Editor’s note: The Wildcat caught up with Arizona cornerback Antoine Cason, who was chosen as the national defensive player of the week and a Jim Thorpe Award finalist following his play against then-No. 2 Oregon last Thursday. The senior discussed his family, his “”Cason Cares”” foundation and Thanksgiving.

Wildcat: How does it feel to get all these awards and recognition?

Cason: It definitely feels good. It makes me want to work that much harder to keep doing it. That’s kind of just the competitiveness that I have, just to keep competing. That’s not the end. I’m hungry for it.

W: What has been your best college game?

C: I would have to say Oregon (last Thursday). That’s two touchdowns in one game. I’ve never done that in a college game. An interception, punt return, all those things. That Oregon game last week was the best.

W: How does your dad feel about your performance against his alma mater (Oregon)?

C: He was excited, as was my mom as well as my grandma, who were all here. They were just excited for me. It was a good time. It felt good.

W: Was there any added motivation for you in front of your family?

C: Oh, definitely. It was the last home game here. I had to go out with a bang. I felt good and I really wanted to play this game hard. I feel I’ve been playing well this season so I just wanted to finish it out strong at home with everyone there watching. The bright lights came on and it was time to play.

W: Describe the feeling of a “”Pick 6.””

C: Oh, it’s the ultimate feeling. When you catch it, it’s like, whoa. You just run, run. And then when you get closer to the end zone it’s like it’s coming slower and slower but you’re trying to get there so fast. It’s like everything’s going in your head and you get so excited that you don’t know what to do. People want to dance and do this and that. It’s like you don’t know what to do because you’re there. It’s a great feeling.

W: How’s the “”Cason Cares”” foundation doing?

C: “”Cason Cares”” is doing real well. We had a party to raise more money last Saturday and we raised about $1,400-1,500 at that party and that’s on top of everything already so we’re close to about $5,000 now or over. It feels real good to do something that’s not for me, something that’s higher than me. It doesn’t benefit me at all. It’s for my role model, my grandpa.

W: What are you looking forward to the most about Thanksgiving?

C: Oh man (laughs). Eating the home-cooked food. I haven’t had Thanksgiving at home since I was a senior in high school. I’m looking forward to seeing all my family and my dog. I have a Rottweiler at home. My big thing about going home is to see all my family together, coming together, watching football and eating.

as told to Mike Ritter