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Byrd_Ward_OSU2019

Football

Pick Your Poison: Q & A with Cedric Byrd II and Jojo Ward

Over the past two seasons, seniors, Cedric Byrd II and JoJo Ward, have been top contributors for the University of Hawai'i football team as wide receivers. The duo has helped make the Rainbow Warriors one of the most feared passing attacks in the country as both have tallied near video game numbers in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. As a part of the SoFi Hawai'i Bowl week coverage, the one-two punch reflected on their junior college journeys, time on the island of O'ahu, and the impact they will leave on the program.
 
Question: Looking back, when you were coming out of high school, what was your plan?
Cedric Byrd: The plan was to always go DI right out of high school, but things didn't work out. I ended up going to JUCO, but I could visualize myself doing the same things I did in high school at the DI level.
Jojo Ward: I knew coming out of high school, I couldn't go DI because of my grades, but there were a lot of JUCOs recruiting me to come play. JUCO humbled me and got me ready to play at the DI level.
 
Q: What did you learn at JUCO?
JW: I couldn't take things for granted. You have to have motivation throughout the process and stay humble.
CB: The same thing for me, I feel like when you go the JUCO route, you appreciate things more, when you come out of high school you don't know the struggle as much. The JUCO route is a struggle, and you remember where you came from, and that feeds your motivation.
 
Q: Outside of football, talking about life, was it hard to go to JUCO?
CB: I went to JUCO back home in California, so there were a lot of ways I could have got distracted, but I was focused and had my mind dedicated to the process.
JW: It wasn't for me because I knew it was my last option. I had a lot of people who had my back and stuck with me throughout the entire process.
 
Q: You're almost done with JUCO and getting attention from DI schools, what was the process like for you?
CB: It was great, and after my freshman year, I was getting a lot of offers.  But I broke my collar bone, and they stopped recruiting me as heavy, so I went back for my second year. In my second year, I wanted to prove myself and leave no doubt. I put it all on tape and left everything out on the field. It was great getting recruited again.
JW: My situation was different. I had teams contacting me after my second season in the summer, and Hawai'i was one of them. I stuck with it, believed in them, and took their word on everything.
 
Q: When you decided on Hawai'i, what was your goal when you got here?
CB: I wanted to prove everyone wrong. So many people were telling me in high school, and at JUCO, I was too small. Saying I couldn't excel at this level, and I wanted to prove all of them wrong.
JW: I felt the same way, I wanted to prove people wrong, but I also wanted to win a championship. We came close, and hopefully, they can do it next year.
 
Q: Did Hawai'i live it up to the hype you wanted it to be?
CB: I knew it was going to be different from back home, and it would be a culture shock. But I came out here to graduate, play football, and see if I could get to the next level.
JW: For myself, I know I always have room for improvement. I wanted to come here and win games, we did that, but I feel like I left somethings on the field. But I also wanted to make sure and get my degree while trying to make it to the next level.
 
Q: What has it been like for you living in Hawai'i?
CB: It has been great! So many beautiful places around and so many cool people.
JW: It has been a great experience. Being from Texas, there aren't many beaches, more mountains. The local guys on the team have done a great job with me, showing me around the island, and it has been a blessing.
 
Q: If you could change one thing about your two years here, what would it be?
CB: Ohhh that's hard, I have to think about that one. Jojo, you take that one.
JW: I wish I could have been the top man for punt return. I should have got on coach Ghobrial and took that training. Off the field, I wish I could have explored more.
CB: You know, I wish I explored more too. I saw a lot of cool places but not everything.
 
Q: You've only been at UH for two years, do you still take pride in playing here even though you didn't do it for four years?
CB: Of course! When I came in, they were 3-9, and I wanted to help change things. We did that, and I helped do that, with our class, I feel we like we were the start of bringing Hawai'i back to what it was a few years ago.
JW: When we first got here, they didn't win many games the year before, but in our two years, we've won 17 games and could be a 10-win season this year. This season could be a big season for the guys behind us and the future. I'm glad to be a part of that and being able to say we were the first team to go to the Mountain West Championship game.
 
Q: What's next?
CB: Prepare for the NFL and the draft. I want to try and get a shot at the next level, but it's God's plan.
JW: Same thing, but I'm looking forward to the Hula Bowl. I'm going to train hard and prepare myself. Hopefully, I get an invite to a team and be able to show my talent.
 
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Players Mentioned

Cedric Byrd II

#6 Cedric Byrd II

WR
5' 9"
Senior
JoJo Ward

#9 JoJo Ward

WR
5' 9"
Senior

Players Mentioned

Cedric Byrd II

#6 Cedric Byrd II

5' 9"
Senior
WR
JoJo Ward

#9 JoJo Ward

5' 9"
Senior
WR