Recruiting Q&A: Ibrahim Traore Discusses Coaching Changes, Individual Goals

Penn State fans have become well-acquainted with the majority of the Class of 2020, but offensive lineman Ibrahim Traore is one of the few they haven't really gotten to know. Although he's been committed since September 2019, Traore hasn't opened up much with the media. Aside from a few small interviews dating back to before he committed, the New York City native has never opened up about his commitment to the Nittany Lions.

BWI's Ryan Snyder caught up with Traore this week for a two-part Q&A.

Part I: OL Ibrahim Traore Opens up About Penn State Commitment

Snyder: In recent months, both Matt Limegrovrer and Sean Spencer left the staff. What was your reaction to all of that?

Traore: I wouldn’t say that I was bummed out. I already knew that college football was a business. It did make me realize that this coaching business is no joke, but I kind of already knew that. I wouldn’t say that I was bummed out or anything like that. College football is a business. Coaches are going to come and leave. That’s how it works. A coach can tell you to come to this school because he wants to coach you or whatever, but if he gets a better job somewhere else, he’s going to just leave. That’s the business. I didn’t commit because of a coach or two. I committed because I love the school, regardless of who were my coaches.

Snyder: How often have you been speaking with Phil Trautwein? What’s that relationship been like?

Traore: He’s an amazing guy. He’s accomplished so much so quickly. I actually had dinner with him and my family. We really enjoyed him. The guy means business and he has a hell of a record already. He played with Tim Tebow at Florida, won national championships and played in the NFL. The guy has done it all. He means business and I really appreciate that. He explained all of his expectations, what he wants to do, all of that. I know he’s ready to get to work.

Snyder: What do you love most about Penn State? What’s one of the first things you think of when you think about Penn State?

Traore: The first thing I think of is the ice cream. (laughs) Truth be told, that’s the first thing, man. That’s what I think about. I loved going there during my visit. Penn State is famous for that. During my official visit, I had some chocolate mousse cake on a waffle cone with some caramel and whipped cream. Oh man, that was incredible. I think about it to this day.

Snyder: I know you’re playing lacrosse, but what have you been up to when it comes to training? Where do you go?

Traore: There’s a program up here that’s called About You New York City. I go there on Saturday and Sunday, and then Tuesday through Thursday. On the other days, I focus on lacrosse, which is a lot of conditioning and running. That pretty much sums it up for me. I do a lot of stretching at home, but I’m busy with something every day.

Snyder: I like to ask players about their strengths and weaknesses. Is there anything that just comes naturally to you as an offensive tackle? Also, what's one thing you want to improve on before enrolling or during the preseason?

Traore: I would say that my athleticism is my strength. For my size, I always feel like I’ve moved well. I’m always trying to get better, but I feel good about that. I think that helps me be versatile. I’ll always need to keep improving my skills, especially when I get to this next level, but I feel like my athleticism has helped me a lot. When it comes to a weakness, I want to get better at playing on both sides. I’ve always played left tackle all my life, so learning how to play on the right side would be good for me. I know Penn State will want me to play wherever they need me. That’s something I want to work on.

Snyder: For the last couple of questions, I want to know about some of your goals moving forward. We’ll start with this: What do you want to study at Penn State?

Traore: I’ll probably study communications or journalism. I see myself being an anchor someday.

Snyder: I know you want to get to the NFL, but if that doesn’t end up happening, what do you want to do for a living? I know you kind of answered this, but what’s your dream job?

Traore: Yeah, like I said, I'd like to be an anchor someday. I’d love to do what Shaquille O'Neal does someday.

Snyder: OK, last question: What do you want to accomplish as a player at Penn State? Everyone always says win a national championship or a Big Ten championship. We know that. Is there anything individually that comes to mind?

Traore: When you walk into Penn State’s weight room, you’ll see a chart up above with a bunch of lifting numbers and times, stuff like that. I want my name on that list. I’d love to fill in all the rows for linemen, but I want to at least make it up there for something. If there’s one thing I’d really like to be on there for, I want to have the fastest 40-yard time for the offensive linemen.

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