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University of Minnesota Athletics
Future Gopher Q&A: Dan Orseske
2/25/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
In the weeks leading up to spring football practice, GopherSports.com will be bringing you interviews with future Gophers who signed letters of intent earlier this year. Next up is Dan Orseske, a punter from Brother Rice High School in Chicago. GopherSports.com caught up to Orseske on the phone Monday night. The following is a transcript of that interview:
GopherSports.com: Now that signing day is over and you’ve had some time to reflect, has it all sunk in that you’re officially a Golden Gopher?
Dan Orseske: It hasn’t quite hit me yet. But I am sure it will when I get there in June.
GopherSports.com: Talk about the recruiting process and what made you decide to come to Minnesota?
Dan Orseske: The three things would be that the coaching staff was really nice, the atmosphere was perfect for me, and my parents really liked it a lot. The new stadium also really helped a lot along with the other facilities.
GopherSports.com: Have you toured the stadium or had a chance to look at it?
Dan Orseske: When I came for my official visit, we got to tour the stadium including the locker room.
GopherSports.com: Can you talk about your background and how you became a punter?
Dan Orseske: I played fullback my freshman year and I was a punter, but I was never very good. During my sophomore year, one of my teachers was a kicking coach. He punted for Wisconsin and was a free agent for the NFL. He has showed me everything I know since my sophomore year until now.
GopherSports.com: Is there anyone you look up to or emulate their style as a punter?
Dan Orseske: My kicking coach. He has a lot of experience playing college football. He talks to me everyday about what to experience and how to clam down in serious situations. He has taught me a lot.
GopherSports.com: What do you feel are your strengths as a punter?
Dan Orseske: I can put the defense in the best position possible and kick close to the end zone when we need it.
GopherSports.com: What are your thoughts on TCF Bank Stadium?
Dan Orseske: The first game is going to be intense, because we have been playing in the dome for a long time. With the on-campus stadium, it is going to be exciting.
GopherSports.com: Are you going to be nervous?
Dan Orseske: As a freshman, I will be nervous. But I know that I have to get the job done.
GopherSports.com: What do you think about being part of the first class to play your entire Minnesota career at the new stadium?
Dan Orseske: It means a lot because four years from now, I can say that I was on the first team to play on that field.
GopherSports.com: What are your goals for your first season with the Gophers?
Dan Orseske: I just want to be friends with the entire team and do my best to give our defense the best field position I can.
GopherSports.com: Have you been in contact with any current players on the team?
Dan Orseske: I talk to Justin Kucek on Facebook quite a bit. I also talk to David Schwerman. Dave has talked to me a lot about the team and that they are cool guys. Justin has also talked to me about his experience at the U and what to expect.
GopherSports.com: What are your long-term goals for your college career?
Dan Orseske: Just to do the best I can at football, do well in school and hopefully get a job right away after college.
GopherSports.com: What are you most looking forward to about getting to Minnesota this summer?
Dan Orseske: Just to be a part of a Big Ten football team. When I was there for my official visit, all of the guys were really cool and I became friends with them already. Just to be part of the team. I just can’t wait to get there, hang out with the guys and start kicking in college, which is going to be a huge thing. Mainly I'm just looking forward to being part of the team.
GopherSports.com: What have you been up to since Signing Day?
Dan Orseske: I have been kicking a little bit and working out. It is a relief that it is over and that the process is done with.
GopherSports.com: If you weren’t playing football in college, what sport would you want to play and why?
Dan Orseske: Basketball. I played in grammar school, which was some of my best memories playing basketball. I also play at the gym quite a bit with friends.
GopherSports.com: What music are you listening to most right now?
Dan Orseske: Country.
GopherSports.com: Do you have a favorite artist?
Dan Orseske: I pretty much like everybody.
GopherSports.com: Seen a good movie lately? Do you have a favorite movie?
Dan Orseske: I just saw the movie Stepbrothers a month ago, which was pretty funny. I also like all of the Rocky movies.
GopherSports.com: Favorite types of food? If you had to choose your favorite meal, what would it be?
Dan Orseske: Seafood. My favorite meal would be crab legs.
GopherSports.com: What’s "Can’t Miss TV" for you?
Dan Orseske: I watch Seinfeld quite a bit. I also watch ESPN and the Big Ten Network. During football season, I like to watch the Gopher show where they recap the last game.
GopherSports.com: Are you into video games?
Dan Orseske: Yes. I like to play Madden and Halo 2.
GopherSports.com: Do you play NCAA football?
Dan Orseske: I play it at my friend's quite a bit. The Gophers are my team.
GopherSports.com: Do you have any hidden talents?
Dan Orseske: Fishing. We have a cottage in Michigan where I fish.
GopherSports.com: Is there anything you’d like to say to Gopher fans who will be reading this?
Dan Orseske: Every time I am out on the field, I am going to try to give the defense the best field position I can. I am a dedicated football player and dedicated to the team.
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