My TSU Experience: Daniel Fitzpatrick

Tennessee State football player Daniel Fitzpatrick just completed a four-year career this past fall. Although injuries forced him to miss three games in 2014, the Fort Wayne, Ind. native still finished second on the team in tackles with 56. As a senior, he also helped anchor the OVC’s top total defense (303.2 yards per game) and pass defense (153.3 yards per game), earning him second team all-conference honors. When healthy in 2013, Fitzpatrick led the NCAA FCS with eight interceptions and was an eight-time All-American. Daniel graduated from TSU with a bachelor's of science, December 2014.  Tsutigers.com sat down with the former safety to talk about his time as a Big Blue Tiger and his future plans.

TSUTigers: Talk about your overall TSU experience.

A:  I had an unbelievable experience at Tennessee State University! I would not change a thing about my 4 years.  I enjoyed college and all the success and failures that came with it. 

TSUTigers: What do you love most about TSU?

A:  The atmosphere! It is truly a one of a kind place.

TSUTigers: What will you miss most about TSU?

A:   The parties of course!!! Lol On a serious note though I will miss the pride that came with being a student at The Tennessee State University and all the relationships that I built.

TSUTigers: What is your most memorable football moment at TSU?

A: My most memorable moment had to be my junior year winning the HBCU national Championship and sitting in the forum when we were selected into the NCAA FCS playoffs!

TSUTigers: What is your most memorable non-football moment at TSU?

A: December 13, 2014 walking across the stage in Gentry Center and getting my degree surpasses them all.

TSUTigers: How do you feel social networking played a role in this season?

A: It played a big role! Students would ask me when the next game was so they could come and support our team.

TSUTigers: Do you have a favorite TSU fan/supporter? If so, who?

A: Teresa Phillips! Along with the rest of the TSU family that supported us through the ups and downs.

TSUTigers: What advice would you give to incoming freshman?

A: I would tell them to enjoy their time but remember why your there.  Make connections and have a plan A, B, and C.

TSUTigers: What was your most challenging class at TSU?

A: I would say it’s a tie between Dr. Page Comm Law and Ethics and Dr. Johnson Senior Project.

TSUTigers: Who was your favorite professor?

A: Dr. Tameka Winston

TSUTigers: What organizations were you a part of outside of football?

A: I was a part of Fellowship of Christian Athletes

TSUTigers: Who have been the most influential people to you at TSU?

A: I would say my position Coach Ed Sanders.

TSUTigers: What’s next for you?

A: I am pursuing a professional football career at the moment.

TSUTigers: Once you are an alumnus, how will you stay connected with TSU?

A: I will come back as often as I can and support the team and hopefully one day I will be in a position to give money back to the school.

TSUTigers: What do you know now that you didn’t know coming in as a freshman?

A: I realize how essential time management is and how you only get one opportunity in everything so make the most of it.

TSUTigers: What have you learned at TSU that you will keep with you for the rest of your life?

A: I will take with me for the rest of my life that nothing is given to anyone and that you have to earn everything that you want out of life.

TSUTigers: Is there anything else that you would like to say to the TSU family?

A: Thank you for a GREAT 4 years I wouldn’t be here without you guys.

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