Wake Forest Athletics
Preseason Q&A: Steve Vallos
8/30/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 30, 2004
Q: What was it like to not only start your first collegiate game last season at Boston College, but to also play in a team-high 72 snaps?
A: I was real nervous that first game. I really did not know what to expect. It was kind of intimidating at first, but once I was find once that first game was over.
Q: As a freshman, you were not as concerned with providing a leadership type role because of senior lineman Tyson Clabo and Mark Moroz, but do you feel as a returning starter that your role in that area has definitely increased?
A: Yes, I do, but Blake Lingruen is our definite leader. I guess I would consider myself second in command to him. Blake is in his fifth year and I am only a sophomore. If Blake is not there, then I am the guy.
Q: You were quite a wrestler in high school. In fact, you were the Ohio State Tournament runner-up. What things did you take from wrestling that helped you on the football field?
A: Wrestling teaches a person a lot about leverage, especially going against bigger players. It helps with your position and the angles you might take to try and push them off the ball. It also helped my quickness.
Q: You have an older brother, Jim, that is one year older than you. You mentioned your first memory of playing football was with him in the back yard. How intense were those battles?
A: The games were mostly him and his friends. I would get to play, but I was always the last one picked. Basically, nobody wanted me on their team. I was the kid that just ran around and would never get the ball. I always put up a good fight though.
Q: You are considered to have the best pass blocking skills of any offensive lineman. Which do you take more pride in: going through an entire game without allowing a sack or sustaining one of those long "Grobe-like" drives with rush after rush?
A: Definitely, running down a teams throat. It almost feels like we are cheating if we get a long pass play. We have passed more this preseason and it really does feel like cheating when we hit Jason (Anderson) or Willie (Idlette) with 30-yard pass plays. As a offensive lineman, you feel like you have accomplished more when you are able to move the ball down the field on the ground.
Q: I imagine it is safe to say that you are familiar with College Football 2004 for Playstation 2. Are you aware that in almost every dynasty you end your Demon Deacon playing career as a two-time All-American?
A: I have heard that for awhile now. I have even heard that I try and go pro after my junior year. I hope it somehow works out that way in real life.
Q: You played guard last season, but moved over to tackle for this fall. For the football novices out there, what are the many differences? Which spot do you enjoy more?
A: As a offensive tackle, you have to move faster because you in pass blocking are going against guys that are 50 pounds lighter and twice as fast. In pass blocking, you are usually one-on-one, while at guard you have the center to help you. I think playing tackle is tougher physically, but easier mentally. I enjoy guard more only cause the guys are generally much slower.
Q: There is an old adage that offensive lineman are a different breed. Is that true?
A: Yes, it is true. Offensive lineman can't screw up. You have to know what you are doing on every play. If one guy screws up out of the five, then the whole play is shot. You just have to know what you are doing out there and not make any mental errors.
