Q&A With Dave Philistin
9/19/2008 8:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 19, 2008
By Chris Chambers, Athletics Media Relations Staff
Maryland Will linebacker Dave Philistin established himself as a force defensively for the Terps last season. The Manchester, N.H., native started all 13 games in 2007, registering 124 tackles, six-and-a-half tackles for loss, four pass-breakups and an interception. Back for his senior season as the ACC's leading returning tackler, Philistin is on the watch list for the Butkus Award, which honors college football's top linebacker. He leads the team with 28 tackles thus far in 2008. He recently sat down with Gameday to discuss the 2008 season, the mentality necessary to play linebacker and his future plans.
Gameday: What is head coach Ralph Friedgen's emphasis for the 2008 season?
Dave Philistin: "Obviously, winning because we have a lot of talent. Our goal as a team is to win the ACC Championship. Everybody has been working hard. We have to take it one game at a time, but that would be a dream come true."
GD: Why did you decide to play football at the University of Maryland?
DP: "I went to the Maryland football camp when I was a sophomore and junior in high school, and I did real well. The coaches were a great fit here. I wanted to go to a school that wasn't too far, but where I felt like I was on my own."
GD: How does it feel to be included on the preseason watch list for the Butkus Award?
DP: "When I was younger my favorite player was (former Ohio State linebacker) Andy Katzenmoyer during my pop warner days. Every kid playing linebacker wanted to play like him. He was the first Butkus Award winner, and to be mentioned in the same category with all the great linebackers in the country is an honor."
GD: What is the relationship like among the defensive seniors?
DP: "It's good. Everyone likes to play jokes. We have a great relationship. We're always messing with each other on the road by prank calling the hotel rooms."
GD: How has your mindset changed knowing this is your last season as a Terp?
DP: "I take it one day at a time. It hasn't hit me yet. I'm glad to get my last camp over with. When the last day finally hits me, it'll be hard."
GD: What responsibilities do you have as a leader for the team?
DP: "I definitely encourage everyone. However, you can't count on one leader. There has to be 11 leaders on the field to execute. Everyone has to be responsible. I try to lead by example to help the younger guys."
GD: What is the mentality for a linebacker?
DP: "I call it `organized chaos'. You have to be able to cover and hit. You can't be that guy who has only big hits. I think it's the most all-around position on the field."
GD: What are the top three songs you listen to on your ipod?
DP: "I'm listening to T.I.'s `You Don't Know Me,' The Lox's `Wild Out' and Lil' Wayne's `I'm the Hottest Under the Sun.'"
GD: What are your plans for after your college career is complete?
DP: "I'd love to play on Sundays in the NFL. Right now, my mindset is this season. Hopefully, we'll be surprising people like Kansas did last season, but with an ACC Championship and a BCS bowl game."
GD: How will being a student-athlete at Maryland help you in the future?
DP: "I've always been a guy to take [well to] hard coaching. The professors at Maryland don't care if you're a student-athlete. They treat you equally to the other students. You don't want to be the person who has special exceptions made for you. It has helped shaped my development as a person."
GD: How do you spend your free time outside of school and football?
DP: "I play video games a lot, but I love to cook. I'm going to load a YouTube video called, `Athletes Who Cook'. No one can beat my mashed potatoes!"
GD: How do the winters in College Park compare to those in your native New Hampshire?
DP: "People here freak out with an inch of snow. I've been blessed to play in the Maryland winters. I used to race my neighbor [at clearing snow] in the morning before school with a foot of snow on the ground. I'd use a shovel against his snow blower."
GD: What is your favorite quote?
DP: "`You can have my body, but you can't have my mind.'"
