The super bowl is less than 24 hours away and the world is buzzing with the big question, who will take home the trophy, the Atlanta Falcons or the New England Patriots?

This week I had the pleasure of speaking with the Atlanta Falcons starting right tackle on offense, Ryan Schraeder #73.

Unlike other players, Ryan did not play football in high school. He began his football career in college at Buttler Community College and Valdosta State University. There he worked hard every day with dreams of becoming drafted by the NFL. When the day finally came to be drafted Ryan was crushed when his name was never called. But Ryan has never been one to back down from a challenge. On April 9, 2013 Ryan signed with the Atlanta falcons as a undrafted free agent. Every day since Ryan has dedicated his life, time and soul to his team and is now the starting right tackle on offense.

Learn more about Ryan's journey and his thoughts about the upcoming game from a few questions he answered for me below:

1. How old were you when you first started playing football?

"I first started playing football in third grade. My dad coached me and we played against fourth graders. I continued to play until 7th grade."

2. Was there any specific football players you looked up to while growing up?

"I grew up in Kansas and was a big kc chiefs fan. I loved to watch Marcus Allen, Derrick Thomas and Tony Gonzalez. I got to be teammates with Tony my rookie year before he retired. That was very cool."

3. Was your dream always to become a professional football player?

"As a kid, I did dream about playing in the nfl one day. When I decided to hang up my cleats in 7th grade and pursue baseball and basketball, I realized nfl football was not likely. It was not until after high school and growing a foot, gaining over 100 lbs, that it became alive again."

4. What was the first position you ever played?

"I played running back, quarterback, and defensive end in peewee football. It wasn't until college and nfl that I played offensive line."

5. Was there ever a point in your career that you begin to doubt whether you would make it to the NFL?

"I would say not being drafted brought a lot of doubt about my career. Up until I became a full-time starter halfway through my 2nd year, I was constantly flushing doubt out of my mind. I think I turned that doubt into positive motivation, which Is probably a major reason why I have found success at this level."

6. Would you say that making it to this game is your biggest achievement thus far in football?

"I have had many achievements at each level throughout my career. I have been blessed with great coaches, teammates, and trainers to help me achieve my goals. Winning the super bowl will my biggest feat yet."

7. What is the most exciting part of the game for you?

"I think the most exciting part of the game for me is playing for my teammates. I feel like it makes it more enjoyable to play for something greater than yourself."

8. How does the team mentally prepare for a big game like this?

"I think you prepare for a big game by continuing to stick to the routine that got you in that position. My coach always reminds us not to start doing new stuff or changing your routine. That helps keep your mind from wandering off focus."

9. What do you think will be the biggest challenge for your team during this Super Bowl game?

"I think the biggest challenge will be dealing with all the distraction up until the game."

10. What is the biggest change you have seen in your team since your first game of the season?

"Our team has really grown together into a brotherhood throughout the year. We have overcome many battles/obstacles/injuries to make it to this point."

11. Anybody who has played sports understands the close bond you form with your teammates and how they become your best friends, does this bond still exist at the pro level?

"It does exist, just more of a professional manner. Most guys have families and kids so not as much time to hangout as college. I think that is why we are so special, because we have a tight bond that was built over time."

12. For all the young boys out there with dreams of being in your shoes one day, what words of advice do you have for them?

"To any kid with a dream of playing this game, or doing anything they love: you can never discount hard work. And when you want to stand out from the rest of the pack, work harder than they do. I promise you, it is so worth it."