Oct. 5, 2006
#75 Chris Frome
Senior, 6-5, 262
Defensive End
Saugus, Calif./Hart
Senior Chris Frome is in his fifth season with the Irish and splits time at right defensive end with Ronald Talley. Went into the Michigan State game having played in each of the first three games, making two solos and four assisted tackles. Earned his first monogram in 2005 when he started first six games at defensive end before going down with a season-ending knee injury versus USC. Had six tackles with one quarterback sack before the injury. Saw first collegiate action as a sophomore in 2003, playing in five games, mainly on special teams. Graduated last May with a degree in finance and is currently enrolled in graduate studies. GameDay’s Laura Hansen gives Irish fans a chance to get to know Chris Frome.
Hansen: Tell us about your major and why you are interested in it?
Frome: I majored in finance and I have already graduated. I was interested in it because I wanted to learn how the world works and I thought it was the most applicable to the jobs that I was interested in after school
Hansen: What was your most difficult class and why?
Frome: Managerial Economics was definitely the hardest and the most time consuming by far.
Hansen: What is your favorite class and why?
Frome: My favorite class is a guitar class that I’m in right now because practicing is fun. You can use it to impress people.
Hansen: What made you pick Notre Dame over the other schools you were interested in and what were some of the schools?
Frome: The other schools I was looking at were Stanford and Michigan. I chose Notre Dame because when you walk around campus, you can feel that it really is a special place.
Hansen: To date, what has been the highlight of your Notre Dame career?
Frome: For me the highlight has been our win against No. 3 Michigan last year in the Big House.
Hansen: Who were your sports idols as a kid and why?
Frome: I’ve always been a fan of No. 75 Howie Long from the Raiders. He is probably the reason I am #75. He was just a big, nasty player.
Hansen: As a football player, is there any one player you modeled your game after?
Frome: I modeled my game after Kyle Budinscak, who played here before, because he is a sneaky player and a great technician.
Hansen: Who has been your biggest non-sports role model and why?
Frome: I’d have to say both of my parents have been my biggest role models. My mom has kept me very grounded and given me great advice; my dad has always been fun and lighthearted.
Hansen: What is the best advice that you have ever been given and who gave it to you?
Frome: Coach Houghton in high school said, “This game will give you more than you will ever give it.”
Hansen: How do you think you’ve grown as a person since coming to Notre Dame?
Frome: I have definitely become much more responsible. You have to grow up when you fly 2,000 or 3,000 miles to school every time. I’m also a lot more independent.
Hansen: What is one thing about you that might surprise people?
Frome: I weigh 270 pounds and I can still get up on a surfboard.
Hansen: How do you balance your academic and football workloads?
Frome: Well, obviously, you have to put time aside of academics. It’s all time management. When you’re in football, you have to be ready for football 100%, and when you’re in class and studying for class, you have to focus on that.
Hansen: If you were stranded on an island and could only eat one meal, only listen to one group, and spend you time with only one person; what would you eat, what would you listen to and who would you pick?
Frome: I’d be eating sushi, bring my high school buddy, Jeff Taylor from Arizona State, and listen to the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Hansen: What is your favorite movie and why?
Frome: The Incredibles because it gives you a good feeling watching it.
Hansen: Where is the toughest place that you’ve played as a college football player?
Frome: The toughest place to play is definitely the Big House at Michigan.
Hansen: What CD do you have in your collection or song on your iPod that would surprise people?
Frome: 50 Cent- In Da Club.
Hansen: If a movie was made about your life, what would it be titled and who would star as you?
Frome: Endless Summer starring Zack Morris.
Hansen: If you had a chance to play golf with anyone in history, who would be in your foursome, in addition to yourself, and why?
Frome: My high school coach, Coach Houghton because he has been an inspiration in my life, my dad, even though he can’t golf because all of my good times have been with him being there and Dane Cook for comedic relief.
Hansen: Describe what it feels like on game day and playing in Notre Dame stadium?
Frome: It’s a nervous, but intense feeling, which explodes when you run out of the tunnel.
Hansen: What is your favorite thing about playing for Notre Dame?
Frome: My favorite thing is the exposure. Everyone knows Notre Dame, you either love us or hate us.