Sept. 9, 2010

Getting To Know … Safety Zeke Motta No. 17 * 6-2 * 210 * So. – Vero Beach, Fla./Vero Beach

Sophomore safety Zeke Motta enters his second season with the Irish as an integral part of the Notre Dame secondary. After concluding his freshman campaign with 12 tackles, mostly as a gunner on the punt and kickoff units, Motta will look to secure more significant playing time as a safety during the 2010 campaign. Last year, he enjoyed his breakout game of the season against Washington State, tallying four tackles including one for a loss. GameDay’s Aaron Horvath gives Irish fans a chance to get to know Zeke Motta.

Horvath: What is your major and why does it interest you?
Motta: My major is Industrial Design. I like it because it has a creative side and a construction side. I am looking for a job in construction and Notre Dame doesn’t offer construction management here, so industrial design is what interests me most.

Horvath: What is your favorite place on campus? Motta: Albeit I don’t go there enough, the most interesting place is definitely the Grotto.

Horvath: What is your favorite Coach Kelly saying?
Motta: “Keep improving day to day.”

Horvath: If the Irish Safeties had a theme song what would it be?
Motta: “Get Your Mind Right” by Rick Ross.

Horvath: What TV show do you never miss?
Motta: I don’t watch a lot of TV, but I like watching Family Guy.

Horvath: If you had your own energy drink, what would it be called?
Motta: “Spaz.”

Horvath: What do you miss most about home?
Motta: The Beach and surfing.

Horvath: North of South Dining Hall?
Motta: North because I’m closer to it, so I don’t have to walk as far.

Horvath: If you were a candy what would you be and why?
Motta: I’d be a Twix, because it’s easily the best candy bar out there.

Horvath: If Hollywood made a movie about you, whom would you like to see play you in the lead role?
Motta: I would want Bruce Willis to play me.

Horvath: What song on your iPod would surprise people?
Motta: I have a bunch of crazy techno songs on my iPod.

Horvath: What three things would you need with you on a deserted island?
Motta: I would need my phone, a surfboard, and a female friend.

Horvath: What is a fear you have that people don’t know?
Motta: I’m afraid of heights.

Horvath: When Coach Kelly isn’t coaching, what is he doing?
Motta: He is golfing, always golfing.

Horvath: Who is the best prankster on the team?
Motta: Michael Floyd, but I can’t really tell you what he does.

Horvath: What is the one thing that sold you on Notre Dame?
Motta: It would have to be the Golden Dome.

Horvath: If you could have any superpower you wanted, what would you want?
Motta: I would want unlimited strength, like the Incredible Hulk.

Horvath: What is your pregame ritual?
Motta: Before each game I always have to pray.

Horvath: Who is the best video gamer on the team?
Motta: Brian Smith is the best gamer on the team; he dominates at FIFA.

-ND-