June 6, 2013
UCF Athletics Social Media Directory
By Eric DeSalvo
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Amidst the soggy weather that has covered the entire Sunshine State on Thursday, UCF redshirt junior quarterback Blake Bortles shined in a Q&A at the Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce Luncheon.
Answering questions in front of over 100 members and guests of the Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce, Bortles was asked to chat about his leadership style, playing in his hometown, the upcoming 2013 schedule and even his relationship status (sorry moms, he's taken).
Below are a few answers that the polished signal-caller provided this afternoon:
On playing in front of his hometown fans:
It's awesome. I think it's the greatest thing that you can do as a college football player. I think that I would advise anyone from here to go to UCF and play, because being able to have your family and friends come to games and not have to spend money traveling is huge. It's great to be able to play in front of Oviedo and the community.
On how he has grown as a leader
I think just the experience. It's hard to be a leader without the experience. The only way you get that is by playing, going through it and spending time with those guys you have to lead is key. Building relationships with guys that follow you and with the ones I spend every day with. You need make sure everything goes the way it is supposed to go.
On approaching the 2013 season
This is the first year where we have small group of seniors, and then my class which is huge. We have such a good core to where everyone pushes each other over the summer. As far as the schedule, we are going to face it the same way. We have to face Jadeveon Clowney and South Carolina, and we look forward to it. I know our left tackle is looking forward to showing the nation he can block him.
On his most memorable moment so far at UCF
I'd have to say there are two. Beating Georgia in the Liberty Bowl (is one). I didn't play a down that season, but to be able to witness and be a part of that was a great feeling. And then last year beating Ball State and it being my first bowl victory actually playing. Those two were huge. I think that Georgia game was a huge milestone for UCF and a once-in-a-lifetime feeling.
On playing for George O'Leary
I enjoy it. I really do like playing for him. He is an old-school type of coach that has instilled discipline into the program and it works for him and us in the program. He is huge on academics, and we had 35-plus guys over a 3.0 last semester. He's just phenomenal with making sure we are doing the right things. On the field, he can be an old-school type of guy, and that's what I like. I respond to that very well, and he is good at knowing what guys respond to.
On who his role model is and why
Rob Calabrese, who was here last year, and had been here for five years. He was the one on and off the field who helped me get through the situations and struggles I had. I wouldn't be the person, or quarterback, I am today without Rob Calabrese.
On playing in front of a packed home stadium
It definitely raises the emotion. You are going to play the game just as hard regardless of if there are 50,000 or nobody. You definitely get more of a feeling of anticipation. It definitely brings up the morale and pumps guys up.
Plan your game days this fall with the Knights, and experience one of the best schedules in program history. Season tickets start at $99. Order today at UCFAthletics.com or call 407-UCF-1000.