The 2018 season has given us some pleasant surprises out of the Pac-12, and the fast-rising Utah Utes are certainly among them.

Sitting at 6-2 and currently riding a four-game winning streak, the Utes are currently ranked No. 16 in the AP Top 25, and running back Zack Moss is one of the biggest reasons for their recent success.

A fast-rising prospect in the 2019 NFL draft class, Moss recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his 2018 campaign so far, what wisdom he’s gleaned from his NFL bloodlines (former Miami Hurricanes star Santana Moss), and what fans can expect from the Utes down the stretch.

JM: How do you define your running style?

ZM: I’m a very balanced runner. I like to start the game off by being physical. I feel when you’re physical from the get go, it opens up some other stuff later in the game. To summarize, I would just say that I’m a balanced running back.

JM: You recently piled up 136 yards against USC. You also currently rank second in the Pac-12 with 107.6 yards per game. Do you feel you’re getting enough attention nationally?

ZM: I try not to worry about that kind of stuff. I can only control what I can control. At the end of the day, I let my game speak for itself. I’m not worried about what anybody else in the country is doing right now. I just make sure that I’m continuing to work hard every single day. I don’t really pay much attention to that stuff.

JM: You’re related to former Miami great Santana Moss, who obviously had a very successful NFL career. What’s the best piece of advice he’s given you?

ZM: He basically tells me the same thing I just told you. He wants to make sure I’m continuing to work hard. He doesn’t want me to worry about any of that outside noise. It doesn’t matter what the people outside of this building are saying. I’m gonna continue to be a team first guy. Everything else will take care of itself.

JM: I want you to break down a successful run for me. What’s your mindset like once a play call comes in? Talk to me about the vision it takes to make a big play.

ZM: Knowing what type of front you’re running into comes first and foremost. Is it a three down front or a four down front? You have to know the package you’re in, the formation you’re operating out of. How’s your offense lining up? Then it comes down to reading your blocks and knowing where your guy has to be. You have to be patient and continue to move downhill. I try to hit the hole with velocity.

JM: What’s more satisfying and why, taking a 75-yard run to the house, or chipping away at the defense by carrying the ball a handful of times on a long drive?

ZM: I would have probably have to say option B. I love carrying the ball multiple times on a drive. I get a certain level of satisfaction from wearing out the defense and imposing my will on them. I enjoy watching them quit play by play. That’s when they start to understand they don’t even wanna play with you.

JM: Which running backs did you admire growing up?

ZM: I liked LaDainian Tomlinson growing up. Herschel Walker was another favorite of mine. Those are the type of running backs I try to emulate with my game. Marshall Faulk is another. Ezekiel Elliott. Guys like that. I try to put a lot of the things those guys do well into my game. I wouldn’t say I take one thing from one main guy. I try to pick up things from other guys in the nation as well, even guys in college right now. I admire running backs from now and then alike.

JM: Who would you say is the best collegiate player you’ve ever gone up against and why?

ZM: I really wouldn’t be able to tell you that (laughs). I think everyone we play in the Pac-12 is very good. There are no weak teams or players out here. We get a lot of teams best efforts when we play against them. I couldn’t really single out a player as the best though.

JM: You’ve battled some ankle issues throughout this year. How are you feeling?

ZM: Everything is good and healthy. I’m just happy to be operating with optimal health right now.

JM: What’s one thing you want people to know about Zack Moss the person?

ZM: I’m a fun guy. I love to play football. This is my life.

JM: What do you enjoy doing outside of football?

ZM: I enjoy playing basketball. I play some video games, as well.

JM: What’s your favorite video game right now?

ZM: I would probably have to say Madden.

JM: Do you have a go to team?

ZM: I mostly use Green Bay.

JM: What does being a Utah Ute mean to you?

ZM: It’s a special feeling. I’m thankful for the opportunity they’ve given me here. They allowed me to come out here and continue to develop my skill set. My love for the game has continued to grow out here. It’s been a very important chapter of my life.

JM: What can fans expect from Zack Moss and the Utes for the remainder of the season?

ZM: We’re gonna continue to compete and grow as a team. We’re a bunch of young men who have a special sense of togetherness. We’re gonna continue to grow both on and off the field. We’re gonna continue to win together so we can do what’s never been done here before. Being a Utah Ute is special.