Bill Cundiff Interview

Quarterback – Ashland

By: Alex Khvatov

2/3/10

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Bill Cundiff:  I am 6’2”, about 225, and I run a 4.8    
 

Alex Khvatov:  When you were coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Bill Cundiff:  UConn, Cincinnati and Eastern Michigan.  I broke my ankle in the sixth game of my senior year.  A lot of teams backed away.  Those teams stuck with me.
 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose UConn?

Bill Cundiff:  It was a combination of things.  It was an up and coming program.  It was a good program.  Their style of play fit me.  It was my best chance to shine there.
 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you decide to transfer to Ashland?

Bill Cundiff:  I was home sick and that is the reason why I left Connecticut.  I didn’t think things through.  I was still a young kid.  I should have stuck it out.  Lee Owens was the coach at Ashland, and I played with his son in high school.  I told him there is a good chance that I might be calling him if things didn’t work out at UConn.  The day I left, I called him.  I didn’t want to sit out an extra year, so I went to Ashland.  
 

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your career to us at Ashland.

Bill Cundiff:  When I got there halfway through camp, I was starting all over again.  It was a little rough in the beginning.  I didn’t start my first year.  Then my second year, I was named the starter.  Our team started to excel.  We went to the playoffs.  It was the first year in the past ten seasons that we made the playoffs.  My junior season was the best year statistically.  We had a good line and playmakers on offense.  We were doing the things that I was accustomed to doing.  That was the year that propelled me to where I am today.  The game against Grand Valley State was my best game that year.  I got noticed by people.  I didn’t have the yardage and the touchdown numbers this year, but we were a young team.  I had to adjust my game.  It wasn’t a good season for me statistically speaking.  But I was smart with the ball and only threw one interception this year.

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your football career up to this point?

Bill Cundiff:  Probably winning the first playoff game at Ashland my junior year.  We never did that before as a program.  That win catapulted us to a new stadium.  It is a really nice stadium for a D-II school.

Alex Khvatov:  Bill, what qualities should a quarterback have in order to be successful on any level?

Bill Cundiff:  They have to be the student of the game first and foremost.  A lot of QB’s might have the arm or the speed, but they don’t give it their all.  You have to sit down and study the game.

Alex Khvatov:  What is your definition of a leader? 

Bill Cundiff:  It is someone who does the right thing in workouts and in everyday life.  Guys will see that no matter what.  They will have more respect for you and they will listen to you more.

Alex Khvatov:  What separates you from all of the other players at your position?

Bill Cundiff:  For me, I know what is coming at me.  I study different defenses and try to apply that to the game.  I really try not to lock onto the primary guy.  That can get you into trouble.  Peyton Manning and Drew Brees do a good job of spreading the ball around. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths on the football field?

Bill Cundiff:  I think that I am accurate.  I have a good release and a pretty strong arm.  I guess that I have a good arm.  People that I am working out with and throwing to are impressed with it.  

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game do you still need to improve upon?

Bill Cundiff:  Really everything.  I need to improve my footwork and throwing on the run.  I have worked on it, but there is still room for improvement.

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

Bill Cundiff:  The Browns unfortunately, but they will turn it around soon.

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Bill Cundiff:  I would have to say Peyton Manning.  You have to be impressed with what he is done in the league and for the team.  He is the coach of that team.  He does everything.

Alex Khvatov:  Which underclassman on your team should we keep an eye on in the future?

Bill Cundiff:  Defensive back Brian Gamble transferred from Illinois.  He got caught up in some stuff there.  He is legit.   

Alex Khvatov:  What do you like to do in your free time? 

Bill Cundiff:  I am a huge Cavs fan being from Akron.  I am into video games.  I like to play the Call of Duty.

Alex Khvatov:  If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be and why?  

Bill Cundiff:  I would say Lebron.  He is from my area.  He has done everything right.  He has never gotten into trouble.  He is one of the best athletes ever.  He was a pretty good football player in high school.

Alex Khvatov:  What do you plan to do with your life after your football career is over?

Bill Cundiff:  I have a couple of options.  I want to start my own business and be a financial advisor.  I also wanted to work in the front office of an NFL team.   

Alex Khvatov:  How does it feel being a small fish in a large pond?

Bill Cundiff:  I like it.  I can show people that I can pop up and impress them.  I think that it will be a cool ride regardless.

Alex Khvatov:  How are you preparing for the NFL Draft?

Bill Cundiff:  My Pro Day will be at Ohio State.  Right now, I am training six days a week in Charlotte, North Carolina.  I get up at around 8 am.  We run in the morning.  Then we get a break.  We come back at around 2 pm and we lift.  Wednesdays and Saturdays, we do Pilates and yoga.  It helps me with my flexibility.

Alex Khvatov:  Finish the sentence, Bill Cundiff is…..

Bill Cundiff:  I am someone who is reliable in everything that he does.