Meet Jack Quander, a standout football player from the University of New Haven. Discover his love for the game and his favorite moments on the field in this interview with Justin Berendzen of Draft Diamonds.
Name: Jack Quander
Position: DL
College: University of New Haven
Height: 6′ 2″
Weight: 245 lbs
X (Twitter): @JackQuander
Instagram: @jackquander
What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?
When I was a kid, I always had a ton of energy and I played a ton of sports, basketball, soccer, and wrestling, when I played football though everything just clicked. I wasn’t afraid of contact, and I was always so much more excited to be competing. That’s how I developed a love for the game.
What are your favorite moments from your football life?
There was a few, my team a few years ago was going against another top team in the conference and we were down in the 4th quarter, I got a strip sack and one of our linebackers scooped and scored it for us to win the game. That same team the next year we were playing them and were in a similar situation in the 4th quarter, we were up by a few points, and they were in field goal position, I read a screen and tipped/picked it off to get our team the ball back to end the game. My favorite moments however are the times in the locker room with my brothers, I’m thankful to be able to experience a family like New Haven football. I came here to play football with one of my childhood friends Jourdan Smith. And I found so much more being here, I’m thankful that they’ve voted me a captain these last few years and I’d do anything for them.
Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?
My parents are my biggest inspiration, my father worked 60-hour work weeks in the restaurant business growing up to support our family as his career grew, he was eventually able to open his own restaurant, and I am beyond proud of him. My mother was a dance teacher and looked after me and my three other siblings. I’m beyond thankful for the sacrifices they’ve made to help support us and give us opportunities in life.
What are you looking forward to in your football career going forward?
As of right now I’m looking forward to our next game because every week is the most important game. Prioritizing that and getting the team rallied together is the most important thing to me right now. After that it’s making the most of the opportunities in front of me.
If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?
TJ Watt, I just watched the Giants versus Steelers game, and he was a force. Being able to pick his brain and learn from him would be awesome. I believe I’m most similar to his play style I’ve modeled some of my moves after him including things like his cross chop, side scissors and speed to power.
What are your favorite things about playing football for New Haven?
My favorite thing is the community. The things our team has built and the culture around us is awesome to our rivalry against Southern Connecticut to the culture that we are expected to win against any opponent we face. That pressure is what creates diamonds, and I enjoy all of it. Not only that but the community we help around us. This spring we created teams to help out around the community. Donating clothes, picking up trash around the community and all kinds of things. And this fall we’ve taken a kid for team impact. He’s awesome his family is really nice and he’s like a little brother to us.
What should we know about Jack Quander the person?
I’m a brother, son, teammate, and a leader. I’m thankful for all the people that have helped me get to where I am today. I’m a driven person that’s always going to give 100% to reach my goals.
What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?
Our jet front when we have two 3 techniques and two 9 techs. I’m one of the 9 techs and it forces a one on one with the tackle for me. It’s my favorite because I win my one on ones. A lot of teams usually try to run the slide my way or try to help get a two on one to help the tackle. Anytime I’m in a one on one I’m in an advantageous position.
How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?
Football teaches you a lot of different things that can translate to life, always be on time. Your actions show who you are and to push through adversity. Keeping a level head and sticking to my core rules are what have helped me push through.
What would a team get in a player like you?
A pass rushing threat that is always going to give 100% of what I have. I’m driven and focused on the goals whether personal or team goals I will stay on the course. One thing I took from Rutgers when I played there is chop. It’s an analogy from cutting a tree to life. Focusing on the spot no matter how long it takes if you continue to chop the one spot on a tree it will always fall same thing in football if you focus on the goal and keep hitting at it you’ll get there.
What stands out about your film the most?
My motor. It’s always been something I’ve had since I was a kid. I don’t stop I don’t turn it down I always give everything I have to attack the person with the ball. You’ll see whether I’m pass rushing or I’m chasing someone 70 yards down field I will fly around to the ball.
Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?
Being in Division 2 I play with a lot of underrated players my guy’s Joe Vitale, Giye Jenkins, and Chris Campbell can play really well. Also, one of my early mentors Mike Tverdov played in the XFL he taught me a lot in my first couple years playing college football at Rutgers and I’m thankful for him. Another underrated guy is Dev O’Malley our Mo linebacker, he’s a great player.
Hula Bowl Contributor and Writer/Scout/Interviewer for Draft Diamonds since January 2020. You can find me on X at @jrberendzen and Instagram at justinberendzen
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