Jeff Kahntroff
Q: Every time a fan turns on the TV to watch football, he/she will almost always see the linebackers wearing a number in the 50s. How did you end up with number 39?
A: 39 wasn’t really my choice. When I was a freshman they just assigned it to me, but I’ve grown to like it. I like the lower number; it is unique for a linebacker.
Q: Is there any particular moment that sticks out as one of the most memorable moments of your football career here?
A: When we were in the playoffs during my freshman year. From the time leading up to the game throughout the game, we felt like we were being treated like a D-I football team. It was a lot of fun. That’s the one memory that sticks out.
Q: Do you have a favorite sport to watch on TV?
A: I love watching football the best. I’ve been playing it all of my life so I can watch it as a fan and analyze the games, so I can enjoy it from different perspectives.
Q: How about sports movies? Do you have a favorite sports related movie?
A: I’d have to go with The Program. I love watching football and The Program was intense and a lot of fun to watch.
Q: Do you have any pre-game
superstitions?
A: Not really, before the game I always take a breath and try to collect my thoughts. I also kneel down near the goal posts before the every game and say a prayer.
Q: After you graduate this year, do you plan to stay around the game?
A: I would definitely like to. Immediately after I graduate I want to go to medical school so I may not have time. But hopefully I won’t be working 24/7, cause I would like to coach peewee football someday.
Q: What kind of practice do you think you want to get into after medical school?
A: Not too sure yet. Probably either a pediatrician or somehow get involved in sports medicine.
Q: What sports do you play for fun (other than football)?
A: I played baseball and basketball in high school. But I blew out my knee playing basketball so I stopped playing in high school. I do play IM basketball here though. We won the championship last year.
Q: How would you describe your basketball game?
A: Get real physical, that’s my game. I’ll body the guy I’m covering, I’m not easy to get around.
Q: If I was guarding you in an IM game, how would you cover me? How would you score on me?
A: You don’t really look like the physical type. I’d back you down into the paint on offense. On defense, I’d bully you around.
Q: Have you ever been completely blind-sided by a block in a football game?
A: Not for a long time. When we were playing University of Rochester a few years ago I was chasing the QB out of the pocket and a lineman got me good. That was one of the few times though.
Q: Clearly anyone here at WU has only a limited amount of TV they can watch. What shows do you watch?
A: Definitely a lot of Sportscenter. Other than that, I try to watch The Practice as much as I can.
Q: How did you get into The Practice?
A: My brother got me into it when it first came out and I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s a very suspenseful show, one of the series that I still watch.
Q: What is your favorite on-campus food to eat?
A: Oh, that’s easy. I get the grilled turkey, ham, and American cheese from Bear’s Den. It’s the best.
Q: How do you treat the freshman on the team? Any good pranks you’re allowed to tell me?
A: Nah, we’re actually pretty good with them. Although, the freshman linebackers do get it the worst. We don’t do any special pranks. Just the usual head-shaving at the beginning of the year. But we try to lay off of them to an extent so they can develop on the field.
Q: What NFL player would you consider yourself most similar to? Why?
A: I’d have to go with London Fletcher. He’s a small linebacker and appears to be overmatched. Yet, he always seems to get the job done.
Q: Who do you think is going to be in the Super Bowl this year? Why?
A: I think the Rams are coming out of the NFC. The only team that could challenge the Rams is the Saints, they seem to have their number. The Bears could be a sleeper team, but I doubt it. The AFC is wide open, anyone could come out of the AFC.