Jay Rose is a freshman football player from Brecksville, Ohio who has started at linebacker in two consecutive games. Jay is one of six current players to not be redshirted in their first year. Jay hopes to major in physics.
When did you start playing football?
I’ve always played football. I probably started with flag football when my dad was coaching me. Since then it’s been a big part of my life and my family’s life.
How does it feel to be the only true freshman not redshirted this year?
It’s pretty cool. It’s nice not having to sit out a year and being able to just keep playing football. I came in pretty low and they were trying hard to redshirt me, but with injuries they couldn’t. That’s really how I got the spot.
Is there a big difference in the level of play in college football compared to high school?
Yes, I would say the biggest difference is the size and speed of everyone. We played 350 lb linemen last week and the biggest lineman I’ve played was probably 250 lb in high school. The game is a lot faster too.
What is your favorite thing about being on the Charger football team?
All the guys on the team are really cool. They’re all really friendly and nice and I’ve had a lot of good times with them so far.
What is your favorite part of the game of football?
I just like making big tackles. That’s probably the best part- just getting a good hit on someone.
What are your goals for this season?
As a team, the GLIAC championship is what we’re all shooting for.
Describe your mindset when you step onto the field on game day?
I just try not to think about the fact that I’m the youngest guy out there, I try to focus on what we’ve been working on in practice and tone everything else out.
What has been your favorite thing about Hillsdale?
The people I’ve met so far. A lot of the guys on the team are getting pretty close and I feel like we just have a lot of good times messing around and being around each other.
Who’s your favorite football player?
I’d say Joe Hayden, just because I’m a Browns fan and he is probably their best player.
What’s your favorite football memory?
My senior year we weren’t expected to do anything good and we had one of the best seasons in history. We made a playoff run and it was a great time. The team was all seniors pretty much and it was real fun playing with all those guys.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
Just that senior year: winning our conference and winning the first home playoff game in a long time.
What made you decide to come to Hillsdale?
I heard it was the best academic Division II school. The more I visited the more I liked it. After my official visit I made the decision to come here.
Why did you choose to major in physics?
I would like to eventually go to grad school for engineering and eventually I want to be a mechanical engineer. I might venture into aerospace engineering a little bit, but not for sure
