Q & A: senior safety Tony Annese
Safety Tony Annese is entering his senior season with high hopes for the Central Michigan football team.
Annese spoke with Central Michigan Life staff reporter Kullen Logsdon at Mid-American Conference Media Day at Ford Field.
Q: Why did you choose to come to CMU?
A: I felt comfortable with the coaching staff, the facilities and the campus. My uncle also played football here so I had a family tie too. It was just a good place for me to go.
Q: If you could play another sport, what would you play?
A: Either baseball or basketball because I played both of them growing up. I was a pretty good multi-sport athlete, so probably one of those two.
Q: What's your favorite vacation spot?
A: The Bahamas because that's where (the team) went in 2014 (for the Popeye's Bahamas Bowl). That was probably the best, most relaxing spot I've been too yet.
Q: If you could go on a date with any celebrity, who would it be?
A: I can't answer that because my girlfriend would probably kill me.
Q: What's your favorite Netflix binge watch?
A: "Prison Break" or "Sons of Anarchy". They are always intriguing and there's new stuff every episode. They're shows you can't stop watching.
Q: What is your favorite movie of all-time?
A: "Remember the Titans". It's a classic football movie. My dad has had me in football since I was five or six years old and I love that movie.
Q: What is your favorite board game?
A: Either "Monopoly" or I played "Scrabble" a couple weeks ago also. I don't have an exact go-to, but if I did, it would have to be one of those two.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I aspire to play in the NFL. I want to play in the best league possible. If that doesn't work out, maybe I'll go into coaching. After I play, maybe go into coaching or something with football or even business.
Q: Your former teammate at safety, Kavon Frazier, is in the NFL. Has he given you any advice?
A: I talked to him just a couple of weeks ago and he said to just enjoy the process and that it's going to be a grind this year because it really doesn't stop.
Q: What's your most memorable moment of your football career so far?
A: It would have to be my first career start, where I had an interception against Western (Michigan) in 2013 to win the game. That was a pretty cool experience.
Q: What is your go-to dance at weddings and parties?
A: I'm not much of a dancer, I'm more of a chill, relaxed individual. I don't go out and dance.
Q: You played quarterback in high school. How did your game compare to Cooper Rush's?
A: (It was) the complete opposite of Cooper's. I was a running quarterback and we ran the option. I could pass a little bit, and had a little bit of an arm, but I was more of an athletic, dual-threat guy. Coop is more of a pro-style offense kind of guy.
Q: Have you ever approached the coaches and suggested putting you in there for certain situations?
A: I've approached him, but they don't want to put me back there, so who knows.
Q: As a senior captain, what will be your message to the younger guys?
A: Just that everyone has a role on the team, no matter how big it is. Everybody is important for us to win a MAC Championship and everybody has to do their part.
Q: What would be the perfect way to end your career?
A: A MAC Championship and win a bowl game would be the best way to end my career. Also, to beat Western, beat Toledo and beat NIU. All of the teams we haven't beat.
