wiuathletics.com went inside with 2007 Leatherneck Football redshirt-freshman tight end Matt Warner. Each day throughout camp and the remainder of preseason practice, wiuathletics.com will preview a different position and feature a different player.

Q: You played as a true freshman primarily on special teams last year. What did you learn with special teams that you are able to apply to the tight end position this year?

A: One of the biggest things I learned was the speed of the game. It was kind of a shocker to me the first game but I learned how fast it is. Going with the ones this year has really helped me with the speed.

Q: What do you like most about being a tight end?

A: I like the fact that we get to do a little bit of everything. We get to block on the line but we also get to go on pass routes and score touchdowns.

Q: If you weren't a tight end, which would you rather be: a receiver or a lineman and why?

A: I'd have to say a receiver because I'm more of a speedier guy and I would much rather be out making plays. But you have to give credit to the linemen; they have a hard job to fill.

Q: What NFL player do you think your game most resembles?

A: Coach (Matt) Drinkall says I remind him a little of Dallas Clark.

Q: You are from Sherrard, Ill., which is about 90 minutes from campus. What does playing college football so close to home mean to you?

A: It means a lot because I have a lot of supporters and fans from my high school career and it allows them to come down and catch a game if they want. I like that the people that watched me in my younger years can see me play now.

Q: What made you choose Western Illinois?

A: It was a good fit. I really liked the coaches, the campus and the team so there were a lot of factors to help me decide.

Q: Who did you become closest to at camp?

A: I would have to say all of the tight ends. We spent pretty much the whole day together with practice and late night meetings so we became really close.

Q: If you had to tell somebody coming to play for the Leathernecks what camp was like, what advice would you give them?

A: Be mentally tough and come into camp conditioned. We put in a lot of hours and a lot is thrown at us so you have to be mentally tough. It's a lot of work and it's hot out here so be in shape.

Q: What is something a coach said to you since you started practice this season that really stuck with you?

A: Go hard every play and you never get enough reps. Coach (Chris) Anderson says you should always be striving for more practice and more reps because you don't get enough. I like that and I go along with what he says.

Q: Sunday was a day off for the team. How did you spend it?

A: Since I live so close to home I actually went home and spent some time with my family. I got a nice home-cooked meal from my mom and just relaxed.

Q: How would you describe the major strengths of this year's team?

A: Defensively, we have a lot of guys returning and we will be very expansive. On offense, we are young but we have a lot of explosive, playmakers and we will put up some points.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the upcoming season?

A: I'd have to say getting to play. I played a lot of special teams last year, but I'm really excited about playing and restoring the winning tradition of Western Illinois.