As a true freshman last year, John Tranchitella saw limited action on special teams as a reserve linebacker.

This year, the Driscoll High School product is being counted on to be a playmaker as the starting weak side linebacker for the Huskies. Two games into the season, Tranchitella has already collected 15 tackles, including a team-high 10 during the season opener against Iowa after getting five all of last year.

The former all-state running back sat down with the Northern Star to talk about everything from Da Bears to pre-game speeches.

Northern Star: With the injury to Tim McCarthy at linebacker, what do you need to do personally to step it up?

John Tranchitella: I need to study a lot more film and practice harder.

NS: How has it been going from a running back in high school to a linebacker in college?

JT: It’s a tough change. Any way I’m on the field, I’m on the field. But I just like playing football.

NS: What position do you like better?

JT: Probably linebacker. I’m not really in running back shape anymore.

NS: Think you can take on Urlacher or Ray Lewis?

JT: Ha, maybe in time.

NS: Are you a Bears fan?

JT: Yes, a big Bears fan.

NS: You think they’ll get back to the Super Bowl?

JT: Yes, I still do.

NS: Who will they play?

JT: The Patriots.

NS: You’re the guy on the team that’s known as…?

JT: The quiet guy. Everyone used to call me ‘mute.’

NS: Do they still call you that?

JT: No, I think it was more of a freshman thing. I talk a lot more now.

NS: Do you have any interesting pre-game rituals?

JT: I wake up the same time, eat the same things, wear the same things; stuff like that. I listen to certain songs, too.

NS: What songs?

JT: I listen to the speech from Any Given Sunday on my iPod, some tunes from Friday Night Lights and some AC/DC.

NS: What’s your favorite football movie?

JT: It’s between Friday Night Lights and Any Given Sunday. Probably Friday Night Lights.