Over The Pylon

Each year we at OTP attempt to reach out to the incoming Cardinals to try and pull back the curtain a bit on the future of this program. Last season, we were fortunate to touch base with the likes of Connor Ryan, Zane Fakes, Kitt O’Brien, Jason Pinkston, Ethan Buckles, and Eric Williams, and this season, it begins again anew with the current group of recruits chomping at the bit to get into Cardinal and White.

Today’s guest in the OTP interview spotlight is Dakota Anderson, the 6’5″ 245-lb offensive tackle from Xenia, OH. Anderson brings not only size, but athleticism as well, as in high school he also played TE and even QB. This is not your father’s offensive lineman where size and mass trumps speed and athleticism.

A 2-star recruit on both Rivals and Scout, Anderson is largely heralded as a sleeper and hidden gem in this recruiting class, and was receiving interest at one point or another from major college football factories. Anderson continues the building of an offensive line for Jason Eck and Stan Parrish that should be solid for years, protecting the QB and also opening holes for the stable of running backs that BSU seems to be building.

OverThePylon: Can you sort of recap your experience getting recruited to play Division 1 college football and which BSU coaches were your chief recruiters? What were some of the schools that showed major interest?
DakotaAnderson: What is there to say! It was a wild interesting ride being recruited by D 1 schools seeing that so many teams wanted you. Coach Jay Hood And Jason Eck were my two main coaches. Schools that showed interest in me were Akron, Air Force, Brown, Princeton, NC State, EMU, Bowling Green, UK, Northwestern. BSU, Air Force, Akron were the frontrunners.

OTP: Everyone knows last season was a challenging one for the Cardinals. How does that motivate you going forward for success on the gridiron?
DA: I still look forward to every moment because that was a young team and you can really only go up from there so you work harder to surpass the past.

OTP: You’re projected to be an impact player on the offensive line, perhaps even at the TE position. But that wasn’t your natural position in high school, having played QB. What are the coaches telling you about your role at BSU?
DA: They are telling me mainly OT. I played some QB but mostly line. Soph and Senior year I was on the O-Line. I see myself successful where they are placing me.

OTP: What was the deciding factor for Ball State to be able to land you?
DA: I went to summer camps all four years at BSU which made me just love the school atmosphere. Also, I liked the coaches more at BSU than other schools and another big impact was talking with Mr. Gary Pavlechko (Director, Teaching Technology).

OTP: What do you feel like is the biggest adjustment you’ll need to make to be successful in the transition from the high school level to the collegiate level?
DA: Strength especially, speed, and talent.

OTP: This incoming class is another in a long line of solid recruiting classes for the Cards. What are your thoughts about class chemistry?
DA: We have great chemistry, I already talk with Cooper and Obringer.

OTP: What things are you considering majoring in at Ball State? Looking forward to the academic side of the house?
DA: Math Education and still hesitant on that. I hope the schooling transitions well with already being academically sound and strong throughout my schooling.

OTP: Most of our readers know quite a bit about your football prowess on the field. Any hobbies or talents off the field that would surprise some folks?
DA: I love racquetball, I played basketball and can dunk a basketball. I grew up playing soccer playing goalie which I feel helped with most of my football abilities such as catching, punting, and place kicking that I did for my high school team. I’m a 4yr varsity letterman.

OTP: Anything to say to the Cardinals fans who will have the privilege of watching you over the next few years?
DA: Thanks for all your love and support in the upcoming years. I’m excited for the crowd to go wild. GO CARDS!!!

Big thanks to Dakota for touching base with OTP and giving us a glimpse into the future of the O-line!

Other 2010 Recruit Interviews: QB: Keith Wenning | S: Aaron Morris | TE: David Schneider | OL: Jordan Hansel | LB: Matthew Mosley | CB: J.C. Wade

Filed under: Ball State, Recruiting |