Player Profile:
- Name: Steven Gonzalez
- High School: Union Hill (Union City, NJ)
- Graduation Year: 2015
- Height: 6’3
- Weight: 300
- Position: Offensive Guard
Today, I was able to interview Penn State offensive guard commit Steven Gonzalez. Gonzalez commited to Penn State over schools such as Ohio State (where he was favored heavily to go) and Rutgers. In the interview, we discuss his thoughts on Penn State’s recruiting, his goals for the upcoming season and more!
DC: What ultimately made the difference between Penn State and Ohio State?
I know I didn’t visit OSU but I felt more at home at PSU, and it’s closer to home. Great coaches was a key part, and a great fan base and atmosphere.
DC: How much of a role did Coach Hand play into your decision?
A huge role, I needed to meet him and see how I liked him.
DC: What do you believe is making Penn State “the place to be”?
“I think a new staff and just all of these commits that are coming in and just the place itself is very positive and we’re coming off of the bowl bans soon too.
DC: How would you describe your game in a few sentences?
“Very physical. Good explosiveness off the ball. Good get off. Great run blocker. I love finishing blocks and riving people to the ground. I’m okay at pass blocking I still need more work. I’m good at pulling and trapping. Also I’m a defensive player which is also good. I also have good footwork”
DC: What players do you try to emulate?
“My friend at FSU left guard Josue Matias, and just because he’s from my high school and I’ve always set my bar to be better than he was”
DC: You and Brandon Wimbush live very close to each other and will face each other next season, what will that be like for you?
“It’ll be great me and Brandon are good friends and just to have someone that lives that close to me is just a great thing to have”
DC: What are your goals for the upcoming season?
Win a state championship with my school. I already got the offers, I committed, I did everything I can recruiting wise but still no ring. I need one
DC: Big Ten opponent you are most looking forward to playing?
“Hmmm, that’s a tough one. All of the Big Ten”
DC: Will you be visiting Penn State again (camps or games?)
“Yeah, most likely the 20th for a camp and most likely the Ohio State and Rutgers one.”
DC: Rutgers’ fans gave you a lot of grief on twitter for not staying in state, what was it like reading all those messages?
“It hurt at first cause, it involved my family, but it was just negativity that doesn’t need to be part of my life and if they feel that way it’s fine, doesn’t effect me anymore.”
DC: Who is the biggest inspirations in your life?
“My parents. Just they’ve been a huge influence in my life, my mother had a done a lot for me and she makes me want to keep being great and my father taught me how to play football and just after he passed I just felt like my goal was to succeed for him and my mom.”
[Photo Credit: SB Nation]
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