At the beginning of your wrestling career as a freshman in high school, what was your biggest goal on the mat?

"I didn't really have many goals when I first started. I knew I wanted to be a state champ. In regard to small term goals, I really focused on winning two of my seven tournament matches as a freshman in high school because it was that much of a struggle for me at first."

How would you describe your unbelievably impressive performance, as a wrestler who is very-well, considered new, to an incredibly competitive sport?

"I am blessed. I also did put a lot of work in, but there are other people in high school that started the same time as me and it just never clicked for them. Even more so, from teammates to coaches, I have just been blessed to have these people. Humbly speaking, on the mat I am really strong from certain position because my technique can be the worst in the room at often times. My strength has given me an advantage, I get it from my mom."

What obstacles did you face growing up?

"I grew up with 30 cousins. We are like brothers and sisters. Every weekend we would ask to stay at each other's house. I would follow my older cousins as role models and did all the same stuff they did. I would start doing things I shouldn't have and just like that, my mom noticed. She made sure that stopped but not in a bad way. We would still hang out at night or whatever but there were more guidelines.

My mom more than anyone helped me get back on the right track when I would involve myself in situations I shouldn't have. My brother is the first-generation college student, in our family. Everyone always talks about how easy it is if you follow the perfect path (getting to college), but they're full of it. It was different watching my brother actually do it because I fit in his shoes, I know what he came from, and he actually did it."

What did it mean to you when you committed to wrestling in your hometown, Columbia?

"My goal coming into high school was getting to college because my brother is four years ahead of me and he went JuCo. In the back of my head, I wasn't confident in my grades so, I planned on JuCo. Also, regarding wrestling in Columbia, it is such a small world, you are going to know the same people. It is nice to see guys from Tolton: Jarred, Brock, Jayden. They committed first and it was motivational."

What advice do you have for someone who experiences similar situations you faced?

"I see guys in the Hickman training room and my biggest encouragement is to trust your coaches and keep working. It is hard to remain focused if you're doing poorly, but, you just gotta keep on pushing."

What’s your current plan after college wrestling?

"As of now, to become a dental hygienist. We lack a practice in Columbia but even smaller cities in Missouri have at least one. Right now I am unsure what I am going to do after college. I am a firm believer in making your goals realistic. Coaches shoot me down all the time for this but I believe it is important to stay realistic. I believe that even though I don't know how good I'm going to be, I need to keep an open mind."

Name two people in your life that have left an impact on you.

"My mom, Zriebia, is easily my greatest influence. We grew up poor and us as kids were spoiled with love. The way she cared for us and how she raised me: independent, strong, to respect elders, caring, empathetic

My brother Donald. He showed me it was possible from my shoes. It is so easy for someone to talk about how easy it can be to do this and this and that to be successful in life, but he showed me it is a real possible thing and college can be realistic."

Note: Jeremiah has his mother's name tattooed on himself. He says she is one of a kind.

Your positive attitude is why people love you and want to witness your success. You have all of #573 rooting for you. What does it mean to have a positive attitude in life?

"Positivity is a huge thing for me. That is one of the reasons I chose Mizzou. Most people in my position would have haters. I never experienced that. Not with high school rivals or even coaches whos athletes I beat. I got this from my mom. I celebrated once, I won my state finals match my senior year and formed a heart with my hands and blew kisses to express my love for everyone that has shown me support."

A lot of people compare you to J'Den Cox. Your attitude, success on the mat, you even went to the same high school. What does this mean to you?

"J'Den is a beast, a four-time champ and, like I said, I am realistic and my goal is being a four-time all American. Only three guys in history, including J'Den, and Daniel Lewis who was recently in my weight class. I want to perform to the best of my ability to accomplish my goals."