David Arnold Jr.

School/Mascot: Northwestern Wildcats

Sport: Football

Class: 2011 (Junior in school, Redshirt Sophomore in football)

Current City: Evanston, IL (30 min north of Chicago)

Hometown: Akron, OH

Birth date: 9-15-89

Age: 20

Height/Weight: 6'1" /225

On your sport...

How long have you played? What inspired you to play?
I have played since I was 9 years old. I think a lot of my peers had started playing at 8 but I had to wait a year because my birthday did not make the deadline. I was basically born with a football in my hand. I'm originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan where my dad had played at the university as a cornerback. I moved to Akron after my 6th grade year.

Where is your favorite place to play?
I really enjoy playing away games because it allows you to travel around the country and experience different sceneries. Traveling has always been a hobby of mine. But, besides playing in bowl games, my favorite place to play at thus far is Kinnick Stadium. That's home of the Iowa Hawkeyes in Iowa City.

What is your favorite number? Why?
32 is my favorite number. It was actually the first number I wore as a football player when it was randomly issued to me my first year of youth football. Ever since then it has just stuck with me over the years. I think there was only 2 years where I was unable to wear #32.

Who is the best player you’ve played WITH and AGAINST?
There has been a number of guys that I have been on the same team as, or played against who are extremely gifted players. I am fortunate enough to be able to play Big Ten football where every day and every week I am on the field with some of the nation's best athletes. One guy who immediately comes to my mind is Delone Carter who I played with on my Copley High School team for two years. The other is Jeremy Maclin who I played against in the Alamo Bowl last year in San Antonio. He is a gamebreaker and now he is making some plays in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Do you have a pre-game ritual? If so, what is it?
It has a lot to do with the pre-game schedule that the hotel goes through every week. Starting when we get to the locker room I like to sit down and listen to music and look through the program for that week. It's kind of weird, but one thing that has been a pre-game ritual for me is to not brush my teeth. That started a while back when I was rushing and I had to hurry up and get my stuff together to go out on the field and I did not have enough time to brush them. I ended up playing really well so it became part of my routine (or stayed out of my routine).

What is the worst experienced you’ve had? What did you learn from it?
I think losing the Outback Bowl vs. Auburn Tigers on New Year's Day of 2010 on national television. We did some amazing things this year but at the end of the day I have an empty feeling in my stomach because we lost our bowl game, one of our main goals. I think I just need to work that much harder so next year maybe I just make one more play than I did this year which could lead to a different outcome.

Have you ever had an injury while performing your sport?
I have had several injuries. 4 knee surgeries because I tore my meniscus (both knees). I also had surgery because I had a sports hernia.

What do you consider as your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment thus far is not only getting into a school with such a tremendous academic reputation, but starting on the schools football team at outside linebacker on a very good football team.

What is your most memorable moment? Why?
Sherrick McManis' (09' Northwestern Senior CB) speech after we lost the Outback Bowl. It was pretty deep. It was sad, but it was inspiring as well and it came from the heart. It marked the end of that team, and the birth of a new one without those seniors.

How has your sport helped you become who you are today?
In so many ways it has been a huge part of my life. It has taught me things I can apply to other aspects of my life and built character and leadership.

Behind your sport...

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love listening and singing along to music. I enjoy spending time with my family watching movies and sitting down with them at meals. I also enjoy hanging out with my friends going out on weekends and then finally sleeping and just taking advantage of down time.

Name 3 Fun Facts about yourself that people may not know.
I am very diverse in many aspects of life. I am not adapted, though I live with my mother who is mixed (white and black), my step-father who is Greek, and my 9 year old brother (through my mom and my step-dad). I really love dogs and for whatever reason dogs immediately become attracted to me.

Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook

What is your favorite part about college?
I go to college and play football and my teammates are guys I will have life-long friendships with. I couldn't ask for more than to have the teammates I have.

What is your favorite quote?
"Life is a lot like football. You have to tackle your problems, block your fears, and score your points when you get the opportunity."

Who is the most influential person you’ve met? Why?
Jesse Jackson stands out to me. He spoke in one my classes and he was just very powerful and moving with his words and approach.

What do you value the most?
Family.

What is your major? Why did you choose it?
Learning and Organizational Change. I felt it was the closest major offered to undergraduates to a business degree. It's in the School of Education and Social Policy and the environment in SESP are more suiting to me. The classes are smaller and you are able to have a more personable relationship with the professors. I really like the classes offered too.

Outside of your sport, what are your visions/goals in life?
I want to be a successful businessman who is happy. I see myself have a wife and kids and being able to give as much back to my community as possible.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Playing in the NFL.

Final thoughts...

How do you feel about being selected for Strive4 Exposed?
I feel blessed and appreciative to be selected.

What are your thoughts about Mylan Murphy?
Great guy. I feel that he is driven, has a vision, and humble. He's definitely an admirable person.

What will you continue to Strive4?
I'm going to continue to try growing as a linebacker. I'm new to the position and I want to become very good with my technique. If I execute my fundamentals properly then i'll have an edge. I also need to improve my study habits in the film room.

Follow David Arnold's Athletic Career at http://nusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/arnold_david00.html.