MT. VIEW ALUM JOEL SKOTTE ALREADY MAKING AN IMPACT ON BEAVERS DEFENSE

It’s been almost a week since the Beavers upset the #12 Wisconsin Badgers and the city of Corvallis is still buzzing. The real excitement in last week’s thrilling 10-7 win was the performance by the OSU defense.

The Beavers were stifling last Saturday holding the Badgers aggressive running game to only 35 yards rushing. The defensive line dominated Wisconsin and was able to rack up 3 sacks on the day, including a big sack by Jordan Poyer that led to a key Badger fumble.

One player who was able to see time on Saturday was  Mt. View alum, Joel Skotte.

Not only did Skotte impact the game on special teams, but he was also able to get time at linebacker and record his first collegiate tackle. Skotte was a part of the 2011 Mt. View state title team, and was named the 5A ‘Defensive Player of the Year’ in 2012.

I was able to catch up with Joel today after practice to get his thoughts on last Saturday’s big game, and the upcoming season.

Below is the video and written copy of the interview with Joel Skotte.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW-w3jLBXdY&feature=youtu.be

 

AC) How was the big game on Saturday?

JS) It was pretty cool, running out with the huge crowd. It was pretty fun.

 

AC) Did you have a feeling after this year’s camp that the defense was going to come up big?

JS) Yeah, I did. Being around this camp that apparently looked a lot better than last year’s; I had a lot of confidence in our defense.

 

AC) How was it getting your first collegiate tackle?

JS) It was pretty great, I don’t remember it much, because I had so much adrenaline going. But yeah, it was pretty cool; it was a great feeling.

 

AC) How has it been adjusting to OSU so far?

JS) It hasn’t been too hard, I just feel like I’ve had a good transition into it and I fit right in. I love it here, so it wasn’t too bad.

 

AC) Do you think your success at Mt. View has helped you a lot come to a big program like this?

JS) Oh yeah for sure, it helped the transition a lot.

AC) Do you have any shout outs for anybody back home in Bend?

JS) Shout out to my Mt. View coaches, The Birdman and all my teachers at Mt. View, probably.

 

AC) Are you guys getting prepared for UCLA?

JS) Yeah, I’m excited for that game. It will be cool to travel with the team.

 

AC) Are you guys glad you had a bye this week to soak up the win?

JS) I’m not because we had a long camp and had that cancellation, so it would have been nice to have a game. But it’s also nice because I’m going to go visit Bend

 

AC) Do you have any individual goals for the season?

JS) Not too many official goals, but I would like to get in on defense as much as I can.

 

The Beavers have this weekend off and will return to practice next week to start preparing for UCLA on September 22nd.