Senior Sam Landry enters the 2013 football season for the first time as a starting collegiate quarterback. Although last year’s seemingly championship-bound season ended without a playoff birth, Landry predicts a very successful Charger football season this fall.
How was summer football camp?
It was much shorter this year. We were only in the dorm five days instead of a few weeks. It was very beneficial on the injury side. No big injuries on the team so far- knock on wood.
Did you enter camp competing for the starting quarterback position?
They told me at the end of spring that I would be the starter going into fall camp.
How was last week’s scrimmage?
It went well. We got a lot of good situational practice in. It was nice to get in those reps, whether it was the two-minute drill or red zone practice.
Would you describe your offense as a passing or rushing force?
It’s going to be 50-50. We’re going to establish a run game- it will be 50-50 with giving the ball to senior Isaac Spence and redshirt-freshman Bennett Lewis and spreading the ball out to the receivers as well.
Who are your key receivers that you feel confident throwing to?
We haven’t graduated too many receivers lately. Our receivers will include seniors Andrew Mott and Lou Cangelosi, junior Brett Miller, sophomore Noah Hiser, junior Evan Bach, sophomore John Haley, and junior Evan Sassack.
How much do you trust your offensive line to give you enough time in the pocket?
I trust them a great deal. They are all very experienced and Coach Shreffler does a great job at getting them prepared as far as picking up the blitz and covering me. I have all the faith in the world with them.
What opposing defense do you fear the most?
I don’t fear anyone. Coach Brad (Bo) Otterbein does a great job of preparing us for defenses and that’s our plan. Every Monday he gives us a scouting report on the upcoming team. Every day leading up to the game we’re watching film. In addition to film, our scout defensive gives us a great look that will resemble the upcoming team’s defense.
Your scout defense is primarily made up of redshirt freshmen. Is it still effective to run the offense against them despite their inexperience at the collegiate level?
Our scouts are a crucial part of our success as a team. If they can do their best to give the starters a look that will resemble our opponent, it will show on game day.
What will be the most challenging team in the GLIAC?
I think that as far as our conference goes, we have a tough schedule. We don’t get a break between Wayne State, Ferris State, Saginaw Valley, and Grand Valley at the end of the season. Our motto this year is “to build a bigger tank.” We have to be able to start strong and finish the season.
Will the late scheduling of those key GLIAC match-ups be advantageous?
It will be good to have some of the young guys, including myself, to get some experience before going through that gauntlet, but it will be a tough road no matter what.
It’s been rumored that the Charger defense may have to carry this year’s squad. Is the offense as strong as it has been in the past?
We’re going to have to hold our own. The defense is experienced- the best we’ve had in a while. The front seven are all beasts. We have to put points on the board and the defense has to prevent points-that’s just how you win games.
Are you anxious or nervous about playing in Anthony Mifsud’s shadow?
No nerves. I talk to Anthony and Troy Weatherhead ‘11 often. Whether it’s talking about the season or catching up, it’s great to have them as resources.
Are you on track to win game one against Cal-Pa?
Absolutely. We started looking at scouting reports last Wednesday, which is a little extra scouting than normal. We have been preparing since the final game last year for this game. We will be prepared.
What do you anticipate the team’s final record will be this season?
We always go into the season expecting not to lose any games. Our goal every year is a championship and a playoff birth.
You can catch Sam Landry in action Saturday, Sept. 7 against Cal- Pa. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Muddy Waters Stadium.
