Oct. 8, 2007
Senior Brett Madsen is a returning letterman who played a big role coming off the bench on defense and playing special teams in his first Division I season last fall. Madsen improved his strength dramatically in the weight room this past spring, adding 40 pounds or more to his max in all four core lifts. He transferred to UNM from Snow College in January of 2006 and made an immediate impact on the practice field.
Madsen displayed real toughness during a 6-tackle, 1 TFL performance in the ’06 Cherry-Silver spring game. He bit through his lower lip after his chin strap slid out of place, but went right back in the game after checking with team doctors and played the final 20 minutes. He required stitches to close the wound immediately after the game. Brett and his wife Jenna were married in May of `06.
This year, Madsen has been on of the most active players coming off the bench, notching 15 tackles in the first 4 games. He also has a 15-yard sack, a QB hurry and forced fumble.
D.J. Renteria: What is the best thing about being a senior?
Brett Madsen: Just being able to be comfortable in yourself and what you are capable of doing. Being able to relax more then you could your freshman year. You don’t have to be on your toes as much.
DR: What would be the biggest victory of the year for you this year?
BM: BYU! I am from Utah (60 miles south of Provo) and it really would be big to beat a school that recruited me and has some players that I know. It’s gonna be a huge game!
DR: What’s the biggest difference from being home and being in New Mexico?
BM: I really miss the mountains back home. I am a big time hunter, so the mountains are a huge thing back home.
DR: What is one advantage of being married while being a college athlete?
BM: I am really settled down being married. I have whole lot less distractions to deal with. My life is very predictable and that is good for me.
DR: If I was to ask your wife to describe you in one word what would she use?
BM: She would call me the “Beefmaster.” She calls me that after I won the Beefmaster (weightlifting) award this spring.
DR: What is your favorite place to eat here in town?
BM: Black Angus. Hands down that is the best place ever!
DR: If you could be any person for one day who would it be and why?
BM: I would have to say a fighter pilot. I love the whole idea of dog fighting!
DR: If you could be head coach for one day what would you change?
BM: I would definitely shorten the meeting time we have everyday.