.png&width=42&height=42&type=webp)
University of Minnesota Athletics
Future Gopher Q&A: Brooks Michel
3/23/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
In the days and weeks leading up to and during spring football practice, GopherSports.com will be bringing you interviews with future Gophers who signed letters of intent earlier this year. Next up is Carmel, Ind. product Brooks Michel. GopherSports.com caught up to the big offensive tackle on the phone last week. 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?
Brooks Michel: It pretty much sank in the day I signed. I am just really excited. I am ready to get up there this summer and start working out and play some football.
GopherSports.com: Talk about the recruiting process and what made you decide to come to Minnesota?
Brooks Michel: I thought that the coaches did a great job recruiting. My family and I took a trip to Minnesota the summer of my junior year. All the coaches greeted me and I just felt comfortable at Minnesota. It is also a very good school.
GopherSports.com: Is there anyone you like to emulate or pattern your game after?
Brooks Michel: Not really. I don’t really emulate anyone, I just play.
GopherSports.com: Do you look up to an NFL player?
Brooks Michel: My favorite offensive lineman for awhile was Tarik Glenn. He retired and played for the Indianapolis Colts which is my home team. I always liked him.
GopherSports.com: Your team was very successful in high school. Are you expecting to have that same kind of success at Minnesota?
Brooks Michel: I am hoping so. I am hoping to get to the Rose Bowl and win at Minnesota. We won a lot of games at Carmel High School and hopefully I will do the same as a Gopher.
GopherSports.com: What are your thoughts on TCF Bank Stadium?
Brooks Michel: It is incredible. I got an official tour with hard hats and it was something else. It will be pretty fun to see game day against Air Force. I am pumped to see the first home game.
GopherSports.com: Do you realize you'll be part of the first class to play your entire Minnesota career at the new stadium?
Brooks Michel: I think it is pretty cool. I think it could be pretty special if we have some good seasons right off the bat and win a championship.
GopherSports.com: What are your goals for your first season with the Gophers?
Brooks Michel: One of my personal goals being a freshman next year is just to compete. Just to compete with upperclassmen and hopefully compete for a spot to play. I really just want to get bigger, stronger and more athletic as the year goes on, so I can get more comfortable and succeed in the Big Ten.
GopherSports.com: What are your long-term goals for your college career?
Brooks Michel: If I have the opportunity to play in the NFL it would be something that I would really want to do. I have always loved football and I think it would be pretty fun to keep playing it as a profession. If that doesn’t work out, I am hoping to get into the Carlson School of Management and get a degree.
GopherSports.com: What have you been up to since Signing Day?
Brooks Michel: I have been lifting a lot. I have been working out and running trying to get in shape for this summer. I have also been playing intramural basketball for my high school. We are a pretty good team.
GopherSports.com: How long have you been playing basketball?
Brooks Michel: I have been playing basketball a little longer than football. I started basketball at a really young age and played through my sophomore year of high school. During my junior year of high school, I didn’t try out for basketball because I wanted to focus on football. Basketball really isn’t my sport. I just love playing it for fun.
GopherSports.com: What's your favorite thing to do if you have a day to yourself to do anything you want?
Brooks Michel: Hanging out with my friends. Relax and watch movies. There is a lot going on in Carmel with school, sports and working out, so I just like lying around and watching movies.
GopherSports.com: What music are you listening to most right now?
Brooks Michel: Some pop, rap, and alterative rock like Dave Matthews. I listen to it all pretty much.
GopherSports.com: Is there a song that gets the energy up?
Brooks Michel: The song “Go Hard” by DJ Khaled, T.Pain, and Kanye West. We used to listen to that pretty much before every game and that song got us pumped up and ready to play.
GopherSports.com: Seen a good movie lately? Favorite movie or movies ever?
Brooks Michel: My favorite actor is probably Will Ferrell. I have always liked him. “Stepbrothers” is one of my favorite movies that recently came out.
GopherSports.com: Favorite type of food? If you had to choose your favorite meal, what would it be?
Brooks Michel: Cheeseburgers. I like hamburgers and cheeseburgers. My favorite meal would be orange Gatorade for the drink, a big steak, mashed potatoes, corn and chocolate cake for dessert.
GopherSports.com: What's Can't Miss TV for you?
Brooks Michel: “24” and “The Office”. Right now, “24” has one of the best seasons because they took a year off and Jack Bauer is a pretty cool dude. It is an action-packed show and he has a cool character.
GopherSports.com: Do you have any hidden talents that maybe not many people know about?
Brooks Michel: I don’t think so. I can’t sing or dance really well.
GopherSports.com: Is there anything you'd like to say to Gopher fans who will be reading this?
Brooks Michel: I am ready to go and ready for the new year. Hopefully we can have a good season and win the Rose Bowl.
-UM-
