Trevor Makarov, Carson-Newman, NFL Draft Interview with Joe Gaiter

Joe Gaiter:What does football mean to you?

Trevor Makarov: Football has been my getaway since I was 7 years old. When I’m on that field, nothing else matters. Football has provided me with a mindset that will guide me through having a family and all of the struggles I will endure in life. 

Joe Gaiter:What is your untold story?

Trevor Makarov:My untold story is that June before my senior year of highschool, my family and I had to move back to Michigan. Things were looking promising going into my last highschool season. The move messed up my whole recruiting process. I almost took the JUCO route but landed an offer from Carson-Newman 6 weeks before move in day. It killed me mentally but I became a man at CN and that is all I can ask for.

Joe Gaiter:What are your fondest memories of your high school years at James Clemons?

Trevor Makarov:The brotherhood we built. We went through hell as a new team playing 6A football in Alabama. We learned how to get knocked down over and over again but we also learned to get back up and fight.

Joe Gaiter:What attracted you to Carson-Newman?

Trevor Makarov:Carson-Newman was the only school that took a chance on me. The scholarship is what brought me here. When I came on my visit, I verbally committed to Coach Sparks. Not knowing anything about CN. 

Joe Gaiter:What has been your role on your team this year?

Trevor Makarov:My role at CN was to lead the TE’s and O-Line. Running the veer, we don’t throw the ball much and I knew that if I wanted to continue playing after this season I had to find a way to get eyes on me. I knew I had to block 50+ snaps a game so I became the meanest, nastiest and most physical player on the field. 

 

Joe Gaiter:What makes you so great as a Tight End?

Trevor Makarov:What makes me so great is my football IQ. I’ve spent tons of time in the video room with Coach Cryder. My ability to pick up on keys on the fly is what separates me. My film shows my physicality, now I just need an opportunity to prove to a coach I can run and catch a football.

Joe Gaiter:How coachable are you as an athlete?

Trevor Makarov:As a human I am never satisfied. My desire to be great allows my mind and heart to be open. I am always asking questions and trying to figure out what I can get better at. I don’t focus on what I am good at because I am already good at those things. What really matters is what I am bad at.

Joe Gaiter:What are your stats from this season?

Trevor Makarov:

6 catches 120 yards 1 TD 

1 drop

Second Team All-Confrence

536 plays AVG grade out 87%

Joe Gaiter:What will you miss about game day at Carson-Newman?

Trevor Makarov:I will miss looking my O-line in the face before the game and telling them I love them and I will give them everything I have on that field today.. The brotherhood in an offensive line room is just different.

Joe Gaiter:Tell us about your proday.

Trevor Makarov:My proday was cancelled. I am currently waiting to see what teams will want us to do.

Joe Gaiter:Who is your agent and why did you choose them?

Trevor Makarov:I am still in the process of looking for an agent. I had planned to find one a couple weeks before our proday.

Joe Gaiter:Where are you training during this draft season?

Trevor Makarov:I am training with Darius Khan. He owns Vengeance Fitness out of Knoxville, Tn. 

Joe Gaiter: Why should any team pick you over all other prospects?

Trevor Makarov:Teams should pick me because I bring a lot more to the table than just my athletic ability. I will never run from a challenge, I like leading people through the challenges. My work ethic speaks for itself. I have overcome many obstacles during my football career. I have and will always come out on top. It might not be the result I had in mind but I’ll always find a way to win. 

Joe Gaiter:What advice do you have for the Carson-Newman 2020 football team?

Trevor Makarov:Listen to your coaches and play for the men on your left and right. When you play for something bigger than yourself it gives that extra gear to get after somebody.

Joe Gaiter:Tell us about your love for dogs and your business?

Trevor Makarov:I could go on and on about this subject. Training dogs allows me to get away like football does. You can never know it all in this field of work. Each dog is different so you have to approach each dog as so. No 2 dogs are the same. The challenge to get inside every dog’s mind is what makes me enjoy my job. I’ve been training dogs for a little over 2 years now. When I’m done with football, I have big plans in store for the future.

Joe Gaiter:What is your motivation?

Trevor Makarov:My motivation comes internally. My desire to be great is what keeps me going. I have witnessed my mom do insane stuff to hold our family together. I owe her and my dad everything for raising me the way they did.

Joe Gaiter:What do you want your legacy to be?

Trevor Makarov:I want my legacy to be my desire to overcome bad situations. I want my work ethic and leadership abilities to be remembered. 

Joe Gaiter:Final Words?

Trevor Makarov:For any young players that could possibly see this. I was recruited to be an “athletic Tight End, to go catch the ball and be a force in the run blocking game.” I played just over 1700 plays as a 4 year starter. I caught 13 passes in my time at CN and only dropped 1 ball. I made the best out of my situation as I could have. Just because things are not going how you want, don’t run from it. There could be something a lot bigger on the other side. 

Joe Gaiter:Shoutouts?

Trevor Makarov:Shoutout to my family and my brothers for they push me everyday to be great. To my O-line, I love yall boys for life. To the coaches who have invested in me. I will forever take the life lessons I have learned and apply them to my life.