TLU: Meet your new quarterback

Q: When did you start playing football? A: In third grade, my brother first taught me how to throw a football and I used to watch the Cowboys play on Sunday. I played my first ball in a YMCA league.

Q: When did you know you wanted to be a quarterback? A: Since day one. It just felt right to me; I played a lot of positions but quarterback was always what I wanted to play. It was always a passion of mine.

Q: What factors influenced your decision to transfer here? A: Well first I went to Tyler junior college and was there for a semester. After that I transferred to Texas College, which is a NAIA school. Since it wasn't a NCAA school, I could transfer to TLU without having to sit out for a year.

Q: So tell me how you ended up at TLU? A: I decided last fall that going to TLU would be better for me, not only for football but for academics. I have always heard great things about TLU. It's really exciting to be a part of this team; we are all playing together and striving for one goal. We want to become the first team for TLU to make it to the playoffs. This program is trying to do something special, so that really intrigued me.

Q: So I heard you have a nickname; what is it and how did you get it? A: They call me Falco. I've had the nickname at every school I've played football at. There's always someone who's made that connection between me and the Keanu Reeves character, but I think it's cool.

Q: So do you hate that movie? ("Replacements," starring Keanu Reeves and Gene Hackman) A: (Laughs) No, it's a good movie, and a good story, but ever since junior year in high school I've had that label. I even have the same pickup truck he has in the movie.

Q: You didn't play in the first game against Trinity, but how do you feel it went? A: Yeah it was upsetting I couldn't play because of my high ankle sprain. We're all getting closer to each other; building a real team. We all have different responsibilities, but at the end of the day we just want to win. We lost, but I think we're on the right track. With a game like that you learn that with a win or a loss it's all about the team. You win as a team and you lose as a team. Individually it doesn't matter how good or bad you do, it's how you do as a team. I know it's cliché, but you're only as strong as your weakest link. It teaches us to stick together and give 100 percent.

Q: Being a transfer, was it hard to acclimate yourself to the team? A: Everyone was real cool. I'm the laid back guy, so it was easy to settle in. I wanted to make sure to come in here and do my part and get the opportunity to play. That's what's great about Division III, no one is on scholarship so everyone's playing just because they love the game. I wouldn't trade my teammates for anything.

Q: So Saturday will be your first game starting for TLU, and you get to play Mary Hardin Baylor, the #3 ranked team in the country. How do you feel about that? A: I feel excited, I almost wouldn't want it any other way. I wish I could have played last week, but Rocky was in there last week and did a good job. I've been waiting a long time for this, so it doesn't really matter who we're playing, it's a lot of fun to think about.