Off the Gridiron: A visit with Chase Ortiz
7/21/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 21, 2007
FORT WORTH, Texas -- Defensive end Chase Ortiz is one of the anchors of the TCU defense.A senior from League City, Texas, Ortiz enters the 2007 campaign on watch lists for four major postseason awards: Rotary Lombardi Award, Chuck Bednarik Award, Ted Hendricks Award and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy.
Ortiz is a two-time, first-team All-Mountain West Conference selection. He was the 2005 MWC leader in tackles for a loss (14.0) and sacks (9.0). His 11.0 TFLs last season placed second in the league, behind only teammate Tommy Blake (16.5).
Ortiz has started all 25 TCU games the last two years with the Horned Frogs 22-3 in that span.
Included below is a GoFrogs.com interview with Ortiz.
During the recruiting process, what sold you on TCU?
"TCU is a smaller school, and it had a really successful defense that was No. 1 in the nation. I wanted to stay in Texas, and I felt that TCU would be the best all-around place for me as far as getting playing time and showing my ability."
What do you like most about Coach Patterson?
"His drive and intensity. His intensity carries over to his players, and the attitude he takes towards football is carried over to his team."
What's your favorite part of being a student at TCU?
"I love the smaller classes and it just being a smaller school. A lot of people know each other around here. It's just a fun environment."
How would you describe living in Fort Worth?
"I'd say that Fort Worth and TCU have a lot in common. It seems like everybody knows each other. It's just an all-around good place to live and I like it a lot."
With nine starters and 21 lettermen returning on defense, is there a close bond on that side of the ball?
"Yes. All of us have played a lot of football games together. We were successful in what we did last year, but everybody knows that it's going to take a lot of hard work and dedication to get back there this year. That's even with all of us returning."
You didn't see your first game action until your sophomore season. Do you believe you're an inspiration for a lot of guys to keep working hard and their time will come?
"Hard work doesn't give you anything but a chance to get out there and try to earn a spot."
Is there any key to time management in balancing academics and football?
"Some days, you come home from practice after being at school all day and it's seven o'clock at night and you don't feel like doing anything. You just need to be disciplined and get through your studying. It's then behind you, and you're ready to move on to the next day."
What are your thoughts on the new Sam Baugh Indoor Practice Facility?
"It's really nice and will definitely help us. It shows that TCU is a serious program."
