A little over five months ago came National Signing Day in the world of college football, the day in which recruits from across the country could finally sign the dotted line to play for the school of their choice. One of those recruits who had this opportunity was Tyler Stargel, a former player at Pickens High School who allowed FYN to interview him on such an important day. Fast-forward to today, and Tyler finds himself getting situated at Georgia Tech, the place he will call home for the next four years. Tyler has once again graciously allotted us some time to catch up and find out what college life as a Yellow Jacket is really all about.Monday marked the start of your second week at Georgia Tech. How has the experience been so far?
Tyler Stargel:

“It has been a great experience so far. There have been a lot of challenges and adjustments in both training and school, but you know, challenges to me are what makes life interesting. I’m excited that I have gotten the ball rolling and look forward to my future here at Georgia Tech.”

What’s it been like getting to know your fellow freshmen on the team?
TS:

“It has been wonderful meeting all the other freshman. After only a week, we are all family oriented and are all really close. We are already talking about how it will be when we take the reins from the older guys.”

Football in the ACC is considered among the best that college football has to offer, which leads one to believe that the athletes in the conference must go through an extreme amount of conditioning in order to be prepared for gameday. I know that you have only had a week under your belt so far, but has the conditioning been at the level that you expected?
TS:

“It certainly has, but I took it upon myself to prepare ahead of time for what I knew would be tough conditioning, so it really hasn’t been that bad. It is still a challenge, but nothing I can’t handle.”

As the season draws closer, battles at each position will intensify until a starter clearly presents himself. Have you been given any indication on when a final depth chart will be established and where you may find yourself?
TS:

“As of right now, all I know is that fall camp will determine everything. At this point, I am just keeping the mindset that I am here to help the team in whatever way possible; whatever they want me to do I’ll do it. Everybody has to pay their dues. I’m not used to not starting or playing a majority of snaps, but I know that is how it is for everyone here. It is just another adjustment of playing on the college level.”

Got any secrets from the coaching staff on what we might see once the season kicks off?
TS:

“That’s a clown question, bro [laughs].”

In all seriousness, what’s it like to know that you’re on the verge of playing college football at the FBS level, fulfilling a dream that I assume you have had all of your life?
TS:

“I don’t think it has completely sunk in yet that I have made it to this point. From the time I started playing as an eight year old, all I wanted to do was play college football. I always said I was going to make it. I never knew if anyone believed in me or not, but I really didn’t care; I knew I would make it. If you make something your passion, you are going to achieve it, but I haven’t made it yet, per say. I have a long ways to go and a lot of work to do. I don’t know if I will ever ‘make it’. It is a constant grind, but for now, I’m happy, and yeah it gets a smile out of me, but I’m never content.”