USC-to-UConn transfer: “This is a business”

Money quotes from former USC reserve fullback D.J. Shoemate, who just transferred to UConn, on his decision:

Why did you transfer from USC and how hard was that decision?

I saw a better opportunity for myself to play running back. I’m very confident in my abilities. I just really wanted to follow my dream. It was the hardest decision of my life. … I’m never afraid of competition. Competition is never an issue with me. I saw the challenge before me and took it. But when I committed to SC, nowhere did I think fullback was going to be in my future. I was recruited as an athlete. Running back and receiver is what they were telling me how they’d use me. …

How big of a factor was not having to sit out a year [because of the NCAA sanctions]?

It was a huge factor. Some situations don’t work out. We get a do-over. Hit the reset button and act like nothing happened. It’s a beautiful thing. For me, I felt like it was a great opportunity for me that arose. …

You’ve said several times this is a business, so I take it this was a business move for you.

I definitely understand that this is a business. When Coach Carroll left, everyone understood it’s a business. Why can it not be a business for us? We’re investing so much and we’re getting something out of it. Obviously, we’re not going to make millions of dollars by going to a different school. But we’re putting ourselves in a situation to be successful and further our careers.

Shoemate also said, about USC: “I love the school. I definitely want to come back to get my master’s.”

(Hat tip: my dad.)