Interview with 2008 DL Jake Stoller

[LordJeffBuck]

Interview with Jake Stoller

We recently had a chance to interview Jake Stoller (6' 4", 255 lbs, 4.70 forty, 4.30 shuttle), a defensive line prospect from University School in Hunting Valley, Ohio. Although University School is a small, private academy known more for producing doctors, lawyers, and businessmen (and yes, that is the correct term, as US is an all-male institution), the Preppers also have a strong football program that has produced star players such as former NFL quarterback Jason Garrett. Jake is another top prospect who already has offers from Wisconsin, Iowa, Pittsburgh, Miami of Ohio, Ohio University, Eastern Michigan, Bowling Green, and Akron, as well as from Ivy League schools like Yale, Harvard, Penn, and Princeton. In addition to excelling on the football field, Jake also carries a 3.9 grade point average.

1. Which schools are you most interested in? What is your level of interest in Ohio State?

I like Wisconsin and Yale a lot. I also am talking to Ohio State and Stanford still. I like Ohio State, being that I'm an Ohio kid, and I'd definitely consider them strongly if they offered.

2. When do you plan on deciding which college you will attend?

I want to do it soon, meaning in the next few weeks.

3. When you think of Ohio State football, what comes to mind?

Legacy, Greatness, National Championships

4. What goals have you set for yourself personally and for your team this season?

We want to make the playoffs and win a state championship, and if anyone doesn't have that goal for a team, then they shouldn't be playing football. Can we do it? Definitely. Will it be hard? Absolutely. For me personally, I just want to do what has to be done to win a game. If that is focusing on run blocking at left tackle, then so be it, but I just want to win.

5. When your career is over, how would you like people to remember Jake Stoller?

I would like to be the kid who worked hard, didn't stop, and led his team emotionally and on the field.

6. If you were analyzing yourself on film, what would you list as your strengths and weaknesses?

I can take on the run pretty well, and I feel I have what it takes to read what an o-linemen is doing. What I need to work on is my pass rush and keeping my shoulders low as I turn the corner.

7. What position(s) will you play this year at University School? What position do you see yourself playing in college?

I play DE strongside and LT on offense. In college, I will play defense, strongside, weakside, or defensive tackle in a 3 technique.

8. Who are some of your favorite football players, either college or pro? Do you have any particular role models on the football field?

I love Ray Lewis. He is a tough player who leads by example and can get his team fired up. The Ravens would not be who they are without him. His toughness wins games.

9. Besides football, what are some of the activities that you enjoy?

Fishing. After a game, I'll go fishing with my buddies, and before each year of two-a-days, I go to Canada and fish with my dad for pike. Those are some monster fish - the biggest that we've gotten is a 46".

10. Do you have any favorite movies or TV shows?

ESPN Friday Night Lights, Gladiator, and Remember the Titans.

11. If you don't make it to the NFL some day, what career would you like to pursue?

I'm thinking about sports management or something in business.

[Deety]

Nice interview. Jake sounds like a well-rounded individual... some school will be very lucky to get him.

I always like to see a mention of interest in studying business. Seems a good major for the wide (and perhaps difficult to anticipate) variety of options a player may have following his football career. Those who make it into the NFL wind up handing so much control of their careers over to others... seems that someone with a business background would be better prepared to ensure things are being handled well.