T.J. Linta – Quarterback – Senior – Wagner University

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

 

T.J. Linta:  My height was 6’3 ½ and 237 pounds at the FCS Bowl.  I play at around 230.  I need to lose a few pounds.  My best ever forty was a 4.88. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Where will you be training for the NFL Draft?

 

T.J. Linta:  XPE in Fort Lauderdale with Tony Villani.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall experience at the FCS all-star game in Daytona Beach, FL.

 

T.J. Linta:  I thought that it would just be a business trip, but it was honestly a lot more fun.  I met a lot of guys.  I knew a lot of these guys during recruiting.  I met some scouts.  It was amazing.  It was an opportunity that not many can have.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest thing that you will take away from that weekend?

 

T.J. Linta:  I had the basic interview with four or five teams.  Now I know the questions that they will ask.  The competition level was great.  I competed against very good players.  It was a validation that I could compete with the best of them. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who was the best player that you have faced at FCS Bowl?

 

T.J. Linta:  Ryan Fulse, my teammate.  WR from Campbell (Aaron Blockmon) is a great player.  He is a competitor. 

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in
you?

 

T.J. Linta:  The Ivy Leagues, some FBS programs and more FCS teams recruited me.  Tulane, Rice and Virginia.  I wanted to go to an Ivy League program because of academics. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose Brown? 

 

T.J. Linta:  It came down to Brown and Yale.  My dad is an alumnus at Yale.  He wanted me to go there.  I wanted to go to a place where I would be the guy.  I wanted to play early and to a school that throws it all over the place.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Tell me about your career at Brown. 

 

T.J. Linta:  Junior year, we were a better team.  I came in as the starter third or fourth week of the season and won the job.  We won three out of five games in Ivy League.  There were a lot of good players around me.  Senior year, we had a young team.  I think that I was the only senior last year.  We tried everything.  There was some instability at the program.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you decide to transfer to Wagner?

 

T.J. Linta:  During my senior year, the culture at Brown was steering in the wrong direction.  I needed a fresh start.  I love the guys at Brown.  I just saw a better opportunity.  I got the degree from Brown.  I became a graduate transfer at Wagner. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your final season at Wagner?  

 

T.J. Linta:  It was a good year.  I enjoyed it.  I connected with the guys.  RB Ryan Fulse became First Team All-American.  He was the offense.  We ran a pro style offense.  I threw a lot of play-action passes.  We really connected as a team at the end.  It was a little too late.  We were a better team than what our record showed.  We played well against some good teams.  We had some good wins at the end.  I wish we could have done more early on.  I won the job out of camp.  I was out for two weeks to start the season.  It was a slight injury.  I had a partial tear in my middle finger.  I had surgery and came back quickly.

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

 

T.J. Linta:  Decision-making and picking up the offense.  I am a sound and accurate thrower. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

 

T.J. Linta:  Pocket awareness.  I need to be more elusive in the pocket.  I also want to work on my speed.    

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you consider your biggest accomplishment during your college career?

 

T.J. Linta:  I was proud to come to Wagner and win the job.  It was a major goal of mine.  It was a challenge, but I won the job.  It is my biggest accomplishment.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  What knowledge has your dad given you about football? 

 

T.J. Linta:  He played DL at Yale.  He told me to love the game.  He was my coach in high school.  He taught me the elementary skills to play the game.  He also told me that hard work pays off.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your teammate RB Ryan Fulse.

 

T.J. Linta:  He is amazing.  He is one of my best friends.  He is a great person and player.  He is the fastest kid I know.  He never got hurt.  He never showed any sign of weakness.  He ran for almost 1,800 yards this year and he has scored so many TD’s.  He is an impressive guy and an amazing athlete.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

 

T.J. Linta:  Beating Yale my junior year.  We also played at Fenway Park last year.  It was senior night at Brown.

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

 

T.J. Linta:  The Patriots.  My dad represents the two QB’s – Brian Hoyer and Danny Etling. When Danny signed with my dad, we hung out and became friends. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

 

T.J. Linta:  Brian Hoyer is a guy that my dad represents.  I know him personally.  Everyone loves Brady.  I like Patrick Mahomes as well.    

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a QB?  

 

T.J. Linta:  As a QB, you are in the eye of the storm.  You have to provide that calm presence.  Aside from the athletic traits, it is calmness.  You can’t be rattled. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?

 

T.J. Linta:  Junior LB Cameron Gill won NEC Defensive Player of the Year.  He is an insane athlete.  CB Myron Morris is also a good player.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the toughest player that you have faced on an opposing team? 

 

T.J. Linta:  DT Chris Slayton from Syracuse.  He is a force to be reckoned with.  Their DL was great when we played them.    

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

 

T.J. Linta:  I love winning.  I am a competitor.  You test yourself every time you play.  I like the team camaraderie.  We have to go to work every day.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your biggest role model and why?

 

T.J. Linta:  Definitely my dad.  He is an outstanding human being.  He is the hardest worker.  He is a levelheaded guy. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your definition of a leader?

 

T.J. Linta:  Someone who is respected.  Someone who makes everyone around him better.   

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

 

T.J. Linta:  Play guitar and go fishing.  My family lives in the mountains in Montana.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football
career is over?

 

T.J. Linta:  I want to do what my dad does.  I want to get into marketing in the NFL or be an agent like my dad. 

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you? 

 

T.J. Linta:  Levelheaded, competitor, consistent, hungry and a leader. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who will win the National Championship in CFB this year?

 

T.J. Linta:  Bama.  They are too much of a powerhouse.  They won’t slip again.  But I think that it will be a lot closer than people think. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who will win Super Bowl LIII in February?

 

T.J. Linta:  I love the Chiefs and the Rams.  The playoffs are going to be great.