Oct. 19, 2012

Junior Brock Coyle may have grown up in Bozeman, but the linebacker is Grizzly through and through. Coyle is an important contributor to the Montana defensive unit. In the game against Southern Utah, he led the team with 14 tackles. He has had interceptions in some big games, including the 2011 FCS win over Northern Iowa.

 How does it feel to be starting as a linebacker for the Griz?

It is a lot of fun. I love playing for The University of Montana and playing middle linebacker. It is a great position to play because it requires you to be a leader and a playmaker.

What are you expectations for yourself this season?

To be the best player, teammate and leader I can be for this team.

What do you think is your biggest strength as linebacker?

I feel I have a good nose for the ball, and I think my speed can surprise people.

What would you like to improve on?

My tackling and hitting, you can never be a good enough tackler or hard enough hitter.

If you weren’t a linebacker, what position would you love to play? Why?

I would love to play running back. I played it in high school along with linebacker. I loved getting the ball and scoring touchdowns.

Was there a moment while playing high school ball that made you think about pursuing playing college football?

I always knew I wanted to play college football since I was a little kid. It was actually a Griz/Cat game I attended in Missoula my sophomore year of high school when I knew playing college football was something I really wanted to do. I had never before seen an atmosphere like Washington-Grizzly stadium had that day, and I knew then I wanted to be a part of it.

Do you have a pre-game routine?

Have a good breakfast, listen to music and say a prayer before kickoff.

Beating the Cats last year and beating Appalachian State in 2009 to go to the National Championship.

What are the challenges of being a college football player?

Time management. Balancing between football and school can be tough.

What is the most rewarding part of playing for the Griz?

Having great teammates each year I have played, the support of our fans and playing in Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

What do you like to do outside of football?

I love to hunt, and I love anything that involves the outdoors.

What has been the hardest class you have taken at UM?

Stats and Accounting were pretty tough.

Do you have a role model? If yes, who?

Ray Lewis. Not only is he an amazing football player, but he is a very strong Christian.

Who is your favorite athlete?

Ray Lewis

What’s your favorite football team?

Green Bay Packers

Who has helped you the most with your football career?

My family and Coach Ty

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Having a career in sports marketing or management or as a college football coach. 

Why did you pick your major?

I wanted to do something in business, and marketing interested me the most. I would love to get into sports marketing down the road.

So we all know that you are a talented linebacker, but do you have a hidden talent that would be unexpected to most people?

I like to consider myself a pretty good skier. I ski raced for most of my childhood till I was 16 and went to the Junior Olympics multiple times. I also was the place kicker for my high school football team.