OT Drew Himmelman (Illinois State) Interview

Drew Himmelman
Offensive Tackle / Illinois State

Ed Hunt: What are your measurements? (Height, Weight and 40 time)

Drew Himmelman: I’m 6’9, 320 pounds and I don’t know my 40 time.

Ed Hunt: What has happened to your training due to the COVID 19?

Drew Himmelman: Besides not being in the team environment, I have a rack in my basement. I can work out and I have some cleats, I can do footwork stuff as well.

Ed Hunt: What are the expectations for Illinois State in 2020?

Drew Himmelman: I think they are high. Last year, we made the playoffs. I think we’re excited to get back there hopefully.

Ed Hunt: What is the biggest strength of your team this year?

Drew Himmelman: The biggest is experience. We’re going to be an older team. Not having spring ball, being an experienced team will help us without the spring ball reps.

Ed Hunt: What schools were interested in you out of high school?

Drew Himmelman: Illinois State and Iowa (preferred walk on). I actually had more interest in basketball to go to college.

Ed Hunt: What made you pick Illinois State out of high school?

Drew Himmelman: I really just like the offensive line situation there. They had a really tight bond with the o-line and that was something I really wanted to be a part of.

Ed Hunt: What is your biggest sport outside of football?

Drew Himmelman: Basketball.

Ed Hunt: What is your biggest accomplishment in that sport?

Drew Himmelman: It was winning the regional championship our senior year. My high school was not a big basketball high school, so winning regionals was a big deal for us.

Ed Hunt: What are your strengths (on the football field)?

Drew Himmelman: My size, athleticism and my mental preparation for the game. Making sure, I’m prepared for anything teams throw at us.

Ed Hunt: What are your weaknesses?

Drew Himmelman: It’s kind of a double-edged sword. My pad level can be challenging with my height.

Ed Hunt: What was the highlight of your career?

Drew Himmelman: Beating Colorado State in 2018 my sophomore year.

Ed Hunt: What is your biggest accomplishment in college?

Drew Himmelman: I would say just being able to balance academics with athletics. Having a good academic GPA.

Ed Hunt: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?

Drew Himmelman: I would say your off-the-field actions are just as important as your on-the-field actions. If you aren’t disciplined, they will show up on the field.

Ed Hunt: What is your favorite NFL team?

Drew Himmelman: The Bears. It’s been a struggle these past couple years.

Ed Hunt: Who is an NFL player you model your game after?

Drew Himmelman: Nate Solder.

Ed Hunt: What is the most important trait for a left tackle?

Drew Himmelman: Physical skills matter to a high degree and the communication that goes into playing the o-line. You have to be able to communicate at a high level with your o-line to play at a high level.

Ed Hunt: Before the ball is snapped, what tendencies are you looking for in the defense?

Drew Himmelman: Identify the front. I look at my guy and look at his stance. See if he is giving anything away and then look at the guys nearby and see if they are giving anything away. Then I look at the safeties to see if they are rolling any way to give away a blitz.

Ed Hunt: What players from your team should we keep an eye on for next year whether it be seniors or underclassmen?

Drew Himmelman: Three seniors: Devin Taylor, Brady Davis and Romeo McKnight.

Ed Hunt: Who is the best player you have faced on an opposing team?

Drew Himmelman: If I had to pick one, it would be Derrek Tuszka from NDSU.

Ed Hunt: What do you enjoy most about football?

Drew Himmelman: Definitely the locker room aspect of it. The brotherhood and friendships that come from it.

Ed Hunt: What makes you unique?

Drew Himmelman: I would say my athletic background. I had more interest as a basketball player, and I came into college as a tight end. That is what makes me unique.

Ed Hunt: What are your hobbies?

Drew Himmelman: Watching college football and NFL, as well as College Basketball and NBA. I like video games and watching movies.

Ed Hunt: What do you want to do