July 17, 2006
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GoRedbirds: You've played at both the tackle and center positions. Which position do you prefer to play?
Isaiah Wiggins: I prefer to play tackle. It's a bit simpler there and I have gotten used to playing on the outside.
GR: What skills that you possess allow you to be flexible and play both positions on the offensive line?
IW: I think that studying the playbook and knowing both positions inside and out allows me to adapt quickly. I also think that I am athletic enough to play both positions, which obviously helps.
GR: Being the youngest of three kids, did you ever get picked on?
IW: All the time. I have a brother, who is the oldest, and a sister that used to give it to me all the time.
GR: Your major is computer science. How did you get interested in that field of study?
IW: In high school I kind of majored in computer science. So I really developed a feel for computers while in high school, but I've been around computers since elementary school. When coming to college, I knew I wanted to major in something that I would enjoy and hopefully pay me a lot in the future, so computer science was an easy choice.
GR: Growing up in Chicago, where does your heart lie: on the South Side or the North Side?
IW: Definitely the South Side!
GR: So I guess that makes you a White Sox fan then?
IW: I'm a die-hard Sox fan and have been my whole life.
GR: Lou Malnati's deep dish pizza or Giordano's?
IW: Giordano's, no question.
GR: What would be your perfect day in Chicago?
IW: Going shopping downtown with friends and family and then spending time on the lake front if it's a hot day. The lake front is also the perfect place to be at night during the summer.
GR: If you could compare your game to any professional player, who would it be and why?
IW: I would say Olin Kreutz of the Chicago Bears. He's about my size and really seems to know what he's doing out there. Even though he's a center, I think my style of play is most like his.
GR: Who has been the toughest person you've had to block in college?
IW: Brent Hawkins. He taught me a lot in practice and when you go from having to block him to other players, it seems easy.
GR: What's been your most fulfilling sports moment at ISU?
IW: Getting to play for the first time in 2004 against Youngstown State on Homecoming. When Jeremy Melville went down, I was thrown in there and was caught off guard. I went in without any gloves on and wasn't taped up. But, when we won that game and I knew I helped, it was great.
GR: Who has been the biggest influence as a player?
IW: My mom. Even though she's not a coach or a teammate, I wouldn't be where I'm at today without her. She encouraged me to do whatever I wanted to do in life and has supported me all the way.
GR: What particular artists are in heavy rotation on your iPod?
IW: I've been listening to a lot of rap lately, particularly Twista. There's a lot of rap and R & B in there too.
GR: What are three words that describe you best?
IW: Hard-working, dedicated and motivated. I think that those apply both on the field for me and also off the field in the classroom and in life.
GR: What is your favorite Chicago sports memory?
IW: I used to love going to White Sox games with my uncle Ronald. He was always taking me to games and I would help him sell peanuts. The games were always fun, even though they were not that good at the time.
GR: If you could give young football players advice, what would you tell them?
IW: I would tell them to work as hard as they possibly can. I am an example that hard work will pay off in the end. If playing football is something that they want to dedicate their lives to, they need to put everything into it possible. Dedication and hard work will take you a long way in life.
GR: The football team is involved in a lot of community service activities in the Bloomington-Normal community throughout the year. Which of the activities do you enjoy most?
IW: Probably the ones where we get to work with the kids. I think those kids look up to us as athletes and for them to see us out in the community helping sets a good example for them in the future.
GR: What is your favorite quote that you like to live by?
IW: "Whatever doesn't kill you only makes you stronger."
