Man-to-Man with Xaverian's Chris Tamasi

Chris Tamasi is a monster.  Watch him attack the ball.  Watch his reaction time.  Everything he does is full speed.  He has done an incredible job setting the tone for his defense.  Ironically, his best game this year may have been his toughest.  Against Everett, Tamasi was a huge reason the Hawks were able to stymie the Everett offense for much of the game.  For Xaverian to right their ship, they'll need their leader to play at his highest level.  Good news for the Hawks: that's all he knows how to do.    

    

• You have your choice to win a game one of two ways: stripping the ball carrier or rushing for a touchdown.  Which do you choose?
• Tough one.  I'm going to go with strip the ball carrier.  You have to work hard to get to that guy, hit him, pop the ball loose, then make the scoop.  It's all glory from there. 
• Your coach comes to you and says he feels someone else can do a better job at your position.  He says you can either switch positions or compete for your spot.  What would you do?
• I always say I'd do anything to help the team, so if they say we would be better if I played somewhere else, I'd do that.  But there's nothing wrong with playing with a chip on your shoulder and pushing the other guy if that's what it takes.
• What is the first thing you realize about St.John's Shrewsbury when you watch them on film?
• On offense, they like to spread the field and throw ball.  They play fast.  They're quarterback and running back are very talented.  Obviously they have a very talented wide receiver.  We've got to be prepared on defense and ready to shut those things down to come out on top.
• What's your favorite thing about being a part of a program like Xaverian?
• We always talk about how important it is to carry on the tradition for everyone who wore this jersey before us.  It's so special.  When you're part of a storied program and you come up through the ranks from day one, it's not like anything else.  It sounds cliche, but it really is an honor and a privilege.  That's what makes it such an honor to be a captain and carry on that tradition.  
• Who is your favorite NFL player and why?
• I really like Wes Welker.  I love the way he plays.  I absolutely love that he's undersized, but he takes hits, shakes it off, and gets right back up, on to the next one.  
• What schools are you most interested in right now?
• It's really important to me to go to a school that's strong academically as well as athletically, so right now I have a lot of interest in the Ivy League, NESCAC and Patriot League schools.
• How has the vibe been this week at practice?
• Practice has been great.  Two things can happen when you lose: you can fall into a shell and feel bad for yourself, or rise to the occasion, gain your confidence back, and come out hard the next week.  We're going to come out hard. We were watching film the day after.  We learned what we needed to work on, and went from there.  It's been a complete change of tempo.  My teammates have taken this to heart and we've been working with really high intensity.  We're ready to bounce back.  We can't wait.  I'm really proud of my teammates and the way we've responded. 
• What is one misconception people may have about Xaverian Football that you'd like to set straight?
• Just because we've lost a couple of tough games doesn't mean we're not there.  It doesn't mean we're any less of a team.  We're not going to hang our heads.  Get knocked down twice and get up three times.
• What is a college program getting by adding you? 
• I have a big heart, and with that comes a whole lot of intensity and love for the game.  I will always give my best effort and do what is best.  I can be a leader on and off the field, I'm versatile, have good speed, and an overall nose for the ball.  The biggest thing is I'll do whatever it takes to get on the field, and whatever it takes to help the team.