OXFORD, Miss. — Robert Nkemdiche’s eyes light up when talking about the transformation that has made him one of college football’s most dominant players.
But Nkemdiche — who at 6-foot-4 and nearly 300 pounds anchors No. 3 Mississippi’s defense as a tackle — does not mention anything about work in the weight room, speed training or a greater understanding of football.
Instead, he talks about Zen and centering himself.
He talks about interstellar science and enlightened souls.
He brings up Pink Floyd, the Grateful Dead and traveling down “the golden road.”
“I have a different role on this team — a different DNA,” Nkemdiche said.