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University of Minnesota Athletics
Future Gopher Q&A: Eric Jacques
4/14/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Throughout the winter and spring, GopherSports.com has been bringing you interviews with future Gophers who signed letters of intent earlier this year. Next up is defensive lineman Eric Jacques. GopherSports.com caught up with the Pompano Beach, Florida native to get his thoughts on TCF Bank Stadium, the University of Minnesota campus and how he thinks he will fit in with the Maroon and Gold next season. Jacques was on campus late last week for a visit to practice with high school teammate and future Gopher teammate Michael Carter.
GopherSports.com: Now that signing day is in the rear-view mirror, has it sunk in yet that you are a Gopher?
Eric Jacques: Yeah, it has and it feels good. Coming out here and seeing how they practice, how the coaches deal with players and much hard work everybody puts in has been good to see. I think I will fit in really well.
GopherSports.com: How was the recruiting process for you? Where else were you considering and what made you choose Minnesota?
Eric Jacques: I was also looking at Miami and FAU (Florida Atlantic University). But I like it here. I like the weather in the spring, and even when it gets cold everything is heated at the facilities, so that will be fine. And I think the campus is nice. I like that there are a lot of different places on campus. There is a lot of variety in the food choices.
GopherSports.com: Is there anyone in the NFL that you pattern your game after?
Eric Jacques: Tommie Harris (of the Chicago Bears). He moves his feet really well and is very powerful.
GopherSports.com: What are your thoughts on TCF Bank Stadium?
Eric Jacques: It’s beautiful. I can’t wait to see it filled with fans on game days. My favorite part is the locker room it is shaped like a football, which gives you a football atmosphere.
GopherSports.com: What is your most memorable high school moment?
Eric Jacques: Junior year in the first round of the playoffs against St. Thomas we lost 13-12, because we didn’t’ have a field goal kicker. We had to go for two the entire game. A better moment though was the last game of the regular season when the other team was at the goal line. If they scored they would have won the game. If we held them, we’d win the game. On the final play of the stand, I stopped the quarterback short on a QB sneak to win the game.
GopherSports.com: What type of music are you listening to right now?
Eric Jacques: Right now I’m playing a lot of Rick Ross. My favorite song of his right now is “On Top of the World.”
GopherSports.com: Do you have a favorite food?
Eric Jacques: Chicken and rice.
GopherSports.com: Favorite TV Show?
Eric Jacques: The Game it is about a football player in the NFL. It’s on the CW.
GopherSports.com: Final question ... do you have any hidden talents or hidden interests you want to share with Gopher Nation?
Eric Jacques: I like the Incredible Hulk. He reminds me of how I play when I’m aggressive.
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