Joe Gaiter:What does football mean to you?
Ruben Sartin: Football is life. It’s the game of life and it has taught me much more than Xs and Os. I hold this game near to my heart because it helped produce the man I am today.
Joe Gaiter:Where did you grow up and how was your childhood?
Ruben Sartin: I grew up in New Orleans, LA. We moved around a lot( uptown, east, West Bank) I spent more time on the West Bank. I matured very fast because you are exposed to a lot. You have to grow up fast NOLA. No room to be green.
Joe Gaiter:Why did you pick Miles College?
Ruben Sartin: I actually committed to Stillman out of high school. The program shut down after my freshman year and I wanted an opportunity to play and as well give a few transfer teammates a chance to play with me.
Joe Gaiter:What were your stats this year?
Ruben Sartin: 36 Tackles, 2 FF, 1 FR, 11 PBUs.
Joe Gaiter:How did it feel to win SIAC championship?
Ruben Sartin: The feeling is surreal. I know how much work the team put in. To see the 4:00 AM sprints and summer workouts pay off is a feeling that is unmatched. We started 0-5, to turn that around to a conference championship shows persistence and grit.
Joe Gaiter:Do you feel like your talents have been underrated?
Ruben Sartin: Yes, I would say that.
Joe Gaiter:How have you dealt with adversity?
Ruben Sartin: You take adversity head on. You pray about it. Control what you can control and let God handle the rest.
Joe Gaiter:Any other moments stick out besides winning the championship this year?
Ruben Sartin: Yes, the entire season was memorable. My season high tackle game against Fort Valley, The Chicago classic, the ending of the Clark ATL game and the comeback against Tuskegee.
Joe Gaiter:Is it hard being a student athlete?
Ruben Sartin: I’ll be lying if I said it wasn’t. It’s really a test of character because others believe that we get special treatment and we don’t. You have to apply yourself because not only are you taking in academic information, you also have to study your playbook, watch film, practice at 5am and still be up to 11-12 to finish homework assignments.
Joe Gaiter:Will you be entering the NFL draft?
Ruben Sartin: No.
Joe Gaiter:What is your untold story?
Ruben Sartin: I need a biopic. I’ve been through it all. It’s too much to cover. Let’s just say I’ve clawed my way to the point I’m at in the most modest way possible.
Joe Gaiter:What Motivates you?
Ruben Sartin: To watched my mother work 3 jobs to provide and she walked to every single one of them. That’s what consistently pushes me.
Joe Gaiter:What do you want your legacy to be?
Ruben Sartin: I want to leave behind a legacy that says I worked for everything I have achieved. I didn’t cut any corners.
