Durant defensive back Chris Gay had the game of his life Friday, Oct. 14. His two interceptions — one that made Bright House Sports Network’s highlight reel — helped Durant win the Redman Cup and make the playoffs.
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That one-handed pick where you tipped the ball to yourself made it on TV. How did you feel when you heard about that?
Man, that was crazy. I don’t even have Bright House, so I couldn’t see it. My coach had to tell me about it. It’s just a good thing to see, when you see your coaching goes to fruition.
What was your mindset, going into such a huge game?
We knew (Plant City) had a running back, and we knew their quarterback had an arm on him. They wanted to go deep sometimes.
Going back to that pick, everyone on the sideline was worried when you tipped it and freaked out when you caught it. What about you?
On the routes they ran, I just had to keep dropping back. On that route, I had to drop back into the end zone to make sure no one could get behind me. When I saw it coming in, I just went up to tip it down. But I tipped it soft enough that it landed in my bread basket, and I just took off.
That’s got to be one of the highlights of your career.
For Durant, it’s probably number one. For high school, it’s probably number two, next to my first varsity game as a freshman.
Where were you before then?
I lived out in Italy for a while. My dad’s military. At my high school in Italy, we had (American football). All the bases had it. We would travel to Germany and lower Italy and stuff to play there. It wasn’t on par with Hillsborough County football, but my team was equivalent to some of the teams around here. We did all right.
What’s your strongest attribute as a player?
My speed. It’s been a little bit of work, getting my zone breaks right and everything, so my speed definitely helped me out in the beginning.
What skill have you improved most?
Targeting the ball in the air. I had a tough time with that when I was younger, and I just started to get really decent at it.
District title is on the line this week. Coaches say nobody believes in you guys. But what do you say to people like that to convince them not to write you all off?
They put us down 14 points last week, said that we’d lose. We’re coming after it. We’re coming to get the “W.” I’m not saying that Tech’s bad at all — they’re obviously a great team. But we want to be great, too, and we’ve got to beat Tech to do that.
Any college plans?
I’ve got one look from a college right now but, really, I’m going to try to go to FAU or UCF and walk on.
Who’s your favorite player?
Tyrann Mathieu. He’s a little guy like me. He plays with a lot of heart, and he plays to execute.
If you could play for any pro team, what would it be?
The New Orleans Saints. I’ve been a Saints fan since I was about 7 years old. Reggie Bush, when he came from USC — that’s my college team — I wore the No. 25 jersey freshman and sophomore year, I didn’t even play running back.
Were you 7 or 8 when he went to the Saints?
Yeah.
I feel old.
I’ve got his rookie card, yeah.
You get $1 billion in the bank one day. What do you buy?
A Bugatti.
What advice do you give a kid hoping to play defensive back like you?
Just get after the ball. Fly around, and be an athlete. Don’t try to think too much. Just do what you know how to do.
What famous person would you like to hang out with for a day?
Marilyn Monroe. She was the first lady like that. She was the first boss lady.