A recruiting Q&A with senior Troy Timmerman
2/4/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
Why did you choose to play football at the Air Force Academy?
When I was a child I always assumed that I had to go to school where my father had gone, Air Force. Once I grew out of this notion I dismissed the Air Force as a college and pursued football scholarships. Once Air Force offered I realized that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I chose to pursue my dream of playing college football at my father's alma mater.
At what moment did you realize that you wanted to commit to play for Air Force?
I took an official visit to one other school and had a very interesting experience which very much swayed my decision. Watching Air Force play against Oklahoma and beat Georgia Tech in the Independence bowl cemented my desire to play here. I remember talking to coach on my official visit and I committed right there because I knew this was the place for me.
Looking back on signing day up until this point in your senior year, how have you changed over the past four years as a person on and off the field?
I have transformed over the last four years physically into the best football player I could be, mentally I have worked hard to receive one of the best educations in the nation, and I have matured as a result of the new responsibilities I have been granted. On the field I was part of a senior class that orchestrated the greatest turnaround in college football winning 10 games, the commanders in chief trophy, and our bowl game. Off the field I am simply a different person than I was when I showed up. I have learned what it is to be dependable and accountable on and off the field.
What are your plans following graduation - where will your assignment take you and what field are you looking to get into once in the Air Force?
I will be attending pilot training at Columbus AFB in Mississippi. I'm not sure what I will be flying or where the Air Force will take me, but I'm excited for the ride.
How has being a part of the Air Force football program and being a cadet at the Air Force Academy prepared you for a lifetime of success?
You will never work harder than you do here and while that may sound daunting, it has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. I came here with a decent work ethic, but in order to thrive here, you have to push yourself to a new level. It is this experience that gives Academy graduates such an incredible reputation and makes them so attractive to employers. I learned teamwork and dedication in my experiences on and off the field. You form very special bonds at the Academy and these bonds last a lifetime.
And then last one......Can you talk about what it means to be a part of the Bolt Brotherhood, describe playing at a Service Academy and what it has meant to you and will mean to you moving forward?
I can imagine no greater feeling than taking the field with all of my brothers on the team. I have never been as close to such a great group of men before in my life and it is something that I will take with me when I leave. Playing division 1 football is a special experience no matter what, but when you play for a Service Academy, there is an extra chip on your shoulder. Nobody will have a tougher daily schedule or more demanding academic requirements than a Service Academy athlete and this is what makes us elite. Going forward I know that no matter where I am or what the circumstances, I have the entirety of the Bolt Brotherhood standing by, ready to do battle on my behalf.
