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University of Minnesota Athletics
Future Gopher Q&A: Joe Bjorklund
3/15/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
GopherSports.com will be posting interviews with all the newest Gophers from the 2011 signing class throughout the remainder of the winter and spring. The next profile in the series is a conversation with local offensive lineman Joe Bjorklund of Rosemount.
Bjorklund was rated as the No. 9 prospect in the state of Minnesota by Rivals.com. ESPN/Scouts Inc. rated him as the No. 60 offensive guard in the country and he earned a three-star rating from Rivals.com and ESPN/Scouts Inc. Bjorklund was an all-state honoree by the Associated Press, the Minnesota Vikings and the Pioneer Press.
The following is a transcript of the interview with Bjorklund:
| Joe Bjorklund |
GopherSports.com: Now that the recruiting process is over, has it sunk in that you're officially a Golden Gopher?
Joe Bjorklund: It did right when I first decided that I wanted to go there. It was right away.
GopherSports.com: What made you want to come to Minnesota?
Joe Bjorklund: It seemed like a good atmosphere and I really like the new coaching staff. I could play Big Ten football while staying close to home.
GopherSports.com: When did you decide that you wanted to play Division I football?
Joe Bjorklund: It was always kind of a dream of mine. When it was 'Wow I can actually play" was probably junior year.
GopherSports.com: What are some of your goals for your first season as a Golden Gopher?
Joe Bjorklund: Just to make an impact in any way I can whether it is on scout team or if they decide I am good enough to play right away, or travel with them. I somehow want to make an impact right away.
GopherSports.com: Have you had a discussion with the coaches about where you are going to play? Do you get to stay at the offensive tackle position you played in high school or will you try out other positions?
Joe Bjorklund: Whatever they want me to be. Last time I heard they said they were probably going to play me at guard, which is fine with me. Wherever I play is wherever I play.
GopherSports.com: What are you most looking forward to coming into Minnesota?
Joe Bjorklund: Turning the Gopher football program around.
GopherSports.com: What is your favorite football memory?
Joe Bjorklund: My favorite football memory is probably making it to the state championship this year.
GopherSports.com: Is there anyone that you've looked up to or tried to emulate throughout your football career? If so, who and why?
Joe Bjorklund: Yeah, Joe Thomas, the left tackle for the Cleveland Browns. I just like the way he plays. He plays tough. He isn't always the biggest or the strongest, but he gets the job done.
GopherSports.com: How would you describe your style of play?
Joe Bjorklund: Vicious, I guess.
GopherSports.com: Do you have any pre-game rituals?
Joe Bjorklund: I usually show up to the locker room about an hour early, get dressed and read my playbook. I sit in silence for a while and think about the game.
GopherSports.com: Do you play any other sports along with football?
Joe Bjorklund: I do track and field in the spring.
GopherSports.com: What have you been up to since signing day?
Joe Bjorklund: I am just kind of working out and finishing out high school.
GopherSports.com: What is some of your favorite music to listen to?
Joe Bjorklund: I like Daughtry and Josh Turner. I like a lot of different kinds of music. My go-to pump up song is Bad Company by Three Days Grace.
GopherSports.com: What are your favorite movies? Or what movies have you seen recently that you really enjoyed?
Joe Bjorklund: My favorite movie is Friday Night Lights. It's a football movie. It's high school football and that is pretty much my life. I am not a fan of the show though.
GopherSports.com: Do you have any 'must see' shows you have to watch every week?
Joe Bjorklund: I don't really. I guess I watch That 70s show before I go to bed every night.
-Interview by Athletic Communications Student Assistant Kate Wadman
