QUICK FACTS Name: Matthew Cornelius Born: Jan. 27, 1991 Parents: Dad, Timothy Cornelius; Mom, Theresa Greene; Step Dad, Marc Greene; Step Mom, Renee Cornelius. "They have all played a key role in my success and getting me to where I am today. I could never thank them all enough." Siblings: Brothers - Andrew ("currently a United States Marine and my big brother"); Joshua ("my younger, bigger brother who recently graduated from my old high school Butler"). Hometown: Charlotte, N.C. High School: Butler Major at NCCU: Criminal Justice Favorite Food: "Anything my Mom makes" Favorite TV Show: "COPS" Favorite Book: "Of Mice and Men" Favorite Athlete: Devin Hester ("ironically enough")

Question: Why did you choose NCCU?
Matthew Cornelius: "At first, the coaches and the teachers sold me on the university. Over the years I have realized what a great choice it was to come here as I have created a family with my teammates and have built lasting relationships with my coaches and professors."

Q: What is your major? What do you want to do after NCCU?
MC: "I am a criminal justice major with a concentration in law enforcement. I plan on going to the police academy after graduation in December, where I will start work with the Raleigh Police Department. I then plan on obtaining a master's degree in public administration after I have completed the police academy and have a year of experience under my belt."

Q: What do you like most about being an NCCU Eagle?
MC: "I like what myself and my fellow seniors have created for ourselves through hard work and perseverance over the past four years. We have done our part in shaping what it means to be a NCCU eagle through our hard work and dedication in the weight room, on the field, and also off of the field."

Q: What has been your most memorable moment at NCCU?
MC: "The 5:00 a.m. workouts with Bulldog (George Smith) on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday during my freshman year."

Q: What is your favorite part of game day at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium?
MC: "Obviously the hype before the game is exciting for everyone, but I've always looked forward to what coaches have to say during the quiet before the storm in the locker room when it's just us."

Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals?
MC: "I try and stick to the same warm-up routine and timeline in order to best prepare myself for the game. I also stick feathers in my socks at times."

Q: Why football?
MC: "Football has always been a passion of mine. I love the intensity and work ethic that comes with it. I also have no desire, and never will have one, to play soccer even though I am a punter."

Q: If you could invite any living person to WG Pearson cafeteria for lunch, who would it be and why?
MC: "My little cousins Gavin and Dorian because they are amazed that I am older than them and play college football. It would be an exciting experience for the both of them.

Q: Any famous family members?
MC: "My great great grandmother sewed the wings of the Wright Brothers wings together and my great great grandfather was one of the men to help push the plane off of the sand dunes for the first flight.

Q: What three words best describe you?
MC: "Passion. Work. Energy."

Q: How would you like to be remembered from your playing days at NCCU?
MC: "I want to be remembered as a hard worker and good teammate that others look up to."