07-04-2019, 08:36 AM
(This post was last modified: 07-11-2019, 08:18 PM by JKortesi81.)
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Ready to be graded, 1542 words
We have a very special interview for you today folks. We managed to get Austin Copperheads starting safety, Chase Jensen, on the phone to talk about everything that has gone on over the course of the offseason and what his expectations are for this season and the future, not only for himself, but also for his organization. I know that Chase is a busy guy with a lot going on, so let’s get right into these questions. Hi Chase, welcome to the show. I know that everyone has been asking you this same exact thing, but after winning DSFL Tight End of the Year in back-to-back seasons, why make the switch to safety for your NSFL debut season? I think a lot of people had you pegged as one of the best tight end prospects in recent history.
You know, I really loved playing tight end. It’s the position that I’ve played all throughout my career, starting in high school. I don’t think that it’s a super glamorous position to play, but I loved being that guy who could kind of do it all on offense. You needed an extra blocker? I’m your guy, but I think a lot of people underestimate what we can do in the receiving game and that’s put on display by my college and DSFL career. That being said, I told every single GM that contacted me before the NSFL draft that I can play any position on the field and that I would be the best damn player regardless of position. My general managers and coaches in Austin took me up on that offer. We needed a little bit of help on the defensive back end and I was more than happy to make the switch. I plan on putting on a clinic this season so you better keep your eyes peeled.
A lot of people have Austin pegged to be last in the conference, any thoughts on those predictions?
You know, there probably is some truth to those predictions. It’s going to be tough to be truly successful these first couple seasons as an expansion team, but I am really excited about the future. I think that we have some pieces that will make us a really impressive team in a couple of seasons time. I don’t know man, I try not to dwell on predictions too much because that’s all they are at the end of the day, predictions. Who really knows how things will play out this season? I wouldn’t be surprised at all if we were able to go out there and steal a couple of wins that we probably shouldn’t have gotten. There’s a certain element of unpredictability when it comes to games, even at the professional level. I guess all I can say is that I look forward to the upcoming season. I’m just excited as hell to get back on the field and playing again.
So you guys had the expansion draft and then the NSFL entry draft. What can you say about all of the new guys in the locker room? What can you say about how they will pan out in the future for this organization?
Well, I already told you that I think we got a lot of key pieces that will make this a dynamite franchise in the future. Let’s go through the entry draft first. At fourth overall, we were able to snag Dermot Levelle Jr. Look, I know the guy has quite the personality and had a lot of “pre-draft demands” but we landed the best player in the draft hands down at fourth. With myself switching to safety and Levelle Jr on the outside, the Austin Copperheads will have a secondary that opposing offenses will fear. I think this kid is that good, to be totally honest. He’s coming out of the DSFL after only one season and already looks like a total pro out in practice. I can’t wait to see how he does this upcoming season. Alright, so literally right after we got Levelle Jr we managed to grab Peter Larson. I think this pick surprised a lot of people simply because he was a quarterback and we were already on record that we would be taking Easton Cole in the second round. What they didn’t know was that Larson would be taking over my tight end role at the next level. I think that Larson is an awesome prospect and will be a killer tight end at the next level. He’s been a high energy locker room guy and I know that he will be having a lot of recognition in the future. Next we landed Mako Mendonca a running back that I was able to get to know in Palm Beach. He will be a nice change of pace runner from Dick Wizardry and might even get involved in the receiving game a little bit. Again, guy is a total pro and is working diligently to improve his game every single day. I think that the combo of Wizardry and Mendonca will turn some heads this season. Lastly, we were able to pick up quarterback, Easton Cole, once again from the Palm Beach Solar Bears. In his rookie season with the Bears he totally destroyed the DSFL. He was easily the best quarterback in the league and we were blessed to be able to grab him to be our franchise quarterback of the future. I think he’s still a little raw in his game so I wouldn’t expect crazy passing stats out of the gate, but man, he’s one to look out for in the future. He is going to be more than dangerous for opposing defenses. The expansion draft also brought in a ton of good players. We added a stud wide receiver in Django Anoa’i to play opposite of Rod Tidwell. I think that is another deadly combo in the making, especially as Cole gains some experience. We also boosted our defensive line with the addition of Grayson Kuusela, he’s definitely going to be disruptive at the line of scrimmage and a leader on defense for sure. Getting Sam Hardwick just adds another veteran receiving presence. Sandip Bakashi is going to be the leader of our linebackers and will be racking up stats like he did with Yellowknife. Last, but not least, you always need a kicker and we found one in Ryan Crisco. Like I said, there’s a lot to be excited about once this thing starts to gel. I have faith in our general managers and coaches to get this thing done.
Like we talked about before, you are going to be a rookie defenseman this season. Any predictions in terms of stats or maybe even individual recognition?
I don’t want to dwell too much on stats and personal awards and what not. This is a team sport through and through. I can’t be successful if my teammates aren’t and vice versa. I don’t think that there is a single player in the league that would tell you that they don’t want to be a stats monster, but at the end of the day, I am going to go out there and give it my all every single game. If that means I put up a ton of numbers, that’s awesome. If it means that I played more of a support role, that’s also awesome. In terms of awards, there are a lot of good defensive backs and defensive rookies joining the league this season. I don’t really want to speculate on who will win what because at the end of the day it doesn’t really matter. Awards are just the icing on the cake and some people don’t even like icing all that much. My focus is entirely on the Austin Copperheads and making them the best team that they can be. I don’t want to speak for everyone on the Copperheads, but I think that a lot of us are locked in on the same goal. We just want to win the Ultimus, that’s priority number one.
Alright, we’re wrapping up our interview here. Are there any last things you want to say as we head into the season?
I just want to thank everyone again for giving me the opportunity to play in this league. That doesn’t just go out to the Austin Copperheads organization too. Yes, my general managers, coaches, teammates, and training staff all play integral roles, but I also want to thank the higher ups in the league. Without you guys, none of this would be possible and I would be out of a job. I also want to thank the owners of all of the other organizations within the league. It’s just awesome to see a bunch of people come together to make something as impressive as this league. I also want to say that y’all need to watch out for the Austin Copperheads. We might suck this season, hell we might suck for the next couple seasons, but we are laser focused and we’re coming for that Ultimus.
Alright, that’s all the time we have. Thank you Chase and good luck in the upcoming season. We can’t wait to see how this season will play out.