2024 Interview with Tippecanoe High School Right Tackle and Center Ian Bickert

 (College coaches look at his dude. He will make you want to come and get his A.S.A.P.)

Ian Bickert 

School 

Tippecanoe High School

Right Tackle and Center 

2025

6,1 268

How long have you played football, and what are the reasons you continue to play?

I’ve played football for around 7 years. The reason I still continue to play is because of my coaching staff and teammates, and football teaches you multiple responsibilities that can translate off the field.

What are your personal goals for the 2024 season?

My personal goals for the 2024 season are flat-out winning the MVL and getting better every single day.

What goals are you setting for the team this season?

The goals for our team this year are high. Not only do we want to win the MVL, we also want to win a state title, and I believe we can accomplish that. Coach Burgbacher always preaches to us the importance of the small details, so that needs to be our number one priority coming into the season.

Would you rather play your rival to open the season or to close it? Explain

I’d rather play them as the opener because everyone should be healthy, and that’s when the best football is played when no one is limited by injuries.

What is the best part of being a lineman?

The best part of being a lineman for me is how rewarding it is. Sure, we don’t get a lot of credit, but I know that at the end of the day, when I go home and watch the film, we are the ones who open those gaps and create those opportunities for our skill positions.

What is the toughest part of being a lineman?

The toughest part of being a lineman is the toll it takes on your body. In the 2023 season, I played with a tore labrum and a bad knee, and when you have those types of injuries for some players, it can take a massive physical and mental toll on them.

Which side of the line do you feel you are better at?

I feel more confident playing on the right side of the line because I’ve been doing that my whole life, and it’s become so ingrained in my head.

One of the things I noticed while watching your Hudl package was the way you were able to pull and hit the guy you were hunting hard for. For those who have never played on the line before, can you share what goes into performing that part of your game?

For me, it comes down to practice. If anyone is just getting into playing offensive line, you have to work on footwork. I believe it’s the most important thing you can do. I take every opportunity to get down to the field and practice my pulls and footwork so that I can get those big hits on those linebackers and defensive linemen to open those lanes for our running backs.

Another thing that stuck out of your Hudl package was the way you do not stop until the guy you are going after is lying on the ground. Is there a college or pro lineman you pattern that part of your game after?

My mentality is that I’m going to run through your face and keep going. When you get your hands on someone, you need to keep driving. Usually, a football play lasts for 6 seconds, so for that time, you have to do your job and play hard. I don’t like comparing myself to any pro or college players because I’m not them; I’m me. However, it’s important for players to study these pro-offensive linemen. My favorite player is Tristan Wirfs because of how he always uses great leverage when he gets under a guy and moves them. Along with his amazing pass,.

What type of lineman is the hardest for you to go up against?

For me, it’s the smaller, sneaky, fast lineman. When we played against Western Brown, I was matched up against a smaller but quicker defensive tackle that was harder to get my hands on and predict what he was going to do.

What is the worst weather to play in?

The worst weather is when it’s freezing cold because your fingers are constantly getting stubbed and it’s difficult to get a good grip on players.

Who is the best player that you have ever faced in a game, along with the team he played for?

The best player I’ve ever faced was probably Devon Stroble out of Troy High School. He was very quick and knew how to use a great bend to stay on his feet.

What is your go-to snack?

Beef Jerky.

Have you ever been to a Dayton University football game?

I have not.

What was the last book that you read, along with the author?

“One Who Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” By Len Kesey.