Sophomore defensive lineman Christian Takatch discussed his decision to transfer to Eastern and how he became a Liquid I.V. athlete.

Q: When did you first start playing football?

A: “Around 6 or 7 years old.”

Q: Did you always play the defensive end position?

A: “No. Growing up, I always played safety, and I was a kick returner. I was a quarterback for a little bit. In my youth ages, I only played defense, like linebacker. I switched to safety in high school, and I did some kick returning. Junior year, I got a lot bigger and taller, so they moved me to defensive line.”

Q: What is your biggest fear?

A: “Heights are pretty scary. Heights and not being good enough.”

Q: Who’s the G.O.A.T. in football?

A: “Jerry Rice or Jim Brown.”

Q: What is the best water brand?

A: “It’s definitely spring water, and it probably has to be Dasani.”

Q: How did you become a Liquid I.V. athlete?

A: “One of my buddies that was at Notre Dame [College] got me [connected] to someone who works there. I talked to them for a little bit, and they got me into it. Every month, I get a bunch of free Liquid I.V., and all I have to do is post about it.”

Q: What is the worst injury you’ve ever had?

A: “[I] never really tore anything. My freshman year when I was at Notre Dame, I got double pneumonia, and I was in the hospital for a long time. I don’t know how I got it.”

Q: Apple juice or orange juice?

A: “Orange juice. It’s weird to drink apple juice in the morning, but it’s normal to drink OJ in the morning. Orange juice is a breakfast drink.”

Q: Why did you transfer from Notre Dame College to Eastern?

A: “I wanted a different opportunity. I felt like God was telling me that it was the time [to leave]. I got hurt a little bit, and I was out for a while. When spring semester came, I got to play a little bit in the spring, but I felt like it was time to go, so I wanted a new opportunity to see what my next step was.”

Q: What made you start your fitness account on Instagram?

A: “A lot of my friends did it, and I was like ‘Alright. I’ll do it too.’ When I took the semester off, I was really into lifting and working out everyday.”

Q: Pancakes or waffles?

A: “Pancakes because waffles are easier to burn.”

Q: What do you put on your pancakes?

A: “Regular syrup and white corn syrup.”

Q: What player inspired you growing up?

A: “In college, it was definitely the Ohio State [University] football team. I watched them a lot growing up. Now, it’s kind of a reality being able to play at a high level like that. I would say someone that I watched growing up that I still think about is Troy Polamalu. He was a really good player that played with the Steelers for a long time.”

Q: Do you think the Earth is round or flat?

A: “It’s probably round, but there’s a conspiracy theory behind everything.”

Q: Who’s your favorite NFL team?

A: “The Pittsburgh Steelers.”

Q: How long did you know you wanted to get a sleeve tattoo?

A: “Growing up, I’ve always loved tattoos, so I knew I wanted a sleeve. I just had to wait until I was 18, and my mom said I could do it when I turned 18.”

Q: If you weren’t playing football, what would you be doing?

A: “Wrestling. I was pretty good at wrestling growing up. Either that or working or being in the military.”

Q: If you have the power to bring one celebrity on campus, who would you bring?

A: “Either Morgan Wallen or Drake.”

Q: Where’s the best place you’ve gone on vacation?

A: “I went to Key Largo and Key West and all the Keys on the islands, so I’d say those would be my favorite. [My friends and I] went parasailing, jet skiing, snorkeling in abandoned ships. We did a lot of stuff, and it was really fun.”

Q: Which teammate are you giving the aux to?

A: “I’m definitely giving it to JP (Jay Pearson) or Jay Burt.”

Q: What would you tell 10-year-old you knowing everything that you know now?

A: “Everything you dream for is going to come true.”

Zaria Flippin can be reached at 581-2812 or zhflippin@eiu.edu.