Alex Khvatov:
What are your
measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Blaine
Gautier:
6’0, 214, last forty time was a 4.56.
Alex Khvatov:
How did you get
into football in the first place?
Blaine
Gautier:
Actually, I got into this game through my
parents. My father pushed me to play this game
when I was young. He did whatever it took to
get me into football. We went to football games
together. My mom was also an athlete in high
school. She played softball and ran track.
Alex Khvatov:
Coming out of
high school, what programs showed interest in
you?
Blaine
Gautier:
Southeastern University, Nicholls State and Louisiana –
Lafayette.
Central Michigan and TCU came in at the end.
Alex Khvatov:
What made you
choose Louisiana-Lafayette?
Blaine
Gautier: This
university was close to home. It was only about
an hour away. I liked the coaching staff. New
facilities were in place. I enjoyed it when I
first came here on the first official visit. I
committed after my first visit. I wanted my
family to come out to my games.
Alex Khvatov:
Tell us about your junior season during which
your team had a 9-4 overall record.
Blaine
Gautier:
It was definitely a breakout year for us. Coach
Hud brought in some good assistant coaches. We
had the same players, but we all came together.
We gained confidence throughout the season. We
always wanted to have a breakout season. We
came together. We put in a lot of hard work.
We prepared and practiced really hard. Then we
had a chance to play in our backyard in New
Orleans Bowl. Last year was a great time to be
a Cajun.
Alex Khvatov:
How thrilling was the victory against San Diego State in the New Orleans Bowl?
Blaine
Gautier:
It was big. We actually took it as a big
challenge. They are a big time school. It was
a really dramatic win for us. It was a
reflection of our season. It was a wonderful
feeling to come out of the dome with a win. Our
school hasn’t won a Bowl Game in like 40 years.
Alex Khvatov:
What are your expectations for this upcoming
season?
Blaine
Gautier:
We want to win a Sun Belt Championship. We need
to continue to win home games and get better.
We have a great chance to do it because we have
a good schedule. We need to improve and work
hard in order to achieve the best results. Once
again we need to be one of the hardest working
teams around.
Alex Khvatov:
What are your
strengths?
Blaine
Gautier:
I definitely have a strong arm. I see coverages
well. I scramble and make plays on the field.
I live for pressure situations and thrive in
them. I want the ball in my hands at the last
minute in pressure situations.
Alex Khvatov:
What
areas of your game do you need to improve upon?
Blaine
Gautier:
I need to make better decisions at times. I
need to take what the defense gives me instead
of going downfield all the time. I need to take
two and five yard passes. I cannot get greedy.
Alex Khvatov:
What is the
highlight of your career up to this point?
Blaine
Gautier:
Winning the
New Orleans Bowl. It was
huge. We had a great night. It was a highlight
so far.
Alex Khvatov:
Which players on
your team are ready for a breakout season?
Blaine
Gautier:
RB Alonzo Harris. He was a freshman last year.
Our entire offensive line is talented. WR
Javone Lawson, WR Darryl Surgent and WR Jamal
Robinson. CB Melvin White will continue being
the leader.
Alex Khvatov:
What do you enjoy
most about football?
Blaine
Gautier:
The thrill of the game and winning. It is just
a wonderful feeling.
Alex Khvatov:
What is your
favorite NFL team?
Blaine
Gautier:
I am a big Eagles fan.
Alex Khvatov:
Who is your
favorite NFL player?
Blaine
Gautier:
I root for Michael Vick. I emulate my game
after him. He is my favorite player.
Alex Khvatov:
What does it take
to be a leader?
Blaine
Gautier:
Definitely rallying guys around you. Some are
vocal, I lead by example. You need to be a
leader not only on the football field, but in
the classroom as well. You need to help them
out when your teammates need you.
Alex Khvatov:
What are your
hobbies?
Blaine
Gautier: I am
a big sports fan. I like to watch sports. I
play video games. I like to play college
football video game. I like being around my
family. I enjoy spending time with my mom, my
dad and grandmother.
Alex Khvatov:
Finish the
sentence, Blaine Gautier is….
Blaine
Gautier:
I am definitely a calm and relaxed nice guy. I
am always smiling. I never let it get the best
of me. I am always calm, no matter of the
situation. Nothing fazes me.