Of the 11 players on offense on the football field clearly all the eyes and attention are focused on one player primarily. We know what player that is— the quarterback.
The quarterback has to be a leader on the field and make the plays happen.
Not only does a traditional quarterback have to have “an arm” he has to be accurate with a quick release. Aside from physical abilities he must also possess mental skills such as leadership, decision-making and also must have a strong football IQ. Also, he has to execute the vision of the coach and team throughout the season. Needless to say, that's a handful.
This past season the crucial quarterback position was held by Trisitn Fernandez, a junior, on the Grants Pirates football team. When asked how to handle the pressures that come with being the quarterback Ferdandez said, “My mental preparation is just being locked in since day one,” said Fernandez
“Everyone has a dream and mine is to play at the next level and I prepare that way.” Fernandez added that. “I put everything in God’s hands and if it’s in his will for me to be great I will be.”
When asked how he inspires his team as a quarterback Fernandez replied “I like to get everyone working together as a unit while overcoming adversity and I like it when everybody is getting their assignments down well.”
Fernandez added, “I feel when everything is in my hands–the team as a unit believes in me so I just know that based off our experiences on the field that I can’t let my brothers down to take any plays off.”
Fernandez who also plays defense emphasized, “I have to be a leader on both sides of the field,” Fernandez also an accomplished linebacker defense had 103 tackles for the season.
Fernandez finished the season as a quarterback with 83 completions out of 194 attempts and had 1,465 passing yards with 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Fernandez also believes in hard workouts outside of his regular practice and outside of the season to prepare. “I work my butt off when nobody is watching.”