MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama football tight end Andrew Reinkemeyer recently sat down with USAJaguars.com to discuss his recovery from injury during the offseason, what he sees as the role of the tight end in the Jaguar offense and the biggest influence in his life, among other things.

Reinkemeyer, a senior from Overland Park, Kan., has been a member of the Jaguar program since the 2016 season after transferring from Arizona Western Community College. Reinkemeyer was granted a sixth year of eligibility last spring and after missing the first six games this season, made his season debut against Alabama State. During the 2017 season, Reinkemeyer played in all 12 games, starting seven and finished the season with 10 catches for 75 yards after redshirting his first year with the program.

You entered the season recovering from a torn achilles. Talk to me about that recovery process and having to delay the start of your senior season.
"It was tough, but I just really bared down and worked hard during my rehab to get back to the point where I'm at now. I spent a lot of time in the [athletic] training room trying to get right for the season and I was finally able to get on the field against Alabama State."

What has it been like for you through these first several weeks of the season and fall camp where you were relegated to watching?
"I really wanted to be out there, but I knew I had to focus on my rehab and getting healthy so I could contribute eventually. It was definitely hard just standing there and watching."

In the offseason, you were granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA after a waiver was approved. What was the process like for getting that waiver?
"That was hard as well because there was a lot of things I was unsure about. We were four practices into spring ball before I get the word that I got that season back. When I was able to start back, I began a little bit behind the curve because other guys who the coaches knew were going to play were getting reps, which was pretty nerve wrecking too."

What did you take from last season that you've used this season?
"Personally, that I was not ready physically. I felt like I could have been in a lot better shape. I knew coming into this season, if I was granted the waiver that I had to be in better shape. I ended up getting hurt, which was unfortunate, but I knew what I had to do."

How have you improved since last year? What were some areas you wanted to focus on improving during the offseason?
"I wanted to get more flexible. I've been doing a lot of yoga when I was able to before getting hurt. I lost a little weight so I could run a little faster. I just got stronger overall so I could be really physical in the run game."

What do you see as the role of the tight end position in the offense?
"We are mainly used as blockers, but there have been a few games where we've been able to get out there in the passing game. We are really big in the play-action, which is great; either one or two of us are out there pretty much every play. We are highly involved."

What are some of the strengths of the offense?
"Definitely our receiving corps, those guys are really good on the outside, especially if we get one-on-one [match ups] on deep balls. That's where they are really a threat. Our outside run game right now is a strength with all of the jet motions and option things we're doing has been really effective for us."

Talk to me about your path to South?
"Coming out of high school I really only had a couple of D2s [Division II] and JUCO offers. I ended up going JUCO because I thought I could play a little bigger. I ended up redshirting my freshman year because I rolled my ankle. The next year I had a pretty good year and got a couple of offers, but I came back. I ended up tearing my achilles the first game of that season so that kind of hindered everything. South was the only school that really gave me a shot after getting injured, but it's been great coming here. I've really enjoyed my time."

What are some differences between the two levels of football?
"At this level, players seem to really understand what they are doing out there on the field. A lot of times you will see guys just running around out on the field in junior college, and you can exploit that if you are well-coached like we were."

How did you benefit from playing in junior college?
"I would not be the same player at all. I was a wide receiver coming out of high school and I gained about 20 pounds my redshirt year there and they decided to move me to tight end. I was fine with whatever got me on the field. If I hadn't done that and just gone straight to DI out of high school, I wouldn't be near the blocker that I am today. I still have a long way to go, but I wouldn't have had any clue blocking wise. Going to JUCO kind of through me in the fire and I either had to sink or swim when it came to blocking and that was great."

How do you feel like you have improved since junior college?
"Definitely blocking. Even my second year when I was getting ready to really amp it up, I was still iffy, but now I pretty much understand everything when it comes to blocking schemes. Once you understand everything, it's just a matter of you hitting the guy in front of you."

What do you like to do in your spare time?
"I love to play golf. I love to lift weights and play my drums."

While you've been delayed getting out on the field, what type of leadership role have you assumed on the offense?
"I've just been trying to motivate the guys on the sideline when they come off the field and keep encouraging them. In the tight end room, it's a little easier for me to give direction because they know I know what's going on."

Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
"That's a tough question, but I would say my high school coach, at least from a football sense. My freshman year of high school, I quit football and was just going to focus on baseball, but I ended up coming back my sophomore year when we switched head coaches after the other left for another job. My coach my sophomore season made me really love the game and that year was a great season; that's when I knew I wanted to play football over baseball."

You mentioned that you played baseball, what other sports did you play?
"Baseball and basketball."

Between those two, which one would you play collegiately if you were able to do so?
"I was always headed to play baseball. I had grown up playing summer ball, but I really love basketball too. If I was good enough, I would probably choose basketball."

Is there a memory that you will take away from your time here at South Alabama?
"Definitely the Troy game last season. That game was huge for us. The atmosphere was unreal and to be able to go in there to their place and win the belt was awesome. I will definitely remember that for a long time."

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