share with incoming freshmen, know that professors do care about your education, and your classroom experience. If you seek their help, they will match that effort to help you succeed.

Another thing all first years should understand is the importance of staying on top of your academics. The quarter moves fast.


What did it mean to you when UC Davis' football coaching staff asked you to join the program while you were attending Santiago High School (Corona, Calif.)?

I only played one year of high school football before receiving this offer, which is why I appreciate the opportunity to compete for UC Davis, one of the top institutions in the nation. The coaching staff saw my potential, was willing to help me grow as a person and a football player. I always trusted my abilities, but my confidence really grew when other well-respected individuals showed faith in my potential and made an offer to join the program.

This opportunity is also important to my family. One of my biggest fears is letting down my family. For me to receive this opportunity to compete and earn a degree from a school like UC Davis means the world to me and my family.


Keleen, and his teammates, will face Weber State in the Aggies' 2017 Big Sky opener on Saturday. Kickoff at Stewart Stadium is set for 4 p.m. PT/5 p.m. MT. Visit Gameday Central for all the links you need to watch, listen or follow this weekend's game in Ogden, Utah.

ABOUT UC DAVIS
Providing a small-town community feel while providing a world-class academic experience, UC Davis is home to more than 37,000 students and centrally located between San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and the Napa Valley.

The No. 6-ranked public university in the nation, according to the Wall Street Journal, offers nearly 100 graduate programs and more than 100 academic majors across four colleges and six professional schools, ranking among the world and nation's best in numerous disciplines, including veterinary science, agriculture, and plant and animal programs.

DON'T MISS OUT!
Season and single-game tickets for all UC Davis fall sports are now on sale by contacting the Athletics Ticket Office at (530) 752-AGS1 or by visiting us online at UCDavisAggies.com.