Midfielder Brad Ring Speaks Before MLS SuperDraft

Indiana University midfielder Brad Ring is one of top prospects available for tomorrow's 2009 MLS SuperDraft. Analyst Buzz Carrick has the holding mid listed as his number 11 prospect in the entire player pool. Soccer City FC recently spoke with the player prior to the MLS Combine which he was unable to attend due to injury.

You returned to compete against rival Saint Louis in the NCAA tournament, but now are not attending the combine due to injury. Is it the same or different injury and how is it healing?

- Yes, I am still rehabbing from an injury that I got against Ohio State in the Big Ten regular season. I missed about 7 games due to the injury but came back for the NCAA tournament games St. Louis, Michigan and St. Johns. Coming back for those 3 games probably slowed my healing process but it was worth it in my mind to end my college career fighting along side my teammates.

What lessons as team captain will you take with you to the professional game?

- As a 2 year captain at Indiana University I learned a lot. The most important thing I learned was how players respond differently to different situations. A captain must know each individual player and know how to get the best out of them.

You and your teammates advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament and ended with a 14-7-3 record. Was the season a success?

- To answer the question bluntly, no, it was not a success. Although the vast majority of programs around the country would be happy making it to the quarterfinals, we had higher expectations of ourselves.

Can you talk about your interactions with Head Coach Mike Freitag?

- Coach Freitag is a passionate coach who cares deeply about every single player on the roster. Obviously, he is a great coach and is knowledgeable of the game but he also cares about off the field issues that each player is going through. Our coaching staff at IU is constantly making sure things are going smoothly in every aspect of our lives.

What was your most memorable collegiate moment?

- The most memorable moment in my college career was actually a game that we tied at Maryland my freshman year. We were down 0-3 with only 17 minutes left in the game. We ended up scoring 3 goals and taking it into overtime. The game ended in a tie but that comeback showed the fight and never give up attitude that all IU teams have.

Care to comment on the outlook for the Hoosier program in 2009?

- The Indiana Hoosiers will do just fine in 2009. I believe we lost 9 players but with the talent currently on the roster along with a solid recruiting class, I'm sure that another player will be ready to step in and take the place of a player who left this year. I expect big things from my Hoosiers and I'll definitely be watching the games whenever possible.

What goals do you have heading into your professional career?

- I like to take it one step at a time and not look ahead to far. With that being said, currently my first professional goal is to simply be drafted. Hopefully that occurs and then I will set my next goal.

Will you be attending the MLS SuperDraft?

- I am unsure if I will be attending the MLS draft or not. I will be communicating with my agent to see what he thinks.

For more interviews: 2009 Pre-Combine Interviews at Soccer City FC