When defensive lineman Jameson Hartke moved to Ohio University from his hometown of Centerville, he packed more than just his suitcases. He also remembered to bring a couple of big hits, but he left those out on the football field last Friday night. Hartke already has three sacks for the year, with two coming against Pittsburgh. The Post's Courtney Miller talked with this true freshman about his status as an unlikely hero, his time on campus and his thoughts on what lies ahead.
The Post: Coach Solich has been quoted as saying of you: He's been able to make an immediate impact for us at a position where we needed someone to step up. What is your reaction to his compliments?
Hartke: It's pretty cool ... It's good to have a good opinion from a head coach because he is the one that finalizes every decision - all the playing time you get all goes through him. It's good to know that he's got my back, and he thinks that I can do well for his program.
The Post: As a freshman, did you think that you would have this kind of an opportunity to make an impact on the team?
Hartke: No. I came into camp pretty much saying that I was going to try as hard as I could and try to get myself in the lineup. Thankfully I did, but, no, I didn't really think that I was going to have this chance, and it's cool that now I have it.
The Post: Why did you choose to come to OU?
Hartke: There was a lot of interest in a lot of MAC schools and maybe a couple of small Big 10 teams. My two big choices were Miami and here, and I chose here because I had a lot of fun here. I knew Coach Solich was coming here; I knew about his rep and what he did at Nebraska. I knew he was going to be a good coach for OU; he was really going to turn this program around.
The Post: Tell me about your college experience so far in Athens.
Hartke: I like college a lot more than high school because you have a lot more freedom. The people here are a lot different; they're all really friendly. I feel like I've made a lot more friends than I had in high school, just because everybody is open. You have a lot more freedom in the classroom, too, and I just feel like I'm learning more already.
The Post: What are some of your goals for the future?
Hartke: I definitely want to win the MAC while I'm here. You get one of those big rings. I know OU hasn't won the MAC in a while, and that would be a good thing to have. With Coach Solich coming in here, I think we can do that.
17 Archives
Courtney Miller
Freshman lineman sets sights on MAC title
