Michigan State University Athletics
Q & A with Casey Jensen
8/24/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 24, 1999
After starting at guard last season, you are moving back to your natural position at center. What does the move mean to you?
I think it?s settled me down, knowing I have one position I can concentrate on. I?m comfortable at that position and that?s the position I?ve always wanted to play. For me playing center comes naturally. I?ve learned all the calls and I?m comfortable making the line calls. The only tough thing is sometimes making a bad snap.
What are some of your career highlights?
My biggest moment was running out on the field last year against Colorado State, knowing I was going to start for the first time. Even though I had butterflies in my stomach, it was the most gratifying thing for me. For my first three years, I didn?t start and kept pushing for that goal. Another big thing for me was beating Ohio State and Notre Dame last year. Those were two games that people didn?t think we could win.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
Our goals, this year, are more team oriented. We want to do whatever it takes to win. Ultimately, we want to win the Big Ten Championship. That?s what I?ve been here five years trying to do. I think the offense and defense have brought their goals together because we are all working for the same thing.
How has the offensive line improved since last year?
I think the preparedness we have this year, as far as knowing our plays, is ahead of where we were last year at this point. We also have more depth of in terms of players who know what they are doing. This should lead to a strong season.
Which player has had the biggest affect on your development?
I think it started out with Matt Beard a couple of years ago. He was the guy that showed me around when I visited Michigan State. He was a quiet leader and a great person to be around as a freshman. He explained it all and helped set a base for me.
What are you going to remember most about Michigan State?
I know I will enjoy looking back on all the memories, the friends I?ve made and the good times I?ve had. You can?t beat it. My goal in high school was to play Division I college football and I?ve reached my dream. I am going to miss my teammates and hanging out with them everyday.
Have you always been an offensive linemen or are there any glory-days stories of playing tailback in Pee Wee league?
No, I?ve always played offensive or defensive line, ever since the sixth grade. I was able to get an interception in high school but that?s about it.
What is the biggest misconception about offensive linemen?
I think the biggest misconception is that we are laid back, kind of like the soft teddy bears of the group. When you actually get us out there on the field, we are more cutthroat than most people think.
Which Spartan defender do you find it most difficult to go up against in practice?
In the spring it was Jace Sayler. This fall he has missed some practice, so it would have to be Josh Shaw and Robaire Smith.
Which Spartans are going to surprise people in 1999?
Little John Flowers and T.J. Duckett.
Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?
Not really. I generally don?t talk before a game. I try to keep to myself and go over everything I have to do in my mind.
What first attracted you to football?
It was the idea of being able to go out and get your aggressions out on the field. Right away, I realized you could hit somebody as hard as you wanted and do anything you wanted except getting a penalty. It was a release of any tension I had within me. When I practice, I am able to take out all of my aggression. I?m actually in better moods during the season than I am in the off-season because I have a release. Football is the best way to do that.
