Kevin Sumlin

SI: You play music, a lot of rap and country, during practice. Why?

KS: I stole it from [Washington coach Steve] Sarkisian. I spoke at a clinic in Washington, and when I came out to practice, they were playing it. It was going good, and I thought, I like the vibe. It creates more focus—because you can't hear.

SI: You have four kids, from Joey, age eight, to Courtney, 15. Do they play sports?

KS: On a typical spring weekend I could have Courtney playing AAU basketball in Houston, my 13-year-old daughter, Shelby, playing volleyball in Dallas and my 10-year-old son, Jackson, in a baseball tournament.

SI: WHAT'S THE SECRET TO RECRUITING?

KS: IT'S ABOUT BEING YOURSELF, NOT BEING PHONY. FAMILIES AND KIDS CAN SEE [WHEN] SOMEONE'S NOT REAL.

SI: You were an assistant at A&M in 2001--02. Have you ever been to Midnight Yell?

KS: Yes, the night before our first spring practice this year. Neat.

SI: As a former walk-on [at Purdue], is the 12th Man tradition special to you?

KS: Yes. In my years at Houston, we gave scholarships to 13 walk-ons. Obviously the 12th Man tradition here is very strong, especially given the connection with the students, who feel they're part of the team.