A name Leo fans are learning fast
LOUCHEIZ PURIFOY: Q&A with defensive back making big plays
Loucheiz Purifoy has people talking — about his name and about his game.
The first-year defensive back with the unique moniker has brought bigplay ability to the B.C. Lions. In his first seven games in the CFL, Purifoy has two forced fumbles, a pair of sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery for a touchdown.
In this week’s Q&A with Jeff Paterson, Purifoy is the one doing the talking as he dishes on that name, his trouble sleeping in, his love of horror flicks and the insect he could do without.
A: There’s not a story. I asked. (My mom) said, “We just came up with it.” I’m so used to people mispronouncing it. I just stuck with it. It’s a great football name, so I’m not complaining. Is it just a variation of Lucious? Yes.
Q: I have to start with the name Loucheiz. You must get asked about it all the time. Is there a story?
You’re one of the new guys. A new league, a new country. Have you had a “Welcome to Canada” moment when you realize you’re not at home any more?
Not really. It’s just the time zone (he’s an East Coast guy). I wake up at the same time every day. I’m up at six o’clock every morning, even though I don’t have practice until nine. That’s the biggest difference for me. I just haven’t adjusted. But my body feels good, so I’m not complaining.
You’re from Cantonment, Fla., which has also produced NFL players Alfred Morris and Graham Gano. According to Wikipedia, it’s a town of 25,000. How has it produced so many football players?
That’s what we do. We’re not tall enough to play basketball. You’ve got to play football. But it’s great to have guys leaving the area for college. It helps other kids get looked at and helps them get to college and go farther in life. That’s what it’s all about.
Florida. Definitely Florida. It was a childhood dream to go to the University of Florida. I grew up watching Chris Rainey and I ended up going to play with him (laughs). It was a dream come true.
University of Florida teams are the Gators. Do you know the difference between an alligator and crocodile?
Nah. I really don’t. That’s a bad deal, isn’t it? One of them is salt and the other is freshwater. I think. I think that’s what it is, but I don’t know.
You made the Indianapolis Colts out of camp as an undrafted 21-year-old in 2014. Most guys in that situation have to be pretty patient and be prepared to spend some time on the practice roster. Did you surprise yourself at all?
I’m just a competitor. I think they liked the way I competed. I go out there and give it my all. I feel like if I’m not giving 100 per cent, I’m cheating myself and I’m cheating the people around me. That’s just how I was raised.
Cantonment is basically on the Florida/Alabama border and not that far from Georgia. You grew up surrounded by all these football powerhouses. What was your team when you were a kid?
“I feel like if I’m not giving 100 per cent, I’m cheating myself and I’m cheating the people around me.”
You’re wearing number 0 with the Lions. Did you ask for that, or did they just give it to you?
It was kind of a mutual agreement. I asked for a single-digit number and this was the only one left. But we had to talk to coach Wally about it.
You must have convinced him. You know not everyone wins those little battles with Wally.
(Laughs) You don’t know which ones you’re going to get. So far it’s working for me. Your bio on the Lions’ website says you like horror movies.
I do. I’m big on Paranormal Activity. I like anything that’s scary. All the movies that are out right now, like Lights Out, I’ve got to check them out. Scary or gory?
All of the above. I have to have things that catch my attention. Certain movies don’t catch my attention, but horror movies you have to pay attention. You have to lock in and put pieces together. It’s cool.
Do you have a favourite horror movie franchise or any one bad guy that stands out for you? I think I’m a Freddy Krueger man. Yeah, I’m a Freddy Krueger guy. And Jeepers Creepers. The second one wasn’t that scary, but the first one. I’ll give them that. All right. Besides movies, what scares you?
I don’t like bees. Actually, I can’t stand bees. You see me over there fighting a bee? Yeah, I don’t do the bees. Let’s move on to a better topic. Favourite food? Spaghetti. Have you found a spaghetti place here in town yet? Nah. I have to get one.
You mentioned the time change earlier. You’re in a new city and new country playing in a new league with new teammates. But at the end of the day, you’re playing football. Are you enjoying yourself up here?
It’s football, man. You’ve got to love it. I’ve got people around me that love what they do and we’re coming together as a team. So yeah, I like it. I’m having fun.
You scooped up a fumble in Montreal earlier this month and rumbled 47 yards for a touchdown. What’s that feeling like when you look up and realize there’s no one between you and the goal-line? Every time I get the ball in my hands I want to score. And they’ve been giving me a mess since my first interception in Hamilton, when I didn’t score when I cramped up. Every time I get the ball I have to prove something. So that’s what I’m trying to do. I want to give our offence a little cushion.