Few people embody the idea of joie de vivre as much as this week's Coverboy. Having moved to Suitland, Md., from Toledo, Ohio, just three weeks ago, 23-year-old Eric likes to maintain an active and adventurous lifestyle. A self-described ''explorer'' who loves everything from camping in the great outdoors to full-contact sports, this professional boxer, dancer and model lives the axiom of variety being the spice of life. As the youngest of five siblings, Eric admits he was spoiled as a child, but even as an adult he likes to indulge his tastes – particularly with food. But he brings more to a relationship than just dining richly and seeking thrills; he's also a handyman who loves building things, and a creative and versatile lover when it comes to the art of romance.
What's on your nightstand?A clock, a lamp and dresser drawers full of various things.
Coverboy: Eric
(Photo by Julian Vankim)
What's in your nightstand drawer?Toys, condoms, lube.
What are your television favorites?Charmed, Bad Girls Club and sometimes I watch the History Channel or the animal channel.
What was your favorite cartoon when you were a kid?Rugrats.
What superhero would you be?Batman. I always feel like I have to be the one to save somebody, the one to step up.
Who's your greatest influence?My boxing coach. If it wasn't for him, I don't think I'd be here right now. He took me in, made me into a man.
Coverboy: Eric
(Photo by Julian Vankim)
What's your greatest fear?Getting fat, because I eat so much. All day. I'm a small guy and I eat like it's nobody's business. I'll eat a full-course meal and then, five minutes later, be the one to say, ''Let's get a burger or something.''
Pick three people, living or dead, who you think would make the most fascinating dinner guests imaginable.Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and my dad.
What would you serve?I'd serve 12 oz. sirloin steaks, macaroni and cheese, corn, cornbread and a side of wine. Let's do Moscato.
How would you describe your dream guy?He'd be tall – 5'11'' or taller – smart, sexy, light-skinned and intelligent. He'd have to be a ''grown-ass man'' who does his own thing.
Define good in bed.A little candlelight with some mood lighting and mirrors.
Who should star in a movie about your life?Kevin Hart.
Who was your first celebrity crush?Will Smith. From his Fresh Prince of Bel-Air days.
Who gets on your nerves?My favorite cousin and my sister, because my sister acts like a gay male and my cousin has a smart mouth on her.
Coverboy: Eric
(Photo by Julian Vankim)
If your home was burning, what's the first thing you'd grab while leaving?My photo album.
What's your biggest turn-on?Light-skinned guys.
What's your biggest turn-off?Bad breath.
What's something you've always wanted to do but haven't yet tried?Skydiving.
What's something you've tried that you never want to do again?Sushi.
Boxers, briefs or other?Briefs.
Who's your favorite musical artist?Trey Songz.
What's your favorite website?Undergear.com, freshpair.com and steveneven.com. I have a big underwear fetish.
What's the most unusual place you've had sex?Outside in the woods.
What position do you play in the big baseball game of life?Outfield, because it's more open area and isn't just one position – that can get boring.
Coverboy: Eric
(Photo by Julian Vankim)
What's your favorite retail store?Walmart or Best Buy.
What's the most you'll spend on a haircut?$25.
What about on shoes?$120.
What's your favorite food to splurge with?Chicken Alfredo or lasagna.
What's your favorite season?Summer, because I like to be half-naked.
What kind of animal would you be?A lion, so I could be the king of the jungle.
What kind of plant would you be?A medicinal plant.
What kind of car would you be?An Aston Martin or a Lamborghini.
What are you most grateful for?My family, the friends I have around me, and waking up for another day.
What's something you want more of?Success.
State your life philosophy in 10 words or less.Good things only come to those who do good.
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