Tanka Eckford
Having taken last year off from covering Fremont Ross sports last year, there was a certain degree to which I had to get reacquainted with Ross’ teams and athletes. During football preseason, when a coach or player would refer to returning players to the secondary, they’d mention Roger Burling, Chrystjan Mancini and Tanka. Tanka? Later I looked at the roster where neither a Tanka nor a name anywhere close to sounding like it could be found. I quickly learned Tanka was senior Jerardo Eckford and immediately knew one question in particular needed to be asked, so I figured it was time to get to get know Tanka Eckford.
Your nickname is “Tanka”, where does “Tanka” come from?
It’s a childhood nickname, I was always a Tanka around the house. Like a tank, an army tank, my mom just added an ‘A,’ I don’t know why. I was a bigger kid and I always ran into everything. I’m a Jr., and I don’t really like going by my dad’s name so I go by Tanka.
Favorite class in school?
Math. I feel like math is always an easier subject for me. I don’t know, I’m good with numbers.
Pet peeve?
When people try to argue, or pick dumb arguments. That bothers me a lot.
You win an all-expenses-paid trip anywhere in the world, where do you go?
Cali. There are a lot of famous people in California. I want to meet Kobe Bryant.
If you could ask one person any one question, who is it and what do you ask?
Kobe Bryant. I would ask him what made him keep striving to be great. He kept winning rings back-to-back. What made him keep going and not ever give up.
What TV show or movie do you refuse to watch?
All the shows on Cartoon Network right now. It’s way different than it was in my childhood. All the cartoons are different and they’re not funny to me at all.
What is something that a ton of people are obsessed with but you just don’t get the point of?
Our linebackers listen to country. I don’t really get country at all. I don’t understand why anybody listens to country. It doesn’t really relate.
What could you give a 30-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
Video games. I could talk about Madden 2K, GTA, EA, I could talk about all of them.