Eric Deutsch '05 was a three-time All-Southern Conference offensive lineman for the Terriers. he was named AP First Team All-American in 2003 and 2004. In 2003, he became the first Wofford player in the Division I era to garner the SoCon Jacobs Blocking Trophy. He ranks sixth in school history with 428 career knockdown blocks. He was indudcted into the Wofford College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010. He currently resides just north of Cincinnati, Ohio, with his wife of 11 years Naomi, and two children, Laszlo and Alice.  

How did you decide to attend Wofford?

I had never heard of Wofford until I walked into my guidance counselor’s office to meet Coach Ayers for the first time. He had an intensity and passion that I don’t think I’ve seen before or since. After visiting, my decisions were between walking on at Indiana University or coming to Wofford. I chose Wofford because of Coach Ayers and his vision for the football program.

What is your favorite Wofford football memory?

I’m sure 2003 comes to mind first for most people since we swept the SoCon and went to the semifinals, but that year was setup by 2002. Unfortunately 2002 ended with being left out of the playoffs, despite our accomplishments. The Appalachian State game in Boone was one of my favorites. App had just tied the game up at 19 with a couple of minutes left but we had a chance to win before the end of the game. Watching Gabe Jackson break through the defense and run 61 yards to defeat one of the SoCon boogeymen in their own house was a very special feeling. Going down to Statesboro and beating Georgia Southern that year is a close second. 

What is your favorite Wofford memory?

My favorite Wofford memory comes from many years after graduating, getting to bring my son down for game as a toddler in 2017 to watch us beat Furman in the second round of the playoffs. I got to watch him tailgate, slide down the hill, watch the game, and then afterwards he got to meet with some of the coaches who were either still coaching or I had played with. We got to go inside and I was able to get a picture of him standing next to an oversized cutout off myself on the wall. Being able to watch him take it all in was an amazing experience, plus beating Furman is always great. 

How did competing as a student-athlete prepare you for life after Wofford?

There were no shortcuts as a football player at Wofford. It was like working two full time jobs but it helped me learn time management skills and how to perform under pressure. 

Do you have a favorite Wofford professor or mentor that impacted you?

Mrs. Rita, who ran the coffee shop in the science building was like another mom to me. I wound up spending most of my free time there and I think she helped me as much as any of my classmates, professors, or coaches.

Could you tell us a little about what you are doing now and your career path?

I am now a Network Engineer designing connectivity solutions between my client and their clients/vendors. My career path started with various help desk roles with a brief sidetrack of coaching football at a few different colleges before settling into networking. 

What piece of advice would you give to current Wofford student-athletes?

It's easy to stop at 'good enough'.  But if you're settling for 'good enough' then you stop challenging yourself to become better and someone hungrier will come along and suddenly 'good enough' isn't good enough anymore.  On the field, in the classroom, and in life after college there are plenty of people who are 'good enough' but when you don't settle for the status quo is when you see real progress made.