Coyotes’ Earl ‘cool under pressure’
EDITOR’S NOTE: This week The Volante interviewed sophomore quarterback Kevin Earl. After a 3-1 start as the Coyotes’ starting quarterback, The Volante talked to Earl about his growth at the position, his life off the field and his return to his home state. Earl will lead the Coyotes at the DakotaDome Saturday against Youngstown State.
Nathan Ellenbecker: Some people still think of you as the guy who stepped in as starter at the beginning of the season. How have you grown in your role since the first start?
Kevin Earl: I think at first it was important for me to get that first game under my belt, and going into my fifth game as a starter, time has definitely helped. I think the guys look to me now as someone to make plays and not just be a role player but to be able to make an impact.
NE: You are 3-1 as a starter. Are you surprised at how the team’s playing with you at the helm?
KE: I think a little bit. But at the same time, I think we all knew we had this in ourselves. It’s a good start, but there’s a lot that’s still left unfinished. We still have a lot of season we want to make the most out of.
NE: Who do you think has helped you the most jumping into the starting role?
KE: Coach Beschorner. He’s helped with everything from the Xs and Os to how to handle yourself to how to control your nerve. He covers the whole nine yards.
NE: What do you think your reputation among the guys on the team is? Both on the field and off the field.
KE: Well, I hope they see somebody who’s cool under pressure Someone who’s not afraid to take some blows but can deliver the ball accurately.
NE: Who are the guys on the team you’re closest to and why?
KE: I’d have to say my roommates Nick Meyer, Ryan Hillier and Colin Buscarini. I’ve been close to those guys from day one, but I’m pretty cool with everyone on this team. Everyone here is pretty tight.
NE: What is something you and your roommates do off the field that makes you so close?
KE: I’d say we listen to a lot of EDM. That’s strange, but it’s the kind of music we all like to listen to when we’re all at home and chilling. We’re all about dance music.
NE: What quarterback did you look up to when you were a kid?
KE: Definitely Tom Brady.
NE: Why him?
KE: I liked how he carries himself and his demeanor. He’s one of the fiercest competitors there is, and he’s as successful as they come.
NE: You grew up in Illinois. What was the transition to South Dakota like?
KE: I experienced a pretty big culture shock coming here, so there’s that. There’s not as much going on here, but after my first year, I learned to love Vermillion. I like the small town feel. It’s kind of neat, and it’s really grown on me during my time here.
NE: Was the culture shock something you weren’t really ready for? Are the people and the kind of environment South Dakota brings really that different?
KE: (laughs) I mean, yeah, the people are nice around here. That’s what I really noticed. Everybody’s nice. Nobody’s really in a hurry to get places. Just not being surrounded by neighboring towns was different too.
NE: What was it like going back to your home state and playing last week?
KE: It was cool and really neat. I’ve been to the Illinois State stadium before. So, I’ve watched a few games there, and it was tough to imagine me playing on that field when I was a younger age. It was cool stepping on it and being able to experience it myself.
NE: I know your brother was on the Illinois State team for a few years. What did you guys talk about in regards to the game?
KE: I just told him how excited I was to play in this kind of game. I’m sure he was real excited for me too, but it’s tough for him to catch all of our games because he’s out coaching his own game. Sometimes he watches the film later though, and we’ll talk about it.
NE: What is something people can expect from you as the season comes down to a close?
KE: I need to continue improving, and I’ll give it every ounce of energy I have these last four games.
