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University of Minnesota Athletics
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Under the Helmet: Royal Silver
11/1/2018 10:05:00 AM | Football
Royal Silver transferred to Minnesota from Iowa Western Community College. He redshirted last year and has been a regular in the defensive line rotation this season. We caught up with him ahead of the Illinois game this Saturday.
Gopher Sports: How did your 2017 redshirt season help prepare you for this season?
Royal Silver: It helped me in a number of ways. I think the biggest thing, coming from JUCO to the Big Ten conference, is just the strength and weight of being a lineman. I think that was a big thing. I got a lot stronger in the weight room and just also knowing the defensive system helped me out a lot. It made me more comfortable out there on the field be because I knew the defensive plays.
GS: What drew you to Minnesota when you were looking at schools?
RS: I really liked the coaching staff, I liked Coach Fleck and when I came I felt like I was at home. It's a great school as well, a great academic institution and it had everything I was looking for.
GS: How have you changed as a player since coming to Minnesota?
RS: With Minnesota's culture I'm learning a lot more about serving and giving and how there is more purpose in life than just being worried about yourself. I think just becoming more selfless is how I changed the most, I am more concerned about the wellbeing of others.
GS: Do you have any pregame superstitions or rituals?
RS: Nothing much really, just get hype and then I usually say a prayer because that is the reason that I'm here, due to God, the glory of God.
GS: What is your routine like before a game?
RS: I'm usually the calm guy, like the calm before the storm. I'm usually just chilling and listening to music. Once I step on the field, that's when I get it going.
GS: If you could play any other position, what would it be and why?
RS: It would be something on the offense side, probably the quarterback or running back. Quarterback just because the quarterback is leading the team and you get paid a lot.
GS: What is the best spot to hang out on or around campus?
RS: Usually I'm just chilling with friends and to do that we usually just go over to somebody's house. This summer they had the Stone Arch Bridge festival and that was fun, but that's seasonal.
GS: What would you do if you won one million dollars?
RS: I'd save it, invest it and make more.
GS: You wouldn't even spend a little bit of it on something you have always wanted?
RS: I don't know, I don't think I need anything right now really. I have everything I need for right now.
GS: What is one thing you can't live without?
RS: Probably my game system. My Xbox.
GS: Do you have a certain game you like to play on it?
RS: I'm really into shooting games like PUBG, Fortnite, Call of Duty, I play those a lot.
GS: Do you have any strange or hidden talents? If so, what are they?
RS: I can somewhat play the piano, if that is considered a talent.
GS: What is your favorite part about being on this team?
RS: Like I said earlier about how Minnesota is really big on serving and giving and really just progressing yourself forward. I really like how it kind of just evolves me as a person, not only just a football player, but a person as well.
Gopher Sports: How did your 2017 redshirt season help prepare you for this season?
Royal Silver: It helped me in a number of ways. I think the biggest thing, coming from JUCO to the Big Ten conference, is just the strength and weight of being a lineman. I think that was a big thing. I got a lot stronger in the weight room and just also knowing the defensive system helped me out a lot. It made me more comfortable out there on the field be because I knew the defensive plays.
GS: What drew you to Minnesota when you were looking at schools?
RS: I really liked the coaching staff, I liked Coach Fleck and when I came I felt like I was at home. It's a great school as well, a great academic institution and it had everything I was looking for.
GS: How have you changed as a player since coming to Minnesota?
RS: With Minnesota's culture I'm learning a lot more about serving and giving and how there is more purpose in life than just being worried about yourself. I think just becoming more selfless is how I changed the most, I am more concerned about the wellbeing of others.
GS: Do you have any pregame superstitions or rituals?
RS: Nothing much really, just get hype and then I usually say a prayer because that is the reason that I'm here, due to God, the glory of God.
GS: What is your routine like before a game?
RS: I'm usually the calm guy, like the calm before the storm. I'm usually just chilling and listening to music. Once I step on the field, that's when I get it going.
GS: If you could play any other position, what would it be and why?
RS: It would be something on the offense side, probably the quarterback or running back. Quarterback just because the quarterback is leading the team and you get paid a lot.
GS: What is the best spot to hang out on or around campus?
RS: Usually I'm just chilling with friends and to do that we usually just go over to somebody's house. This summer they had the Stone Arch Bridge festival and that was fun, but that's seasonal.
GS: What would you do if you won one million dollars?
RS: I'd save it, invest it and make more.
GS: You wouldn't even spend a little bit of it on something you have always wanted?
RS: I don't know, I don't think I need anything right now really. I have everything I need for right now.
GS: What is one thing you can't live without?
RS: Probably my game system. My Xbox.
GS: Do you have a certain game you like to play on it?
RS: I'm really into shooting games like PUBG, Fortnite, Call of Duty, I play those a lot.
GS: Do you have any strange or hidden talents? If so, what are they?
RS: I can somewhat play the piano, if that is considered a talent.
GS: What is your favorite part about being on this team?
RS: Like I said earlier about how Minnesota is really big on serving and giving and really just progressing yourself forward. I really like how it kind of just evolves me as a person, not only just a football player, but a person as well.
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