ODELL - A little bit of chemistry went a long way for Sean Lindblad, who has signed a National Letter-of-Intent to play football for the Peru State College Bobcats.
“I just liked the chemistry I had with their campus,” Lindblad said of the college. “I went on a campus visit and everything was pretty nice.
“I could already see myself being there.”
Lindblad also considered Northwest Missouri State, the University of Nebraska-Kearney, Doane College, Hastings College and Concordia University.
Lindblad will likely line up as an offensive lineman for the Bobcats, but may also find himself on the defensive side of the ball.
“I could play either side, but I'd prefer defense because that's the spot I most like,” Lindblad said. “But I'll play wherever they put me and it looks like they need me more on offense.”
Lindblad said the most important goal for his freshman season is improving to the point that he can help the team on the field during game days.
“I need to build up my skills, make my techniques a lot better,” Lindblad said. “That's the way to get a lot of playing time, and hopefully get a starting spot by my second year.”
Lindblad says there's a possibility that he may be able to make an impact early on, as the Bobcats are coming off a “down” season.
“Last year wasn't too hot, but we're hoping to change that,” Lindblad said. “Hopefully, we can manage to get a pretty good record this year and maybe make the playoffs.
“Coach (Terry) Clark is a really nice guy, but he's also going to push us. He's straight to the point and he gets things done.”
Off the field, Lindblad will focus on a criminal justice major. He said he likes the job flexibility found within the field of study.
“There's so many choices,” Lindblad said. “You can be a lawyer, a cop or join the FBI.”
“I'm not exactly sure what I want to do, so it will be a chance for me to explore and find something I like.”
Lindblad said when he reminisces about his high school career, it won't be hard to remember his favorite moment.
“It's definitely my junior year when we played Falls City Sacred Heart in the quarterfinals (of the Class D State playoffs),” Lindblad said. “Their field is always a hard place to win, but we came in there and beat them by four.”
While playing for Diller-Odell is now a memory for Lindblad, his future will continue to be shaped by the school as three fellow Griffin football players will be putting their pads on for the Bobcats next season as freshmen.
“That'll be pretty nice,” Lindblad said of having teammates Kolin Kotas, Cody Wallinger and Dylan Nippert suiting up with him this fall. “It's going to be nice to go out there right away and already know some of my teammates.
Lindblad said their presence should make it easier for each of them making the adjustment from high school to college life.
“We can help each other out and stick together if any of us are having problems with classes or whatever may come up.”