(This interview originally appeared in www.orangeandbluenews.com.)
How was the transition for you from Coach Turner to Coach Zook?
You always want to stay with the coach that recruited you, Coach Turner was a great guy, but he’s landed on his feet well with the Bears. It was hard at first, but we’ve really taken to Coach Zook.
What’s the goal for this season?
We want to finish in the upper echelon of the Big Ten. Those spots aren’t reserved for Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin. We’ve got just as much a right to it as anyone else, we want to go get it.
What’s the toughest roadtrip in the conference?
Happy Valley. You fly up going over those mountains, and you’re just thinking ‘where is this little town in the middle of the mountains.’ It’s a tough place to play.
Who’s the toughest player you’ve ever gone up against in the Big Ten?
From Wisconsin, Joe Thomas. No doubt about it.
What player or school talks more than their share of trash?
Michigan State likes to talk it a little bit.
How do you know Coach Zook is mad at you?
When he comes over and steps on your foot and starts shouting at you, gets right up in your face and shouts at you. Actually, take out that part about stepping on people’s foot, he’s not abusive or anything. Just gets right on top of you to make sure you’re listening.
What kind of impact has Lou Hernandez had on you guys?
A huge huge impact. We’ve got about 40 guys that can power clean 300 pounds now, which is a huge improvement. He just pushes guys beyond what they think they can do.
How much time do you get to yourself in the offseason?
Not much. You get a week after Christmas, and find a little time here and there, but other than that – not much.
What’s your scene away from the football field?
I like to relax and do some fishing. I go to this little lake called St. Joe’s lake where I can do a little fishing.
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