2014 Coveted JUCO OL David Hedelin From Sweden Talks MSU and More!
2014 Coveted JUCOÂ OL David Hedelin From Sweden Talks MSU and More!
Q: David, how are you buddy?
A: Hello, sir. I’m doing very good.
Q: Thanks for being on the show. It’s great to have you.
A: Absolutely. Thank you.
Q: Did you play American football when you were in Sweden?
A: Yeah, I played for four years back in Sweden before I got here.
Q: What’s the level of competition like in Sweden, David?
A: The speed is very different from Sweden. It’s much slower back home. We spend a lot more time on football here in America as well. So those two are the biggest differences between Sweden and here in America.
Q: Is American football growing in popularity in Sweden?
A: Oh yeah. It’s actually growing all around Europe very fast right now.
Q: Is that because of NFL Europe or just because the regular NFL has gotten so big?
A: I think that it’s growing because the modern game is bigger nowadays, so that’s why I think more people play it more now back in Europe.
Q: Did you come to America because you felt like you had the ability to play college ball or for other reasons?
A: I came for football, yeah I did. Some coaches back in Sweden told me that I was good there, so I thought why not give it a shot here in America?
Q: Are there a lot of other young men like you back in Sweden? Could your success open the door for some other guys?
A: I definitely think that more people will come here to America to also try to get into a D1 school because now they know that it’s possible. I think there’s gonna be more European people here in America very soon.
Q: Did you have any family in America when you came or did any come with you?
A: No, nothing.
Q: The way you play football impresses me with the level of coaching you must have gotten in Sweden. You don’t act like a guy who’s only played in America one year.
A: Yeah. Thank you very much, sir.
Q: Talk about the coaching in Sweden.
A: My first coach that I had for two years, he was a very aggressive coach and he always wanted me to play hard. That’s the reason why I think I play hard today. But I definitely learned more technique once I got here to America.
Q: You could play anywhere. As you look for a school, what are you looking for?
A: I’m looking for a good football program and good academics. The weather doesn’t really matter. I think I can adapt to any school actually, so far.
Q: Do you have a timeframe in your mind of when you wanna make a decision?
A: I think maybe during the season, somewhere around that point.
Q: Have you met with any of the Michigan State coaches?
A: No, I haven’t met them yet actually.
Q: Have you set that up? Are you gonna come out here or are they gonna come out and see you?
A: I’m definitely thinking about taking an official at least to Michigan State. So maybe in Michigan State.
Q: What was the biggest thing you noticed different between America and Sweden when you got here?
A: Do you mean football-wise or…
Q: Just people-wise, country-wise.
A: Okay, okay. I think people here in America are more open to meeting new people. I think that’s the biggest difference I’ve noticed so far.
Q: One of the things I loved when I was in Sweden was eating sheep. They don’t eat as much sheep here, do they?
A: Oh yeah, yeah. It’s definitely…
Q: Us big guys…we can talk about the food, can’t we?
A: (laugh)
Q: Do you know what you wanna major in yet?
A: Business is my plan to take.
Q: What is it about Michigan State that interests you?
A: It’s definitely a very good football program. I think that’s the biggest reason why I like the school. And of course the academics and the climate is fine.
Q: The climate is just like Sweden.
A: Yeah, exactly.
Q: What is the recruiting process like for you? How have you enjoyed it?
A: It’s very different from Sweden. Football is so much bigger here. It’s been a bit hectic some days, with calling the coaches and all that. So far it’s been all good. But I’m not complaining at all.
Q: What do you think the deciding factor will be in where you choose?
A: I think my visit is gonna be my biggest point…where I’ll be able to make my decision.
Q: You’re living in San Francisco. Have you got a chance to spend some time on the Wharf?
A: No, no, no, I haven’t been able to.
Q: Have you at least developed a taste for clam chowder?
A: No, no.
Q: What is it about football that David Hedelin loves?
A: I have always been a very competitive guy in all sports. I played soccer before and now I play football; that’s even more tough than soccer. I think that the toughness is the reason why I really like playing offensive tackle.
Q: With all respect for being Swedish and the great country you come from, you embody that American spirit. I love your fire, your spirit and the way you play football.
A: Thank you very much, sir.
Add us as a preferred source on Google