Round 3
January 28 2008
Question from Don
Rizzi: I was at the Stanford game cheering like crazy
for you in your last game for the Irish. My group was sooooooooo
bummed when you got hurt and had to leave the game ... twice. How
is that injury now? You didn't mention it in you blog so I'm
guessing it's a thing of the past.
Trevor's Answer: Thanks man! Yeah, I sprained my foot late in the Stanford game and it was giving me a lot of pain. But man, it was my last game EVER. I couldn't out like that. I wanted to walk off the field on my own...not hobbling off. Plus part of me wanted the tackle record and I wasn't sure how many I had. My foot is fine now though.
Question from Douglas Hillary: Trevor, great career at ND! Love the way you play. Good luck at the Senior Bowl, Combine, and draft day. All your hard work will pay off soon. Never lose that edge and look forward to seeing you play on Sundays. Have you noticed interest from the Bears at all? You fit their scheme and would be an instant fan favorite. I'd buy a 98 Bears jersey without question!
Trevor's Answer: Haha, glad to hear a 98 Bears jersey is on order with ya!! Chicago would be cool with me. Plus I love the way Tommie Harris plays, so that would be cool to learn from him. It's still pretty early yet, so anything can happen!!!
Question from Jim: First off, I want to say thanks for all the hard work you devoted to the great and glorious ND! We hated to see ya go big guy. Now, have you heard any news about our recruiting class as far as who we will land before signing day? Also, what's it looking like for the future of ND?
Trevor's Answer: Thanks man! As for the signing class, I don't have any inside news or anything, but it sounds like they're incoming class is killer! They'll be young, but they'll have a lot of talent. Not doubt they'll be back in the BCS soon!! GO IRISH!!
Question from Dan: I really enjoying playing college football online on the PS3 and beating down people with the Irish. Just wondering if you or any of your Irish teammates get into this game as well and who on the team is a good video game baller?
Trevor's Answer: Oh yeah, lots of people play NCAA. I get into it a little bit, but my game is Halo and Guitar Hero. Me, Kuntz, Tommy all kill it on Halo. Super fun. Obviously I dominate all!!! ;-)
Question from Jack C.: Anyway, my question is on your opinion of how much we can/should expect the ND O-line to improve next year - is there any hope that these guys can resemble some of the fearsome lines of yesteryears next season? We know it was the Achilles' heel of the team all season, but from your perspective, was it something correctable - like youth, inexperience, lack of familiarity with blocking schemes, OR was the poor performance due to lack of talent, desire, ability to comprehend the schematics? Given your experience in going against these guys in practice, do we have any right to hope that next year is going to be better?
Trevor's Answer: I guarantee the Oline to be better next year. Even though they are losing Sully, they got guys that are maturing and getting better every day. The problems we had were definitely NOT due to desire. That always burns me up when people question our effort...we ALWAYS give 100%...but for whatever reason we don't get it done. Stewart is getting better, and Duncan will be a stud. Sam Young stepped up and is getting better. You also got Turk and Wenger that will solidify the line. With freshmen coming in, the line looks good for next year and beyond.
Question from Michael Stimpfel: With the absense of many team leaders including yourself,zibby, and carlson who do you see steping up to take leadership roles on next years team?
Trevor's Answer: Well, that's always tough, but definitely Mo Crum. He is a natural leader and will continue doing that next year. On the offensive side, I'm sure Jimmy will step up as he gets more comfortable being "the man" at ND. I could also see Bruton stepping up and being more vocal next year. All stand up guys.
Question from Tom: Anyway, my question for you is- how did you get to be so good at blocking kicks and batting down passes? You must have been at or near the top in both categories nationally. Other guys your size and height don't get half the number you do. Do you have an unusually long wingspan or high vertical jump, even by the standards of D1 linemen? Did you play basketball a lot when you were younger? Again, good luck to you in the league. I know I speak for many ND fans when I say you\'ve joined the pantheon of fondly-remembered ND greats like Rice, Mirer, Bettis, Zorich, etc.
Trevor's Answer: Wow, first off thanks for mentioning me with ND greats like that. That is definitely an honor. As for knocking down passes, it's just something I've always been taught...to get my hands up. If I'm not sacking the QB, I'm getting my hands up to try and knock down a pass. My boy Kuntz also has a knack for that. For blocking kicks...I just don't take that play off. Some people loaf on kicks...I don't. Plus I can get sideways and get between lineman to get as close as possible. I did play bball as a kid, until wrestling took over in middle school.
Question from Chief Bailiff: Trevor we all know you were the best Defensive Lineman at ND the last 5 years.I want to know who was the best WR at ND.Jeff please turn your head for a second,just in case.
Trevor's Answer: Haha...well of course I have to say my boy Jeff!!! I was on the same team as some great guys though...like MoSto, Rhema and now I see Robbie coming into his own as well. Plus Shelton was one fast dude. Oh yeah, and Omar Jenkins was good as well.
Question from Mike L: I lived down the hall from you on the second floor of Dillon when you roomed with Ambrose and Vic. What were those guys like to live with?
Trevor's Answer: Oh that's cool man! Vic and Ambrose are my boys!! I actually lived with each of them after the dorms too. Vic is pretty chill, and was always hangin with his "wife" Danielle. Ambrose was always bumpin beats hard. We all played video games and definitely had a good time in Dillon.
Question from Richard Rush: I know you and the guys had to have wrestling matches behind the scenes. What players would challenge you the most? What was the outcome?
Trevor's Answer: Most definitely. We absolutely got into some heated wrestling matches in the locker room. Me and Sully would battle constantly...especially our freshman year. He knows not to battle me anymore though. Borsetti would always get into the mix too...trying to act like he was a big boy. We generally stopped wrestling tho cuz more than likely someone always got hurt. We're too big to be wrestling like that in a locker room. It was fun though and someone is always doing some type of wrestling move on somebody.
Question from Andrew: My friends and I were wondering if you had a nickname. We always called you "Grond." If you recall, Grond is the enormous battering ram in the Lord of the Rings that is used to demolish the formidable walls of Minas Tirith. It looks menacing and the armies of orcs and trolls chant "Grond!" repeatedly upon its arrival. We thought it was an appropriate nickname, as you were often able to breach the walls of opposing offensive lines, thus causing great harm to opposing QBs and RBs, and additional wailing and gnashing of teeth among opposing fans. Would you like Grond to be your official nickname if you don't have one already?
Trevor's Answer: Haha...dude this has to be the best email I've gotten from anyone. If you didn't know, I'm a huge LOTR fan...love it. I laughed out loud when I read this email. Grond is the bomb nickname...I'm officially Grond!!! GROND GROND GROND GROND!!!
Question from Jack S: Hey Trevor!!! I was just wondering what you thought of the rough 2007 season. I am THE biggest ND fan ever and every loss was like a death in the family. Also, do whatever you can to get drafted by the browns. I live in Columbus so I'll b able to see you play and you'll be able to play with Brady
Trevor's Answer: Well man, it was tough. Losing is never fun. None of us ever gave up though, we fought hard ti the end. Even tho the season was tough one, I definitely don't regret coming back for my 5th year. Every experience is a learning one.
Question from Kichal Jennings: The very first time you put on that amazing ND jersey what went through your mind?
Trevor's Answer: Well, first thought was "Dream Come True". I was pumped. Felt so good. Went and looked in the mirror and thought "Damn I look fat". Haha, true story. It was definitely awesome though. I'll never forget wearing ND colors and running out of the tunnel...thrilling.
Question from Dave Scherer: Trev who was the toughest OL you went up against all week?
Trevor's Answer: Well, of course Sully is always tough. We know each other so well that it's tough for either of us to win. Besides Sully though, Radovich is a beast. Very technically sound. He might have the worst body of any college athlete, but he's a stud. The dude from Oregon State was also tough.
Question from Skip: Great Senior Bowl game and you deserve your reward for an outstanding week you had in Mobile. On the last play of the game, I have to ask you.
"How badly were you held and did # 70 put a hold on your face mask as well. I thought I saw your head snap back? On to the combine and continue to work hard in CA!!!
Trevor's Answer: Of course they held me...they always do. I don't remember about the facemask, but definitely held me. They were actually holding A LOT all game. Especially the dude from Texas A&M...he was a cheap shot artist and held constantly. At one point I yelled at him "DUDE, IT'S AN ALL STAR GAME, WHAT ARE YOU DOING???". He wasn't cool at all. Oh well, whaddya gonna do. People trying to make a name for themselves.
Question from Les Taylor: As a fan of the New England Patriots, its hard to ignore the age of the linebackers (both Junior Seau and Tedy Bruschi have indicated they may retire, especially if they win the Super Bowl). It's also clear that Coach Belichick likes to draft defensive linemen and convert them into linebackers. You certainly would be familiar with the system. Should they select you in the 2008 draft, do you feel that you could make that transition?
Trevor's Answer: Well, while I appreciate your confidence in my abilities to play LB...I have no shot at playing that particular position. I'm just way too big. I feel I could be effective as a DE in a 3-4 similar to what NE plays, but not a stand up LB. Thanks though!!!
Trevor's Answer: Thanks man! Yeah, I sprained my foot late in the Stanford game and it was giving me a lot of pain. But man, it was my last game EVER. I couldn't out like that. I wanted to walk off the field on my own...not hobbling off. Plus part of me wanted the tackle record and I wasn't sure how many I had. My foot is fine now though.
Question from Douglas Hillary: Trevor, great career at ND! Love the way you play. Good luck at the Senior Bowl, Combine, and draft day. All your hard work will pay off soon. Never lose that edge and look forward to seeing you play on Sundays. Have you noticed interest from the Bears at all? You fit their scheme and would be an instant fan favorite. I'd buy a 98 Bears jersey without question!
Trevor's Answer: Haha, glad to hear a 98 Bears jersey is on order with ya!! Chicago would be cool with me. Plus I love the way Tommie Harris plays, so that would be cool to learn from him. It's still pretty early yet, so anything can happen!!!
Question from Jim: First off, I want to say thanks for all the hard work you devoted to the great and glorious ND! We hated to see ya go big guy. Now, have you heard any news about our recruiting class as far as who we will land before signing day? Also, what's it looking like for the future of ND?
Trevor's Answer: Thanks man! As for the signing class, I don't have any inside news or anything, but it sounds like they're incoming class is killer! They'll be young, but they'll have a lot of talent. Not doubt they'll be back in the BCS soon!! GO IRISH!!
Question from Dan: I really enjoying playing college football online on the PS3 and beating down people with the Irish. Just wondering if you or any of your Irish teammates get into this game as well and who on the team is a good video game baller?
Trevor's Answer: Oh yeah, lots of people play NCAA. I get into it a little bit, but my game is Halo and Guitar Hero. Me, Kuntz, Tommy all kill it on Halo. Super fun. Obviously I dominate all!!! ;-)
Question from Jack C.: Anyway, my question is on your opinion of how much we can/should expect the ND O-line to improve next year - is there any hope that these guys can resemble some of the fearsome lines of yesteryears next season? We know it was the Achilles' heel of the team all season, but from your perspective, was it something correctable - like youth, inexperience, lack of familiarity with blocking schemes, OR was the poor performance due to lack of talent, desire, ability to comprehend the schematics? Given your experience in going against these guys in practice, do we have any right to hope that next year is going to be better?
Trevor's Answer: I guarantee the Oline to be better next year. Even though they are losing Sully, they got guys that are maturing and getting better every day. The problems we had were definitely NOT due to desire. That always burns me up when people question our effort...we ALWAYS give 100%...but for whatever reason we don't get it done. Stewart is getting better, and Duncan will be a stud. Sam Young stepped up and is getting better. You also got Turk and Wenger that will solidify the line. With freshmen coming in, the line looks good for next year and beyond.
Question from Michael Stimpfel: With the absense of many team leaders including yourself,zibby, and carlson who do you see steping up to take leadership roles on next years team?
Trevor's Answer: Well, that's always tough, but definitely Mo Crum. He is a natural leader and will continue doing that next year. On the offensive side, I'm sure Jimmy will step up as he gets more comfortable being "the man" at ND. I could also see Bruton stepping up and being more vocal next year. All stand up guys.
Question from Tom: Anyway, my question for you is- how did you get to be so good at blocking kicks and batting down passes? You must have been at or near the top in both categories nationally. Other guys your size and height don't get half the number you do. Do you have an unusually long wingspan or high vertical jump, even by the standards of D1 linemen? Did you play basketball a lot when you were younger? Again, good luck to you in the league. I know I speak for many ND fans when I say you\'ve joined the pantheon of fondly-remembered ND greats like Rice, Mirer, Bettis, Zorich, etc.
Trevor's Answer: Wow, first off thanks for mentioning me with ND greats like that. That is definitely an honor. As for knocking down passes, it's just something I've always been taught...to get my hands up. If I'm not sacking the QB, I'm getting my hands up to try and knock down a pass. My boy Kuntz also has a knack for that. For blocking kicks...I just don't take that play off. Some people loaf on kicks...I don't. Plus I can get sideways and get between lineman to get as close as possible. I did play bball as a kid, until wrestling took over in middle school.
Question from Chief Bailiff: Trevor we all know you were the best Defensive Lineman at ND the last 5 years.I want to know who was the best WR at ND.Jeff please turn your head for a second,just in case.
Trevor's Answer: Haha...well of course I have to say my boy Jeff!!! I was on the same team as some great guys though...like MoSto, Rhema and now I see Robbie coming into his own as well. Plus Shelton was one fast dude. Oh yeah, and Omar Jenkins was good as well.
Question from Mike L: I lived down the hall from you on the second floor of Dillon when you roomed with Ambrose and Vic. What were those guys like to live with?
Trevor's Answer: Oh that's cool man! Vic and Ambrose are my boys!! I actually lived with each of them after the dorms too. Vic is pretty chill, and was always hangin with his "wife" Danielle. Ambrose was always bumpin beats hard. We all played video games and definitely had a good time in Dillon.
Question from Richard Rush: I know you and the guys had to have wrestling matches behind the scenes. What players would challenge you the most? What was the outcome?
Trevor's Answer: Most definitely. We absolutely got into some heated wrestling matches in the locker room. Me and Sully would battle constantly...especially our freshman year. He knows not to battle me anymore though. Borsetti would always get into the mix too...trying to act like he was a big boy. We generally stopped wrestling tho cuz more than likely someone always got hurt. We're too big to be wrestling like that in a locker room. It was fun though and someone is always doing some type of wrestling move on somebody.
Question from Andrew: My friends and I were wondering if you had a nickname. We always called you "Grond." If you recall, Grond is the enormous battering ram in the Lord of the Rings that is used to demolish the formidable walls of Minas Tirith. It looks menacing and the armies of orcs and trolls chant "Grond!" repeatedly upon its arrival. We thought it was an appropriate nickname, as you were often able to breach the walls of opposing offensive lines, thus causing great harm to opposing QBs and RBs, and additional wailing and gnashing of teeth among opposing fans. Would you like Grond to be your official nickname if you don't have one already?
Trevor's Answer: Haha...dude this has to be the best email I've gotten from anyone. If you didn't know, I'm a huge LOTR fan...love it. I laughed out loud when I read this email. Grond is the bomb nickname...I'm officially Grond!!! GROND GROND GROND GROND!!!
Question from Jack S: Hey Trevor!!! I was just wondering what you thought of the rough 2007 season. I am THE biggest ND fan ever and every loss was like a death in the family. Also, do whatever you can to get drafted by the browns. I live in Columbus so I'll b able to see you play and you'll be able to play with Brady
Trevor's Answer: Well man, it was tough. Losing is never fun. None of us ever gave up though, we fought hard ti the end. Even tho the season was tough one, I definitely don't regret coming back for my 5th year. Every experience is a learning one.
Question from Kichal Jennings: The very first time you put on that amazing ND jersey what went through your mind?
Trevor's Answer: Well, first thought was "Dream Come True". I was pumped. Felt so good. Went and looked in the mirror and thought "Damn I look fat". Haha, true story. It was definitely awesome though. I'll never forget wearing ND colors and running out of the tunnel...thrilling.
Question from Dave Scherer: Trev who was the toughest OL you went up against all week?
Trevor's Answer: Well, of course Sully is always tough. We know each other so well that it's tough for either of us to win. Besides Sully though, Radovich is a beast. Very technically sound. He might have the worst body of any college athlete, but he's a stud. The dude from Oregon State was also tough.
Question from Skip: Great Senior Bowl game and you deserve your reward for an outstanding week you had in Mobile. On the last play of the game, I have to ask you.
"How badly were you held and did # 70 put a hold on your face mask as well. I thought I saw your head snap back? On to the combine and continue to work hard in CA!!!
Trevor's Answer: Of course they held me...they always do. I don't remember about the facemask, but definitely held me. They were actually holding A LOT all game. Especially the dude from Texas A&M...he was a cheap shot artist and held constantly. At one point I yelled at him "DUDE, IT'S AN ALL STAR GAME, WHAT ARE YOU DOING???". He wasn't cool at all. Oh well, whaddya gonna do. People trying to make a name for themselves.
Question from Les Taylor: As a fan of the New England Patriots, its hard to ignore the age of the linebackers (both Junior Seau and Tedy Bruschi have indicated they may retire, especially if they win the Super Bowl). It's also clear that Coach Belichick likes to draft defensive linemen and convert them into linebackers. You certainly would be familiar with the system. Should they select you in the 2008 draft, do you feel that you could make that transition?
Trevor's Answer: Well, while I appreciate your confidence in my abilities to play LB...I have no shot at playing that particular position. I'm just way too big. I feel I could be effective as a DE in a 3-4 similar to what NE plays, but not a stand up LB. Thanks though!!!