By: Justin Boone
jboone@ticats.ca
Q: Where did the story of Dimitri Tsoumpas start?
Tsoumpas: I’m from Edmonton, Alberta. I lived there pretty much my whole life. Played my high school ball there, played there for three years went 31-1-1. We did pretty well. We had two provincial championships and a city championship under our belt. It was a successful program.
Q: How did you get into football to begin with?
Tsoumpas: Well high school is kind of about finding yourself and I wanted to play a contact sport and I loved to life weights already. I ended up getting into football and naturally it was a good fit.
Q: Then you followed it through and ended up getting recruited to play playing university ball…
Tsoumpas: That’s a funny story because I wasn’t getting heavily recruited out of high school just because of the location that I was at. I knew I had the height and the athleticism to continue playing, so I sent my stuff out ad it was passed the signing date, but luckily there was still a scholarship available at Weber State. They offered it to me to play offensive line, but I played linebacker in high school. It was a little weird to me, but I took it and I came down, played offensive line and here I am.
Q: What’s university been like?
Tsoumpas: It was a great experience. I think one of the best things was just experiencing another culture, coming down to Utah and seeing something different. There are a lot of mountains out there and the culture is a bit different and I think that helps you get a little more grounded as a person.
Q: Do you have any idea where you’ll be going in the draft?
Tsoumpas: I know I’m going to be pretty high in the CFL draft, I think I’ll be a first round guy. I’m just keeping everything open right now and I’ll find out where I’m at next week.
Q: What’s it been like preparing for the E-Camp and for getting drafted?
Tsoumpas: It’s just been go, go, go. It’s kind of different not having a team and being a part of group workouts. You’re trying to put yourself in the best position and do the best job possible for yourself. As far as the football part goes you don’t really do much different, but when it came to the 40-yard dash, traditionally you don’t train for that stuff as an offensive lineman, so that stuff was a little bit out of my area of expertise as far as training goes.
Q: is there anyone in the CFL right now that you compare yourself to or try to emulate?
Tsoumpas: Not really. I know Rob Murphy just came off a great season, he’s a player to watch and aspire towards having the same type of success.
Q: How about off the field, what’s something people might not know about you?
Tsoumpas: I play the guitar. I like to rock out a little bit.
Q: Are we talking real guitar or guitar hero?
Tsoumpas: We’re talking real guitar. I’m not in a band right now but I would like to get a few guys together but I just haven’t had the time or found the people.
Q: Is the excitement for the draft growing?
Tsoumpas: Definitely, but I’m just trying to enjoy my last few days here at Weber State before I head out. I’m just finishing up my finals and taking it easy, and enjoying myself.
