DraftSeason: Tony, what has it meant to you to be a part of an
offensive line that in
recent years has produced NFL standouts like Marion
Barber III and Laurence
Maroney?
Tony: Playing offensive line for Minnesota has been a
tremendous honor. Not only have I been able to play
next to great players like Greg Eslinger and Mark
Setterstrom, but I have also been able to block for
backs who can take it the distance on any given play.
As many people now know, Marion Barber is one of the
most punishing backs in the NFL today. Having him and
someone like Maroney who was flat out faster than
everyone else on the field made my job easy.
DraftSeason: You have played both guard and center in college,
what position are you more
comfortable with, and which one do you see yourself
most likely to play at the
next level?
Tony: My first three years in college were at tackle. I got
some snaps at guard, but never started a game there.
When I switched positions last year I did feel a
little awkward at times. I think I am definitely
growing into my center position. I enjoy making the
calls for everyone on the line, so that’s what I like
most about center. Even though I have never started a
game at guard it could very well be my best position.
At the next level I think I am capable of playing all
three positions, but center or guard will probably be
my most likely position.
DraftSeason: How did you get the nickname Bubba?
Tony: My football coach in 8th grade just thought I looked
like a Bubba. One day over the school intercom he
referred to me as Bubba Brinkhaus. People started
calling me that in the hallway and I hated it. When I
asked my coach why he called me that he said I just
looked like a Bubba. Here I am 9 years later and a
lot of people still call me Bubba.
DraftSeason: What has been the high point so far in your Gopher
career?
Tony: When we beat Michigan at the Big House I have never
been so excited. That was my first year as a full
time starter and we had blown big leads against them
two years in a row.
DraftSeason: You have played against a lot of good defensive
lineman, who would you say
impressed you the most?
Tony:
When I played Tackle I thought Tamba Hali was the best
defensive end that I played against. He played
through the whistle better than any player I have ever
seen. The best D-Tackle would be either Brandon
Mebane or Alan Branch. Both were very powerful
players who were disruptive.
DraftSeason: What are the strongest aspects of your game and
what are some areas in
which you need to improve the most upon?
Tony: If you would have asked me this question last year I
would say my pass protection needed work. I think
that is one area I have really improved. I have
always taken pride in run blocking which I think just
about any offensive linemen will tell you. If I could
improve on one thing right now it would be my blocking
downfield. I have done a good job getting to the
second level but I have been on the ground too much.
DraftSeason: And lastly, what is your all time favorite flick?
Tony: I love movies, but I think my all time favorite is
Pulp Fiction
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