Oct. 7, 2010
Getting To Know …
Inside Linebacker Carlo Calabrese
No. 44 * 6-1 * 240 * So. – Verona, N.J./Verona
Sophomore Carlo Calabrese entered the Irish starting lineup as an inside linebacker in his sophomore season with the team. The Verona, N.J. native wreaked havoc in the Michigan State backfield three weeks ago, posting a career-best one-and-a-half sacks for -7 yards. He, along with fellow sophomore inside linebacker Manti Te’o, give the Irish a strong defensive duo that will be helping to shut down opposing offenses for years to come. GameDay’s Tom McGuire gives Irish fans a chance to get to know Carlo Calabrese.
McGuire: What is your major, and why does it interest you?
Calabrese: I’m an Industrial Design major. I like drawing, art, and things like that.
McGuire: What is your favorite place on campus?
Calabrese: That would definitely have to be The Gug.
McGuire: What is the most important thing you’ve learned while playing at Notre Dame?
Calabrese: I would say do your assignment, and make sure you don’t do anyone else’s.
McGuire: What’s one thing you want to have happen before you leave Notre Dame?
Calabrese: Individually speaking, I’d like to be an All-American.
McGuire: Do you have any pre-game rituals? If so, what?
Calabrese: I do, and I’ve actually been doing it since high school. I walk up and down the field, try to get a feel for the grass, things like that. Then I head inside, get taped, put my pads on, and get ready to play.
McGuire: What TV show do you never miss?
Calabrese: Jersey Shore. It’s a funny show, plus I’m actually from New Jersey.
McGuire: North or South Dining Hall?
Calabrese: South. Even though I’m closer to North, I like South better. The food over at South is a lot better.
McGuire: If you were candy, what would you be and why?
Calabrese: I’d be a Sour Patch Kid, because at first I’m sour, then I’m sweet.
McGuire: When you were younger, what were you always getting in trouble for?
Calabrese: That would be not being able to stand still in class.
McGuire: Who has been the most influential on your life and why?
Calabrese: My grandfather, because he always kept pushing me to be the best I could be.
McGuire: What is your favorite video game of all-time to play?
Calabrese: Definitely Call of Duty.
McGuire: What do your fellow students always want to know?
Calabrese: They want to know who’s starting, and who’s been looking good in practice.
McGuire: What was your best Halloween costume growing up?
Calabrese: I was a girl my senior year of high school. A bunch of my friends and I decided to go all out that year. We definitely got a lot of laughs.
McGuire: Who was your favorite Irish football player growing up?
Calabrese: Anthony Fasano–he’s from my hometown.
McGuire: What was the one thing that sold you on Notre Dame?
Calabrese: The academics are what stood out to me.
McGuire: If you could have any job, what would it be?
Calabrese: I’d be working on Wall Street somewhere, making money.
McGuire: If you could take three things with you on a deserted island, what would you take?
Calabrese: I would take a lighter, a knife and a nice-looking girl.
McGuire: What your ideal day off consist of?
Calabrese: I’d wake up; go eat breakfast with the guys. Then come back, play some video games, and just chill.