Joe Muti '17 Recruiting Profile

    An event that caused me to begin to mature took place during a football summer camp. The head coach who organized the event grouped all players together. He asked, "Who in this room wants to be great?" Like a rocket, my hand blasted into the air, I was the only one. I was at the mature age of five years old! Later, the coaches shared this with my dad. From that day forward, my parents used that moment to help me push myself in my performance from academics, to sports, to cleaning my room. As a five year old, I was innocently raising the bar for the rest of my life without even knowing it...but I don't regret it!  

The coach replied "Are you prepared to be great?" Being 5 years old, I energetically answered "Yes!".  Through the years I learned that there are several character traits one must possess to be great. Some of these traits that I possess to be great are perseverance, a hard work ethic, discipline and the ability to be a team player.

     As a quarterback, I must be the one of the smartest players on the field. I must consistently know whether the defense is trying to stop the run or trying to defend the pass. I must know when the receivers are going to be open, and what protection the offensive lineman are in. I possess the ability to make very quick decisions on the field to drive the ball down the field as quick and efficient as possible. When the first receiver isn’t open, I use my quick decision making ability to climb the pocket and check down to my other targets, whether it’s a quick out to the running back or a backside swing route to the slot. When my team is running the ball, I must know which way is the best way for us to score. I must see when defense is overloading to one side or bringing on a lot of pressure. I then make the decision to flip the play, to run the ball away from the overloaded/blitzing defense. This comes through my hard work ethic of studying plays and film beyond the time I do with the team. 

     As with many student-athletes there are many hurdles to clear...sometimes it seems the hurdles are consistent. I learned how to clear some but I also learned that tripping over other hurdles builds perseverance. Tripping over hurdles has strengthen my work ethic, disciplining myself to work harder. When I didn’t score as high on an exam as I planned, I was forced to discover and use external resources to strengthen my academic understanding, skills and knowledge. This requires a dedicated work ethic to increase my study and review time which always requires discipline. My goal is to play for a coach, school and among teammates who are equally as passionate about this game!