My Football Journey: Tristan Dorty
12/14/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 14, 2011
This article was originally published in the Nov. 26 edition of Kickoff, the official gameday magazine of Wake Forest football.
Q: When did you start playing football?
A: I started playing football in fifth grade in a Pop Warner league in my hometown. I played middle linebacker.
Q: What memories do you have from your first year playing football?
A: Just having fun with my friends. Not really caring much about the game. It was just something to keep me out of trouble.
Q: When did you first realize you could play at the major college level?
A: Probably my sophomore year in high school when I first started playing varsity. Coaches started talking to me telling me I had potential. I didn't take it serious until my junior year when colleges started sending me letters.
Q: Describe the recruiting process and how you ended up at Wake Forest.
A: Coming from a rural background, I didn't really get that many looks because of where I was at. But I felt it was a humbling experience having schools come out there and talk to you. I met Coach [Brad] Lambert. When I first met him he said, "Are you going to give us a chance?" I really didn't know what to say to him so I just said "yeah" and smiled. Other schools were coming in. I didn't how to be honest with him and talk about the recruiting process, but I feel like I made the right choice in the end.
Q: What is the best memory of your high school career?
A: One high school game, I had four or five sacks. It was one of the highlight games of my career.
Q: What area of your game do you need to improve on?
A: I'd say change of direction. At a knick of a second I may have turn in the opposite direction. I can work at that.
Q: Is there an area of your game that just comes natural to you?
A: Physicality. I've always been physical ever since I started playing football.
Q: What person has had the most influence on your football career?
A: Throughout my high school career my biggest supporter was my mom (Bridget Yokley). I've had coaches give me guidance and everything. But my mom has been there through everything, the ups and downs. She has told me to stay humble and level-headed.
Q: What do you plan to do after your football career is over?
A: I would like to pursue a professional career, but if not I would like to work in television behind the scenes like camera work and everything. If not that, I could see myself in a government agency like the Secret Service.