In an article published earlier this month on Gopher Illustrated, an online news service focused on the University of Minnesota athletic program, Notre Dame senior and Gopher recruit Kyle Sassack talks about the reasons he chose to attend the University of Minnesota and his goals for his upcoming college career.
Gophers offensive tackle signee Kyle Sassack believes he models his game after a former #1 NFL draft pick
By Ryan Burns
02/15/2017
Gopher Illustrated
Pontiac (Mich.) Notre Dame Prep offensive tackle and new Gopher signee Kyle Sassack is the latest Gopher to sign in the 2017 class and he went in-depth with GopherIllustrated.com to share more about his reasons to sign with Minnesota.
GopherIllustrated.com: What is your current height and weight? What weight would the Gopher staff like you to report at this summer?
Kyle Sassack: My current height and weight is 6'7" 275 pounds. The staff hasn't told me a specific weight to report in the summer at, but I would like to be over 290.
GopherIllustrated.com: What are your individual and team goals you hope to accomplish during your college career?
KS: My individual goals are to start early in my career and to become a better person and player during my time as a Gopher. From a team standpoint, I want to win a Big Ten title and a national championship. I believe that Coach Fleck's coaching ability, the rest of the staff, and my teammates abilities will be able to get us there.
GopherIllustrated.com: What are you looking to work on the most this spring to prepare yourself for Big Ten football?
KS: I'm really looking forward to being apart of the program. I'm excited to get to know all of the guys on the team and get to know the guys coming in with me better. I'm also looking forward to developing my game the best I can.
GopherIllustrated.com: What future moment are you looking forward to the most as a Gopher?
KS: I'm probably most looking forward to playing in a sold out TCF Bank Stadium in front of all the fans.
GopherIllustrated.com: What was the main reason you chose to attend the University of Minnesota?
KS: The combination of an elite school and an elite football program is an opportunity that I couldn't pass up. The direction that this program is headed, this is the best place in the country to be.
GopherIllustrated.com: What team do you want to beat the most as a Gopher and why?
KS: I want to beat the University of Michigan the most. I grew up a Wolverine fan my whole life and it would be great to beat my childhood team.
GopherIllustrated.com: Is there any unfinished academic business or are you all set to enroll at Minnesota?
KS: I am all set to enroll at Minnesota.
GopherIllustrated.com: If you don't make it to the NFL, where do you see yourself in 10 years?
KS: If I don't make it to the NFL, I want to be working business either in Minneapolis or back home in Michigan.
GopherIllustrated.com: What is it about Coach Fleck and the coaching staff that makes you want to play for them?
KS: Coach Fleck and the coaching staff are a collection of guys that are some of the most elite people I have ever met. It's all about the energy with them and they are fully committed to helping me grow as a person and as a player.
GopherIllustrated.com: What is something you learned about University of Minnesota that surprised you during the recruiting process?
KS: I was surprised to learn that the University of Minnesota has one of the most elite business schools in the country.
GopherIllustrated.com: What position do you expect to play at Minnesota? What other position did the Gopher staff mention as a possibility?
KS: I expect to play offensive tackle at Minnesota. I would be comfortable playing anywhere on the O Line. The staff really only mentioned me playing as a tackle.
GopherIllustrated.com: What have the coaches told you regarding how they plan to utilize your strengths as a player?
KS: They told me they are really going to use my athleticism and strength to grow it and help me become an award winning offensive lineman. Coach Warriner definitely knows what he's doing and will be able to make me the best player I can be.
GopherIllustrated.com: Have you had any communication with other Minnesota recruits and if so what?
KS: Yes, Nate Umlor and I talk or Snapchat just about every day. The other recruits and I talk pretty often in a group chat. It's been great to get to know these guys so far.
GopherIllustrated.com: What player do you model your game after and why?
KS: I model my game after former 1st pick in the NFL Draft Eric Fisher. He has similar size to me and resembles similar style of play as me.
Comments or questions? mkelly@ndpma.org.
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About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." The Marist Fathers and Brothers sponsor NDPMA's Catholic identity and manages its educational program. Notre Dame is accredited by the National Association of Independent Schools, the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org.