Oct. 6, 2008
GoRedbirds.com sat down with senior defensive lineman Adam Blankenship and asked him to give Redbird Athletics fans an inside look into his life in the new feature series Through the Eyes Of... The series will give an insider's perspective into the lives of many Redbird student-athletes throughout the coming months.
GoRedbirds.com: You have had several injuries in the past. How are you feeling now? And what have you done this summer to make sure you are in top physical shape for the season?
Adam Blankenship: I feel great now. I have had a lot of injuries in the past; a lot of surgeries. I have just been going through rehab, and I've been getting stronger and faster in the weight room. Our strength and conditioning coaches are great about that. I think everyone, including myself, is in top physical condition for the season. So, I think we're OK.
GR: Last season, you were third on the team among defensive linemen with 23 tackles and two sacks. What are you personally hoping to accomplish this season?
AB: Personally, I'm hoping to be the best! We'll see how it works out, but I think I'm ready to take on the challenge.
GR: What does the defense as a whole need to do to improve from last season?
AB: We need to get better at everything. I think most people remember that things didn't go very well last season, but I think we have been working really hard. I think we can accomplish some pretty impressive things and surprise some people.
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THROUGH THE EYES OF ... |
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GR: If there is one piece of advice you could give incoming freshmen players, what would it be?
AB: I would tell them just to try to enjoy everything. I know sometimes it seems like too much to deal with, but just remember that it will be over with really soon. So, just try to enjoy every minute.
GR: What is the biggest difference between playing for Illinois State and Nebraska?
AB: I've been asked that question a lot. I think really the only difference is depth. Everybody has the same caliber of players, and the competition is the same. The only difference is our ability to get that many players. So, depth definitely is the biggest difference.
GR: Who is your favorite team to play in the Missouri Valley Football Conference?
AB: Everyone would probably say Southern Illinois, but I would say Youngstown State. That is my favorite place to play on the road, but I know I will never get to play there again. Their fans are just intense, and it is fun to play in a hostile environment.
GR: Your dad was your high school football coach, and your two brothers also played college football. How has your family affected you as a football player and as a person?
AB: Growing up in football, you just get used to it; It is a lifestyle. You don't really know anything else. So, I'm not really sure what I'm going to do when I get out of here, but it just prepares you for everything. Growing up in a football family prepares you for every conflict or stress that you encounter; you know everything already from your family's experience, so you know how to deal with it. It is all mental. So, growing up in a football family has made it easier.
GR: What do you want to do after Illinois State?
AB: Well, I want to go coach because I can't leave the sport. It's in the blood, I guess.
GR: What is it like to play for Denver Johnson, your dad's college roommate?
AB: It's great. He is an excellent coach, but that fact never really came into the picture. It's very cool, though, but I think my father enjoys it a lot more than I do. It is definitely awesome, though.
GR: What is one interesting thing about yourself that Redbird fans may not know?
AB: I like tornadoes, bull riding and pie (laughs)
GR: Even though you still have one year left at Illinois State, what has been your most memorable moment so far as an Illinois student-athlete?
AB: Definitely making it to the playoffs in 2006. Even though we lost, it was an awesome experience just not knowing which game would be your last. So, it was pretty cool to get to go to the playoffs.
