BlueandGold.com: How big of a role did the other recruits have on you during your recruitment? Joseph Fauria: The fact that they were all really good guys helped a lot...Knowing who I'm going to play with the next 4 or 5 years really makes a difference.
BGI: What were your impressions of the Notre Dame campus? JF: It was amazing. It was my first time seeing it, and it was everything I dreamed of, basically.
BGI: Do you have any concerns about academics at Notre Dame? JF: Not really. I've heard the academics are kind of tough, but I think I can handle it.
BGI: Do you ever contact any of the recruits that Notre Dame is currently going after? JF:Art Forst. I got his number at the Blue-Gold Game. I'm keeping in touch with him and trying to recruit him as much as I can.
BGI: What routes do you feel most comfortable with at this time, and which are you looking to improve on for the next level ? JF: My favorite route, of course, is the fade...but basically, my overall route-running needs to get a lot better. There's always room for improvement.
BGI: Are you developing a relationship with Kyle (Rudolph)? JF: I spoke with him a lot when I was there...We don't really have a relationship yet, but I can't wait to play with the guy.
BGI: How much running do you do in the summer? JF: My running has been a priority now. Last year I wasn't the fastest guy on the field, but my running has improved drastically. I do cardio once a week, and I run routes with my QB three times a week, every route, both sides of the field.
BGI: Some people speculate that you might eventually become a tackle because of your size. Would you ever be interested in that? JF: No. If people know who the Mackey Award winner was last year, Matt Spaeth from Minnesota, he was 6-7, 270. He did pretty well at tight end. If that doesn't answer the (tackle) question, I don't know what will.
BGI: Any idea what you might major in? JF: I’ve heard notre dame is Top 20 in business, so I was thinking about that. In the beginning...I was contemplating pre-med, but I think that might be too much...so business, finance, something along those lines. Maybe I can do a double major like Brady Quinn.
BGI: Which of the coaches made the biggest impression on you during the recruiting process? JF: have to say big Charlie Weis did. He's the man. But besides that, my recruiter, (Brian) Polian. I also can't wait to build a relationship with (Bernie) Parmalee. A guy from my school who walked on (tight end Kevin Brooks) said that Parmalee's a great coach.
BGI: Does the competition at tight end concern you or is that something you might feed off of? JF: Wherever I go, I'm going to find competition. I’ve heard all of those quotes...“There's always someone in life who's trying to take your spot, what are you going to do about it?”...I've heard all that stuff and I try to live by it. When I get there, it's going to be (Will) Yeatman, (Konrad) Reuland, (Mike) Ragone, Rudolph and myself...we're all going to try to make each other better. So in the end, it really doesn't concern me.
BGI: We’re glad you’re working on Forst, but we need some receivers, like Michael Floyd and Jonathan Baldwin. JF: I think Dayne (Crist) is working on those guys. And what's wrong with (John) Goodman?
BGI: How's your high school football team shaping up for this season? JF: I don't want to boast, but I think if we come together as a team, we'll be really, really good. Talent’s not always enough, though.
BGI: What was the biggest selling point the coaches used on you? Or was it more that Notre Dame sold itself? JF: When I talked to Coach Weis, he told me to think of one reason I shouldn't come there, and I couldn't.
BGI: Not that you would mention names or details, but was there any negative recruiting against Notre Dame? JF: I did have a couple. Some teams that beat Notre Dame last year mentioned that, and some even had the nerve to get at me after I committed...but I didn't listen to it. I know I made the right choice
BGI: Do the people within your recruiting class play a big role during your recruitment? JF: Oh yeah. I met all those guys at the Blue-Gold Game and they're all great guys...They all took me in real quick, and they all texted me after I committed to congratulate me. They’re all a great bunch of guys.
BGI: Do you already have a game or games targeted to see Notre Dame play this season? JF: I have a bye week during the Michigan State weekend, but I'm talking to Anthony (McDonald) and Dayne, and we kind of want to go at the same time. So I'm not sure yet.
BGI: What do you think of running back Milton Knox. He's tight with Dayne. JF: I'm tight with Milton too...I haven't seen him get an offer, but that'd be cool to get him out there.
BGI: How are your time management skills ? JF: One word – procrastinating. I have a problem with that, but I'm working on it. My mom gets mad because I'm on time for everything with football, but schoolwork...
BGI: Are your parents excited about seeing you play on television? JF: They’re mostly worrying about this senior year. They're more looking forward to seeing me in person (here).
BGI: If you could use just ONE word to describe yourself what would it be? JF: That’s a good question...I’m really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really competitive, in life and in football. You can ask anyone who knows me for one second. They can tell right away. I'm REALLY competitive...I can't say that enough.
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