Describe how the back-up role last season to Brady Quinn helped you to improve your game?
Backing up Brady was a learning process and at the same time motivation. Watching how he handled himself on and off the field, with all the media and good/bad talk around him, he was good at not letting anything affect him in any way. Also seeing how determined he was to get better and better each day, watching practice tape over and over before we even went over it with the coaches just to perfect some things he was doing wrong or may have not done them the way he was satisfied with.

Who would you take number 1 overall in the NFL Draft? And why?
I would take Calvin Johnson because I think he is the most NFL ready player in the draft as far as potential, size, strength, speed, and ability to change the pace of a game...and by having a dominant receiver of his stature, he will be a guy that the defense would double or bracket leaving you with more chances to make plays wih other guys.

You recently switched your number to 3...why the switch?
The number 3 thing was something heavy on my heart for a number of reasons most importantly is college lives off it's history and tradition and taking that into consideration, I want to join it! So what would be a better way to do it than by changing my number to the one that the great players who attended Notre Dame had and will be forever remembered.

Big game against USC: Green jersey or navy jersey?
I don't really think the jersey that we wear will matter, as long as we show up to play balls out!

Who is someone else on either side of the ball who could have a breakout year?
There are several people on defense who can have a break out year but I will have to say the whole team because we all have one goal in mind and that is to win every game.

What is the biggest difference, expectation wise, from last year to this year?
I don't think anything has changed overall. Our goal remains the same which is to win a national title and break the bowl curse.

What is the hardest part about playing for Coach Weis?
The hardest thing is really not hard he is just a man of integrity who expects and doesn't accept anything less than perfection on and off the field.

And the easiest part?
No comment.

What is a part of your game you want to improve on the most?
The main part of my game that I need to improve on the most is staying consistent. I do a pretty good job of making plays and being a vocal leader but that is something that has to be done every day and on every play.

Who is your best friend on the team? Will you offend all the other guys if you answer that?
I would definitely offend a lot of people if I answered that.

What do you do to relax when you aren't studying or practicing?
I normally sleep or play video games when I am not studying or practicing.

If you could compare your style of play to a musician or singer, who would you sound like?
I would have to say I would sound like Michael Jackson because he is a show stopper and has the most complete package of a entertainer...meaning different styles of music, dance moves, attention getting voice and collaborating with other artists to add flavor to his music.

Give one prediction about this upcoming season.
Prediction about the season: we expect to win every game and we will not under estimate any team.

What is the most memorable comment Coach Weis has given you whether good or bad?
Biggest compliment is that he said I have a certain persona about myself that a starting QB needs to have. Worst is if I don't do it his way, I won't play, pretty straight forward.

What do you like about Coach Weis's offense and how does it fit your strengths?
The thing I like best is that it is a pro style offense and it will be something that I am used to when I reach the next level...and because I am so versatile and can do a lot with my arm and legs, it fits me perfect.

What do you want this team to accomplish offensively in 2007?
As a team on offense we want to score on every possession and have no turnovers.

Is Travis Thomas being moved back to RB permanently?
Yes but you didn't hear it from me.

Who has been your biggest influence in life?
Biggest influence in my life has been God/Jesus/the Bible. It has given me a understanding about life and what my purpose is on earth.

Do you consider yourself the favorite to start the season opener against Georgia Tech and what do you think about Jimmy Clausen?
Due to team rules and regulations I can't answer those questions.

What is it about Coach Weis that makes him such an effective teacher and communicator for QB's?
The thing that makes him so great is that he is a professional at finding QB's strength and weaknesses and building the offense around the strengths and avoiding the weaknesses to make the QB as productive as possible.

Do you think ND can compete for a National Title in 2007?
Hell yeah and I think I speak on behalf of the whole ND program when i say that!

You can email the writer Matt Fairchild your thoughts on anything sports related or voice your opinion on the messageboards. matt@sportscrack.com

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