Sept. 19, 2007

Saul Ibarra, a senior linebacker from Chicago, Ill., took some time out with NIU Media Relations Student Assistant Danielle Anderson to talk about life as a member of the NIU Huskie Football team.

What are some differences, or adjustments you have had to make, between your hometown and DeKalb?

"Well, coming from Chicago, my hometown is a lot busier and a lot faster paced. Where as compared to here, it is a little more laid back. Actually, before I came here I had never seen a cornfield before, since I grew up in the city."

What made you decide to come to Northern Illinois?

"It is such a great program, and Coach Novak is a great guy. Coach Schafer, who recruited me, was a reason why I came here, because he and all the other coaches seemed like a great group of guys. It was a good choice for me to come here."

Who has been the most inspirational person in your life?

"My parents, most definitely. My parents came from Mexico, and were kind of poor growing up, but they worked hard to support me. They are hard workers and actually paid for my first two years of college. They had such a great work ethic and taught me that everything is not given to you. You have to work hard and it will all pay off in the end."

Do you have any pre game rituals or superstitions?

"Every time I tape my wrists, I put a little patch of white tape and write the initials of everyone who is coming to watch me play. Most of the time it is my parents initials."

What has been your most memorable moment in your football career here at Northern Illinois?

"When I was a sophomore, we went to play Michigan at the Big House. Growing up I always wanted to play there, and I got to start that game on the kickoff team. I had an open tackle so I had my name announced in the Big House, which was a pretty exciting for me."

How was playing at Soldier Field?

"I think that playing at Soldier Field was probably even better than my experience in Michigan. It was nice to play in my hometown and knowing that everyone was watching. Knowing that I was playing on the same field as some of the greatest, like Walter Payton, Brian Urlacher, Mike Singletary, was an amazing experience for me."

What is the best advice you would give to a player just beginning in the Huskie football program?

"I would say always work hard and never get down. Even if you are not playing right away, everyone in the program is a good athlete, and you'll get your shot. Just keep giving it your all and always listen to the coaches."

Who is the biggest prankster on your team and was has he done?

"I would have to say, either Mark Reiter or Bradley Pruitt. Those guys are always talking, especially Bradley. He is always the really loud one and saying something goofy. He will even write stuff on the back of his head to get people laughing."

Who is your favorite athlete of all time?

"Either Walter Payton or Michael Jordan. Both of them have such great work ethics and never talked down to their opponents. They always played tough and were team players."

What are some of the differences you have noticed between high school and college football?

"Speed and strength are the two biggest differences I have noticed. All the players in college are great athletes: and if someone is not quicker than you are, than they are probably bigger and stronger than you are. Also, the game is a lot faster paced compared to high school."

What is one of your favorite movies?

"300. I liked it because the three hundred warriors fought to the death and never quit."

What is it that motivates you to work hard and get better?

"My dad always instilled in me that you have to work hard. Growing up I was the smaller guy and my mom did not even want me to play football because she was afraid I would get hurt. That always made me want to work hard to get stronger so I could play."

Do you have any nicknames?

"White Tiger. I got that name because I was watching the movie, Rumble in the Bronx and the villain's code name was White Tiger. I decided to have that as my password for my computer and when my teammates found out one day, they would not let it go. The name stuck and the coaches and team have called me that ever since."

What is a favorite quote of one of your coaches?

"Coach Doornbos always says you can never lie to the man in the mirror. You can tell people that you have worked hard, but you have to look yourself in the mirror and you know if you have worked hard or not."

What is your most dreaded workout?

"It think a lot of guys would agree with me that winter conditioning is one of the most dreaded workouts. Waking up at five in the morning and running in the freezing cold, only to lift right afterwards, is pretty tough. Also, during that time the coaches like get tough, and it is more of a mental test, than anything, to make you stronger."

What are some goals or accomplishments that you want to see achieved this year?

"As far as team goals, I really want to win a MAC Championship. These guys on the team are extremely hardworking and we strive to win the MAC every year. Every year we work to achieve that goal and I would like to see that happen this year. On a personal level, I would like to graduate on time in December, and eventually work for immigration, and I am on the right track for that right now."

If we were to look in you I-pod right now, what would most likely be playing?

"Thunderstruck. Every time I hear that song it gets me going. Every year that is the song for the kickoff team so that is another reason it is one of my favorites."

If a movie was made about your life, what actor would play you?

"Oscar De La Hoya, because a lot of people say I look like him."