For years, I’ve heard the old adage that to be truly great at sports, having a high level of self confidence was key. After today’s Media Day at the College Football Playoff National Championship, I believe the same thing to be true about being a successful sports journalist.

With an event of this importance, the big guns of sports media were going to be on location. I knew this going in. It just didn’t really start to sink in until Rece Davis of ESPN was an arm’s length away from where I was standing as I interviewed Clemson junior linebacker Ben Boulware.

Davis, who undoubtedly would fall into the handful of my favorite people in all of sports media, walked up as I was beginning to ask Boulware the first of my two questions. At the moment I saw Davis, my mind started to race. I took three deep breaths and got to work.

Boulware was very receptive. In speaking about Alabama center Ryan Kelly, Boulware showed great respect and admiration for a player that had worked so hard to get to the top of the college game. At one point, I noticed Davis nod his head in approval, which meant that at the very least Davis was interested in the response.

It may seem small in the grand scheme of things, but for me, that little head nod made my day. In a sense, it provided reassurance that I didn’t waste anyone’s time or make a fool of myself. My confidence will be there next time, so I won’t be afraid to ask any question.

— Zach Wagner | @zachwagner22