Staying optimistic
RPI’S quarterback hopeful about upcoming season.
Q: Even though it’s only the first week of June, the school year doesn’t seem like it’s that far away.
With the way things are now, do you think you will be in class at RPI at the end of summer?
a: I really do. I hope we are. Come August and September, I am hoping that the virus situation will be moving in a downward trend.
Q: The football schedule at RPI says you are opening the season on Sept. 5. Are you optimistic that will happen?
a: Yes. One hundred percent. We are supposed to be in training camp Aug. 12. I am just trying to keep an optimistic outlook. It would be tough if we were not playing. I am just trying to keep that thought out of my mind.
Q: How has the coronavirus pandemic disrupted the way you would be preparing for the season?
a: It was tough not being able to have spring ball, but we had to adjust as a group. We have (virtual) meetings with each other and have kept in touch. All we can do is try to make the most out of the situation we are in.
Q: Have you been able to find anyone to throw to?
a: I am trying to throw at least a few times a week and trying to
stay in shape. My father (also named George) is my number one receiver right now.
Q: In your first two seasons, RPI went a combined 18-5 and went to the Division III NCA A Tournament both years. Last year, the record was 6-5. Talk about how difficult it was dealing with success and then having a not-so-great season.
A: It was definitely tough not meeting our expectations last season. We had a good run the first two years. We are going to have a lot of motivation going into this season. We are going to be ready to play.
Q: The highlight on the regular-season schedule is the Dutchmen Shoes game with Union. Union won easily last year. Is the Union game one you talk about a lot?
A: Playing football, we really do go one game at a time. Some games do have extra meaning to it. The Shoes game means a lot to us and the school and the alumni. We want to get them back. We do a good job of focusing on one weekend at a time. But that game is always there. We know it’s there. It’s definitely there.
Q: This is your senior year. Does it seem like you just got to RPI after playing high school at Guilderland?
A: Sure does. Absolutely. All the lifts, all the practices. If I could take it all back and start again, I would do it in a heartbeat. There is nothing like playing football in college. At any level.
Q: What have you been doing since the pandemic started?
A: I’ve been home with my parents (mother, Lea) and sister (Kristina) for the last three months. My dad and I redid the roof on our shed and we have watched a lot of Netflix.
Q: What are your thoughts on the social unrest that we have in the country right now?
A: We have had conversations about that as a team. It was so difficult to watch the video of George Floyd. Some of my teammates have been treated different because of their color. We have talked about that. It is really disappointing that we all have to live through that.
Q: You know your last name is a nightmare for people at newspapers who have to write headlines.
A: I know, I know (laughs). But I can’t change it. To me, it’s perfect just the way it is.
Q: Favorite moment in your football career. Any level.
A: My freshman year. We were playing at St. Lawrence and we got the gamewinning touchdown with 17 seconds left (he led the Engineers on an 11-play, 71-yard scoring drive after St. Lawrence had taken a 17-14 lead with 2:06 left. He threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to win the game). After that, I said to myself, ‘I can play here.’
Q: How satisfying has it been for you that you have been able to play your college football so close to home?
A: It has been awesome. Just being able to have my parents and family and friends come to watch me play has been great. The support really means a lot to me.
Q: Is there any reason you wear the number (11) you wear?
A: No. That’s the one they gave me my freshman year. I wore 12 in high school because I am a big (Green Bay Packers quarterback) Aaron Rodgers fan.
Q: If you could throw to one wide receiver from history, who would it be? A: I am going to go with Randy Moss (14-year career, most with the Minnesota Vikings, in the NFL Hall of Fame). Q: You are a business and management major at RPI. What do you want to do after college?
A: Not entirely sure yet. I think something in the operation and supply chain, in management. I will have to figure that all out.
Q: If you could have a super power, what would it be?
A: Tough question. I think it would be great to be able to teleport to places. You can go wherever you want to go and then come right back.
Q: Favorite super hero.
A: I never really got into super heroes. Maybe Batman. His car is awesome.
Q: If you were Batman, who is Robin? A: I would have to go with my dad. But, really, he would have to be Batman. I would be Robin.
Q: What is the first thing you are going to do when the pandemic is over?
A: I want to go out and be on the field with all my teammates. Just play football. Being able to see them all and play and have some fun. That would definitely be my number one.