National Scouting Combine Featured Athlete Joe Blitstein, OL from Wisconsin Oshkosh

Joseph Blitstein | University of Wisconsin Oshkosh | OL 

Twitter: @BigJoeBlitstein | Instagram: @bigjoeblitzy

Q: Tell us about your college career and what the recruiting/scouting process was like. Why did you choose University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh?

A: Coming out of high school I had limited opportunities due to a season ending injury my Junior year.  I chose Oshkosh because I appreciated and related to their blue collar, no nonsense approach to football and life. 

Q: What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your sports career so far?

A:  One of the biggest accomplishments of my career was not just being invited to, but being named the starting right guard in the Dream Bowl. As the Only Division III offensive linemen on my team this was an honor and a privilege. 

 

Q: What do you consider to be one of the more important things you learned from the coaching staff while playing at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh?

A: One thing I learned from my time playing at UW-Oshkosh was how important the little details are.  When playing at a high level the smallest of details end up creating the biggest difference.  I learned how to focus and improve the smallest details of my game. 

 

Q: What was your major and what are your plans if football doesn’t work out?

A:  I graduated from UW-Oshkosh with an undergraduate degree in psychology and a masters in Athletic Leadership and Sport Management.  If playing football doesn’t work out I am going to use my degree and transition into coaching. 

 

Q: What would your current/past teammates say about you and your qualities?

A:  I bring an intensity and a “never die easy” attitude to the game.  Those playing around me do not have to worry about if I will get the job done.  They know that I will do whatever it takes to win no matter how difficult the task.  I can keep a level head and execute at the same high level regardless of how high or low the stress level is.  The confidence I have in my techniques and edge allows me to bring stability to the offensive unit.  

 

Q: What has been one of the most memorable plays of your career at any level?

A:  The most memorable play of my college career was the last second game winning touchdown against UW-Stout.

   

Q: What has been your biggest challenge and how do you manage it?

A: One of my biggest challenges was balancing the demands of school, working, and playing college football.  I not only successfully balanced these three tasks, I performed at a high level in all aspects of life. I maintained a 4.0 in my masters program, started at Right Tackle for one of the best teams in Division III, and trained  clients at all times of the day.

 

Q: Who was the best player you played against during your collegiate career?

A:  The best player I played throughout my college career was Daniel Jackson from Davenport University.

 

Q: What is your biggest strength that you bring to a professional team and why should pro scouts consider you?

A:  Whatever team provides me with an opportunity to continue playing is going to get someone who plays with a chip on their shoulder.  They are going to get someone they can rely on and someone who will always put in the work to not only succeed personally but help the team succeed. They are going to get a student of the game who takes time to learn the little things not only about his game, but also about their opponents.

 

Q: Are you involved in mentoring, a charity or do you “give back” or ”pay it forward” in your community?

A:  Ever Since I graduated high school in 2015 I try to come back and help coach or be around the football and wrestling programs that helped me get to where I am today.

 

Q: What do you enjoy doing when not playing football?

A:  When not playing football I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, watching movies, and playing cards.

 

Q: If you could make a positive impact on all of society what would it be and why?

A:  If I could make one impact on society, I would want people to understand the importance of hard work.  When you work hard and stay the course regardless of outside stressors or circumstances, good things will happen.  Never give up.

 

Q: Who is or has been the most influential person in your life?

A:  The most influential person in my life was my grandfather.  He taught me that no matter  how difficult the task at hand is or whatever life throws at you, with hard work and grit you will get through to the other side.  

 

Q: If you had the opportunity to play another sport professionally, what sport would you choose?

A:  If I had the opportunity to play another sport I would love to make my way onto the professional curling circuit.  

 

Q: What is your dream job?

A: My dream job is to coach football and give back to the game that has given me so much, while mentoring and guiding athletes along the way. 

2024 National Scouting Combine

February 18-22 held at Grand Park Events Center in Westifled, IN. Accepting draft eligible nominations now!
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