Drew Willy
Quarterback - Football

1. This is your fourth year as the Bulls’ starter. How would you say your game has changed since you started as a freshman?

I have become more mature and a better leader. I’m better in the film room with coach Gill and coach Barrett. I’m stronger and faster and I understand the game more.

2. Your first completion of the season will set the school record for career completions. Looking back four years ago, did you think this was possible?

I have a lot of confidence in myself. It’s great to play four years as a starter and I knew if I got that opportunity some records would go down. There were some great players before me and I’m sure there will be some great players after me. It’s an honor to play with great teammates and coaches.

3. Is there a quarterback that you model your game after?

Peyton Manning is my guy. The way he mentally prepares for a game and the way he handles himself, he is a class act and I like to model myself after him.

4. You were a very successful basketball player in high school. Did you ever entertain the thought of playing basketball in college instead of football?

I had some small Division I offers and a lot of Ivy League schools looked at me for basketball. I was that shooter who could knock down threes and slash a little bit, but there is nothing like playing the quarterback position, so I ultimately wanted to play quarterback.

5. How does this year’s camp feel compared to year’s past?

We are executing better and we have a lot more experienced guys. The talent level is the best I’ve ever seen here. It’s much smoother. We’re having a great time as a team. A lot of us have played together for a while and we want to end it the right way.

6. What has been your favorite opponent’s stadium to play in?

Beaver Stadium. A lot of people from back home go to Penn State as students. I had a ton of people supporting me at that game. The way they support their team is amazing and playing in front of 107,000 people is an experience of a lifetime.

7. What is your favorite cereal?

Berry Berry Kix

8. What did it mean to you to be named a candidate for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award?

It shows the hard work that I put in as a player. It’s also an honor for my teammates and coaches that helped me get there. Coach Gill, Coach Barrett and the rest of the offensive staff have done a great job of getting me to that point. It’s an honor to be named with the rest of those quarterbacks on the list.

9. You are a New York Giants fan. Will the Giants repeat as Super Bowl Champions?

You know it. They have a lot of talent. I think Eli (Manning) has found his niche, so I think the sky is the limit for them.

10. What has been your favorite moment at UB?

The overtime win against Kent State last year. It showed how hard we fought. I actually broke my finger in the overtime and still finished the game. It was a very emotional game and we knew it was a good steppingstone heading into this season.

08/20/2008