Getting To Know Conquest QB Joe DeLuise
July 15, 2008 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Albany Firebirds News Release
This week the Albany Conquest PR department sat down with Conquest backup quarterback #15 Joe DeLuise, who has handled the holder duties for all kicking plays and is set to make his first career af2 start after starting quarterback Dan Cole was injured during last weekend's game in Louisville.
How did it feel to get your first win in the af2?
It felt great. The defense really stepped up and when I went in there, I just didn't want to mess up too bad. So it felt good to get that win.
Any nerves as you entered the game?
I tried not to be nervous. I try to keep it just like a practice mental rep; just go in there and execute.
What was going through your head when Dan Cole got injured?
You never know how serious it is. You could be in there for a play, or you can be in there for the whole half. Just go in there, and like I said before, just execute and try to move the ball down the field.
Has the mindset of the team changed at all now that every game is a must-win?
Not necessarily, because you go out there and try to win every game. But it's hard to say that it hasn't because the defense has stepped up so much. The offense will be there, we're pressing, we're trying to get into the playoffs, so we're working our tails off.
Did playing a season with the Lehigh Valley Outlawz of the CIFL help prepare you for the arena game?
Definitely, because just playing indoors is different than playing the outdoor game. The field is cut down in size and you have walls now. Last year when I was struggling, I was hitting the back of the end zones, so you have to work on your touch.
Quarterbacks are normally known for their arms, but it was your legs that ultimately won the game for you in Louisville. How would you characterize your ability to scramble?
Sometimes I try to do a little too much. Against Louisville, I just saw that it was there sometimes, jumped on the opportunity, and tried to get whatever I could.
Does your ability to run keep the defense honest in terms of maybe not trying to get to you every play, giving you more time to find receivers?
I like to think so. I guess we'll find out this week. We'll see what the defense does and get an idea.
Have you always been the type of quarterback who likes to use his legs, dating back to high school and college?
I don't think I label myself much of a scrambler, but I think in hindsight I might have been (Laughs).
Are you preparing any differently heading into this week's game knowing you are going to be the starting quarterback?
I'm just trying to be sharp, trying to keep my edge. I'm watching film more. I try and get whatever I can out of every practice.
Do you do anything specific when you are sitting in the locker room just before game time?
No, I feel like you have all week in practice to get ready. You can't leave it to the final moments. I just say my last few prayers and go out there and play.
What do you do when you're off the football field?
I was working over at Albany High School, substitute teaching and being a hallway monitor. Other than that, it's been working out. I'm just trying to get my body ready for opportunities like these. I'm up here for a reason and I'm trying to make the most of that opportunity. I golfed during the bye week. The guys on the team talk about playing golf together every single week because we live right near a driving range, but we have yet to go.
Any friends or family coming up for the game this week against Manchester?
Yeah, I'm hoping. They're all waiting on the word that I'm playing, so the family should be coming up. I'm going to reserve as many tickets as I can, and the rest will have to fend for themselves. (Laughs)
Who has been your biggest influence as you continue to pursue a career in football?
That's a tough one. I guess my father, because he had a football career of his own. He didn't push it on me, but he always encouraged it. And then I kind of grew into my own, and it comes from inside, and you just want to play. So I'd say my father.
In addition to football, you also played basketball and baseball growing up. Was football always your first love?
Yeah, it was, but it was the last sport I started to play. I started baseball early and then basketball, but there was always something about football that I loved. Especially the quarterback position; having the ball in my hands is what I love. So I'd have to say football is my number one.
As a New York Giants fan, what are your thoughts on the chances of a repeat?
It's kind of hard now because you have high hopes for the team. That puts more pressure on Eli Manning. But he got his ring and I'd like to see them do it again.
What is one thing that nobody knows about Joe DeLuise?
My first three cars were station wagons. Does that count? (Laughs)
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After beating Louisville last week to keep their playoff hopes alive, Albany is back home in Week 17 as they host the Manchester Wolves for a 7:00 pm kick off on Friday, July 18th at the Times Union Center.
Group and individual game tickets are now on sale for the final two home games of the 2008 Albany Conquest regular season. For more information please contact the Conquest at (518) 487-2244 or online at www.albanyconquest.com.
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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
