Pre Wisconsin Press Conference - Ben Stille

Nebraska Football
Weekly Press Conference
Monday, Oct. 2, 2017
Memorial Stadium (Lincoln, Neb.)
Pre-Wisconsin

Redshirt Freshman Linebacker Ben Stille
On the honor of being named Big Ten Freshman of the Week:
“It is definitely an honor to be recognized like that in a prestigious conference. But it definitely just reflects on our team, our defense as a whole and the guys out there helping me.”

On staying the course until he got playing time:
“Definitely just putting in the work even when you’re not getting the playing time, when you’re not getting the notoriety. Just putting work in whether it is film or mental reps. I’m just always ready whenever I get my opportunity.”

On if he knew he’d play a bigger role heading into the season:
“I knew there would be an opportunity that would probably arise just because it’s a long season. Guys get banged up, so I knew I would be able to hopefully provide some depth, but I definitely didn’t know it would be this big of a role.”

On if the 3-4 defense better fits his talents compared to the defense in the past:
“It’s pretty similar, I would say. It’s not a huge difference but it has definitely given me an opportunity, I won’t deny that, to get on the field earlier, so in some ways, yeah.”

On the Wisconsin game:
“This is a big game for us. They are ranked pretty high. It will just be a game that we can really define ourselves against a quality opponent.”

On what it means as a Nebraska native to make an impact on the Husker football team:
“This is any kid’s dream growing up in the state, being able to come in and make an early impact. It is more than I ever could have hoped for.”

On if he is surprised how early his opportunity came:
“I won’t say I’m surprised, but definitely didn’t expect it either. I just put my head down and kept working and then when the opportunity rises, you have to take advantage of it.”

On if anything from his career as a high school wrestler carries into football
“There is a little bit I guess, just from a leverage standpoint. You are in hand-to-hand combat constantly when you are on the D-line. But balance, maybe a little bit of it. That’s about it, I would say.”