FALL CAMP Q&A: Blake Schlueter
8/4/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 4, 2007
What's the best part about being a student at TCU?"I really like the small classes and student-to-teacher ratio. You get to know your professors more on a personal level, like when you walk into class and they ask how your weekend was. At a bigger university, you might just be a number to them. Overall, TCU is a nice, small campus where you get to know people and see them everyday. People are friendly around here."
What does Coach Patterson bring to the coach-player relationship?
"Coach P is a very intense man on a personal level and as a coach. You could not ask for more from a coach. He pushes you to be your best, and he strives to bring out the best in you as a player. Off the field, he wants you to succeed in life beyond football. He cares for us as individuals and strengthens us in that aspect."
It seems like the offensive linemen always share a tight bond. Do you see that among your group?
"Absolutely. The offensive line is all five of us working together on every single play, no matter whether it's a pass, run or any situation of a game. We work in sync a lot. You have to have a feel for the person playing next to you. The bond carries over to off field. We are very close and hang out all the time."
Does it seem like light years from when you first came in as a freshman to where you are now?
"It definitely does. My freshman year, I came into two-a-days as a 230-pound offensive lineman getting thrown around by huge defensive linemen. I didn't have a clue what was going on. I knew I could get up there, but I didn't know I would be where I am now. It is a pleasant surprise, and I am happy."
The Sam Baugh Indoor Practice facility is now open and construction is underway on the end zone project. What does that statement mean about the TCU program?
"It's huge in recruiting. Recruits can come in and see what kind of program we are building. I attribute it to all the past players and coaches who have had the winning seasons."
TCU tailback Aaron Brown was named the Mountain West Conference Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. He immediately credited his offensive line. How does that make you feel?
"That was nice. Normally, nobody is going to know who you are until you give up a sack or mess up. Seeing Aaron Brown or anyone else going into the end zone is a reward for us. You will see us running down the field with our hand in the air, high-fiving just like everyone else. Any time we can give the quarterback extra time to make a pass downfield or make an extra block for the running back, that's all the praise we need.
Not that you have a lot of free time outside of academics and football, but what do you do away from the game?
"I just like to relax. With us going so much and always having something do, I like to sit around with my friends and watch TV. I go out occasionally, and I try to make it home every once in a while to see my family."
What is your major and what do you plan on doing down the road?
"I am majoring in communications with a minor in education. After graduation, I plan on becoming certified to teach and coach high school football. I don't know where but maybe in South Texas.
