Chris Horwedel: What was it that took you to Eastern Michigan?

Daniel Holtzclaw: After my senior year I sent out film to all the big 12 teams. Soon to find out later in the recruiting process, University of Oklahoma called me (coach Wilson and coach Vinnables) and said they liked my film and wished they would of saw me earlier. They offered me to come on as a recruited walk on. Soon to find out Eastern Michigan called me the next day because the staff from University of Oklahoma and Eastern's knew one another and put my name out to Eastern. I was offered on the phone and I accepted because it was my only Division 1 offer and that was my dream to play division 1 ball.


Chris Horwedel: Is there a player you pattern the way you play after?

Daniel Holtzclaw: I would have to say Ray Lewis. He plays with a intense motor, great passion, and is a great leader.


Chris Horwedel: Do you think that it's necessary for players to have a certain amount of an ego in order to truly excel in the game of football?

Daniel Holtzclaw: You always have to be confident in yourself. If your confidence level is low psychologically you will doubt yourself which will make you execute at a poor level compared to a player that believes he is the greatest whether its true and executes at a high level.


Chris Horwedel: What's something that would surprise people about Daniel Holtzclaw?

Daniel Holtzclaw: I was better in basketball than football growing up.


Chris Horwedel: If you had to single out one guy on your team for having stepped this year, who would it be and why?

Daniel Holtzclaw: I would have to say the whole team. Unfortunately we didn't finish this year how we wanted but as a captain and leader of the team all I asked was guys to play hard and give 100% every play and that is what they did every week.


Chris Horwedel: If you were a GM of an expansion team which held the first pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, who would you select?

Daniel Holtzclaw: A kicker just joking, I would select myself. I would guarantee to out work any player, be productive and give it my all every snap unlike some players that are just out there for the money instead for the love of the game.


Chris Horwedel: All you've done since stepping onto the field as a freshman, is make plays. Does it ever bother you that you don't get more hype nationally?

Daniel Holtzclaw: It is what it is. I can ramble on about excuses and justifications but that would be a waste of time. Life is about facing adversity your going to get knocked down but its how fast you get back up.


Chris Horwedel: How do you feel you stack up against the middle linebackers in the country?

Daniel Holtzclaw: I feel good about it, I know I can play for any other team in the country. I think my advantage is that I always play with a "chip" on my shoulder. Guys out of high school/college might have been "given" everything to succeed. I've taken the long route which developed a great work ethic and will continue to make my game better than other players.


Chris Horwedel: If you could pick a pro team to play for, who would it be?

Daniel Holtzclaw: I would love to play for any team. To play in the NFL would be a dream come true.


Chris Horwedel: What's more important to you in the beginning of your NFL career: Being on a great team or being able to play early on?

Daniel Holtzclaw: I would like to play early. I'm a guy that likes to compete and contribute to the team as much as possible. I want to be able to make a name for myself as soon as possible.


Chris Horwedel: Let's say you're named the college football commissioner tomorrow, what's the first rule you would change?

Daniel Holtzclaw: Helmet to Helmet contact. I understand that its to protect players but some calls are really questionable.


Chris Horwedel: What's your current height/weight/40?

Daniel Holtzclaw: I'm 6'1 / 245 / 4.6


Chris Horwedel: What's been your single greatest football moment so far?

Daniel Holtzclaw: I would have to say my first game as a true freshman playing against Cincinnati. It was 4th and inches and they handed the ball to there 270lb fullback and I stopped him. Being able to hear the crowd go dead silent after the stop was a special feeling.


Chris Horwedel: On the flip side, what's the one thing you wish you could do over?

Daniel Holtzclaw: I always take the mentality to "leave everything on the field" and have no regrets. When I look back I enjoyed my experience playing at Eastern Michigan and have no regrets.


Chris Horwedel: Lets talk get to the important stuff. What's the last movie you saw, cd you bought and video game that you played?

Daniel Holtzclaw: Twilight - I like vampire movies, I usually download music, Madden.


Chris Horwedel: What's the best advice you've been given?

Daniel Holtzclaw: "You paint your own picture" & "First day you set on the campus you start your own resume"