ESPN

Moderator

  (11:05 AM)

We are tracking down Tommy now. Thanks for your patience.

Moderator

  (11:32 AM)

We are about to start with Tommy .. he was just running a little behind. He should be joining us momentarily. Keep your questions coming.

Tommy Zbikowski

  (11:47 AM)

I am here and ready to go!!

Mark(Evansville)

Tom,thanks for chosing the Irish! Will you be redshirted and has Coach Wllingham talked to you about returning punts and kickoffs?

Tommy Zbikowski

  (11:47 AM)

Not really. I don't know if they will talk about that when I get there or what. I'm sure they have talked about it but he hasn't told me what his plans are.

Keith (Mt. Prospect)

What are you most looking forward to at Notre Dame- playin football, boxing,track,education, or even the women? Or all of the above.

Tommy Zbikowski

  (11:48 AM)

Really just the first time putting on that uniform and coming out of the tunnel.

Iowa City

I can't argue that you made a life decision rather than a football decision by choosing Notre Dame. I wish more athletes thought that way. How close were you to choosing the road less traveled and attending the University of Iowa? Best of luck at ND!

Tommy Zbikowski

  (11:48 AM)

I was pretty close. After the All-Star Game I was thinking of going there. Like I said before, if it was only football, it might have been different. But ND was in my heart.

Matt (Dallas)

Tom Z, welcome to the ND family! Is there a certain number you would like to wear and why?

Tommy Zbikowski

  (11:49 AM)

I always wore 9 in high school and would love to wear that but that is the least of my worries.

Dave (San Diego)

Tom, GREAT decision to go play for the Irish! How important was the fact that Tyrone Willingham is now the coach at ND to your decision (i.e. do you think you would you have made the same decision 2 years ago)?

Tommy Zbikowski

  (11:49 AM)

I think I would have made the same decision. ND just has so much to offer. But Coach Willingham made it that much easier. Nothing is guaranteed with him, you have to work.

NDClassof2 (Columbus, OH)

Tom- Football aside for just a second, do you have any anxiety about starting classes in the fall? Any worries about trying to balance a top-notch education with first-rate football?

Tommy Zbikowski

  (11:50 AM)

Yeah, I'm a little nervous. I think that is why it took me awhile to commit. It is a very tough school but they have a great support system. I'm prepared for the academics.

Thomas, ND

Tommy... Glad to hear you're going to be Irish. REquest to be in Sorin Hall...its the best men's dorm on campus. What do you think about the incredible defensive class that will be coming in with you?

Tommy Zbikowski

  (11:51 AM)

I'm just happy we have such a good class. The defense they played this year was excellent. I can see why defensive recruits would want to come here. We have a great class coming in.

Rudy (St. Louis)

Where else would a fighter go, but ND? Tommy do you expect to make an immediate impact due to the graduation of Shane and others? How important is it for ND to get Victor and Ambrose to solidify one of the best defenses for years to come?

Tommy Zbikowski

  (11:52 AM)

I hope I can. Even if I redshirt, that would help me get eased in. But not many playes like to watch, we all want to play. I want to do everything I can.

Brian (Atlanta)

How would you describe Ty Willingham?Good luck and welcome to the family.

Tommy Zbikowski

  (11:53 AM)

What you see on TV is what you get. He is very no nonsense. He is very intellectual. Everything has a meaning.

Double D (Indianapolis)

Welcome to the ND family! Now that this has had time to sink in, what will you do in preparation for fall practice?Is there a workout program you will follow?

Tommy Zbikowski

  (11:53 AM)

I have a personal trainer that I work with. He helps guys get ready for the combine. I also run track to work on my speed.

Dave (Elmhurst)

Hey Tom..Just wondering, Why not Nebraska?? You would have been a major star there from the day you make your debut til the day you graduate. What does Notre Dame have that Nebraska doesn't?

Tommy Zbikowski

  (11:54 AM)

I think the alumni ties around the Chicago hear. A ND degree in the Chicago area is worth a lot. They are both great programs and it was a very tough decision.

Korrey(New york)

Do think that you will play both ways at ND? Would you want to?

Tommy Zbikowski

  (11:54 AM)

I would want to. I don't know if the coaches want me to. I would love to do that. It's up to them. I'd be willing to.

Patrick (Charlottesville)

Hey Tom - Great decision on Notre Dame...you will not be disappointed!!! Now that the recruiting season is wrapping up, are you more likely to be playing safety, corner, or is there any possibility that you may be on the offense?

Tommy Zbikowski

  (11:55 AM)

I'm expecting corner. That is what I have been told so far. I think it's easier to go from safety to corner. I'm glad I'm coming in as a corner.

Danny- Tampa, FL

What do you plan on majoring in college? Do you plan on continuing boxing?

Tommy Zbikowski

  (11:56 AM)

Broadcasting. They have a gym so I will do some training. But I probably wont do any fighting. Any free time I get I will try and keep my skills up.

Mike (Lafayette, IN)

Though the experts say that you may be better suited for DB at the next level, does that in any way curb your desires to play QB?

Tommy Zbikowski

  (11:56 AM)

No, not really. I just want to play D1 football, I don't care what football.

Lolly

Tommy- Any fears about coach Willingham leaving for the NFL after signing day is past? I hear the 49ers might be interested in him....

Tommy Zbikowski

  (11:57 AM)

I don't think so. I haven't heard anything about him leaving. But that could happen at any school. That's why I looked more at the program.

Tallahassee

How will you beat FSU next year???

Tommy Zbikowski

  (11:57 AM)

I have no idea, couldn't tell you!

Dan, Tampa

Tommy...you had your recruiting decision publicly tracked, so you must be able to deal with media exposure. How big a factor was ND's NBC tie with the assured television audience each week?

Tommy Zbikowski

  (11:59 AM)

That was a factor. Especially in broadcasting. If you name is out there all the time, it can make things easier. The appeal of a good ND player is great in the job market. Especially in the broadcasting area.

Jose(Columbus)

Tom, what did you like most about the Notre Dame campus?

Tommy Zbikowski

  (11:59 AM)

The campus in general is beautiful. Everything about it. It's incredible. Being a catholic school, you have to love everything about it!

Tim Duluth

Hey Tom what was the most difficult part of the recruiting process for you, now that you can reflect back upon it?

Tommy Zbikowski

  (12:00 PM)

Telling the coaches at Nebraska and Iowa that I was going to ND. That was tough.

Blaszczyk (Philadelphia)

Tommy will you still wear the Polish T-Shirt under the Irish Jersey, I am very heritage also.

Tommy Zbikowski

  (12:00 PM)

I probably will. I have always done that.

Frank (Notre Dame)

Broadcasting? Tommy get real. You're going to be playing on sundays.

Tommy Zbikowski

  (12:01 PM)

It only takes one play for your career to be over, you have to have something to fall back on. I haven't thought much about the NFL yet.

Brian (Boston)

Tom now that your an ND student, your feelings on Boston College? (hint there is only one right answer)

Tommy Zbikowski

  (12:02 PM)

I haven't experienced that rivalry yet but I"m looking forward to seeing what it's like. I'll have to dislike them after the first game, just like every rivalry!!Thanks for all the questions.. I appreciate your support. Take care. Go Irish!