*An Interview with Quenton Bode

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Quenton Bode, a linebacker from the University of Nebraska, was selected with the sixteenth overall pick in the S14 DSFL draft. We sat down with Bode at his home in San Antonio to discuss the team's recent success, the playoffs, and his future in the NSFL.

Interviewer: Thanks for taking the time to do this interview today, Quenton.
Quenton Bode: "You're welcome! I know a lot of players only do interviews because they have to, but I really do enjoy talking to the media."

I: Well, the media certainly enjoys talking to you. How are you enjoying living in San Antonio so far?
QB: "Honestly, I didn't know what to expect when I moved here. Obviously I knew I was gonna be in Texas, and I knew that Texas is really damn hot. So I was a little apprehensive about how I was going to adjust to living in a climate like that. But I have to say, it's been a lot easier to handle than I thought it was going to be. And beyond that, the city itself has been great. When I'm not practicing or training or doing anything football-related, I like to just walk around and explore the city. That's how I found my new barber, and a couple of great restaurants. And the people have been incredibly friendly, too. Everywhere I go, I get recognized, and people want to take pictures with me and get my autograph. But they've been really respectful about it, which is honestly huge. Every football player can tell you horror stories about overly enthusiastic or pushy fans, but I haven't experienced any of that here. I've really fallen in love with this city, and I'm glad I get to represent San Antonio in the DSFL."

I: Let's talk about the Marshals. The team is currently 7-1 and in sole possession of the best record in the league. You've also allowed the fewest points and are a close second in points scored. Did you know going into this season that the Marshals would be this good?
QB: "No one ever knows how a season is going to go. The teams that look the best on paper can implode, and teams that look to be bottom-feeders end up winning championships. It doesn't matter if you look good on paper, what matters is how you play. So no, I didn't know for sure that we'd be this good. But after looking at the draft that San Antonio had, I was pretty confident we'd be in a good position to succeed. They drafted incredibly well--Morgan [Marshall], Walt [Green], Mo [Berry], Max [Vaz], Timmy [Hoss], MBC, those are all talented guys, and they've all been integral to our success. The coaching and game-planning has been top notch. Basically every single person in the organization, from top to bottom, is fully committed to winning, and that's the kind of attitude a team needs to succeed. So seeing this locker room with all these talented guys, with a coaching staff and front office that knows how to use them--I definitely felt good about our chances this year."

I: So you don't think this season will be a repeat of last season?
QB: "No, I don't. And I actually think, in a weird way, that last season is actually good for us this season. The locker room is filled with new guys--talented guys, for sure, but new guys all the same. So a locker room with just those guys wouldn't have the experience necessary to make a deep playoff run. But we also have some great veterans who have been imparting their wisdom onto all of us rookies. So our locker room is a great balance of talent and knowledge, brains and brawn, and I think that that'll ultimately be the difference maker. I'm not saying that last year's team didn't have that, but this historic draft class has certainly changed things around the league, and I think that impact is most obvious in our locker room."

I: How have you felt about the other players on the team? Are you enjoying playing with your fellow Marshals?
QB: "Man, I love this team. Not gonna lie, I was bummed that the Central Grizzlies were gonna be broken up, and I was nervous that my new team wouldn't have that same chemistry we had. But everyone in this locker room has been great, rookies and vets. Mo and I played together at Nebraska, so we basically picked up right where we left off--we spend a lot of our free time just hanging out and goofing off like we used to. And Timmy and I were on the Grizzlies together, so we got to know each other during those weeks, and I'm glad our friendship has continued into the pros. I've had a great time getting to know all the other guys too. Morgan and I have bonded over basketball, Cooter [Bigsby] has done a really good job showing me the ropes of the big leagues, Walt and I both have a deep love of food. Nero [Alexander] and I have even managed to put aside our Big Ten rivalry." Laughs "All in all, the guys in the locker room feel like a big family."

I: I know it's early, but I wanted to ask you some questions about the upcoming NSFL draft. We've heard reports that GMs have started the scouting process, and have sent out pre-draft questionnaires to all the DSFL players. Have you responded to the questionnaire, and have you gotten any kind of response?
QB: "Oh, I absolutely filled out that questionnaire. I answered every single question, and put a lot of thought into every one. I want GMs to know exactly who I am and what I'm about, so I don't take things like that lightly. I haven't heard anything back yet, but I'm patient. I know they have a lot of prospects to get to, so I'm not worried about it. I will take this opportunity to say publicly that any GM who wants to know more about me is more than welcome to reach out to me individually. I'm always willing to talk and answer questions, and I want to be sure that the teams have as much information as they need. So please hit me up!"

I: What do you feel you can bring to an NSFL team?
QB: "A lot of the same things I brought to the Grizzlies, and that I'm currently bringing to the Marshals: a relentless work ethic, a burning desire to win, and a team-first attitude. I'd really like to stay with the team that drafts me for my entire career; I want to be one of those 'home-town heroes' that I grew up admiring. I've always been a loyal guy, and I want to be known as a loyal player at the next level. Obviously other things can get in the way of that, but that's something I want to strive for when I get to the NSFL. I think having those guys in the locker room can be great for a team, and I think it's something that's really underrated in the league today."

I: Do you already have a team in mind? That is, assuming you do get to spend your career with one team, do you know who you want that team to be?
QB: "Basically, I'll say what I said when I got asked this question before the DSFL draft: I have no preference where I go, both in terms of how early in the draft I get picked and of the team that picks me. I don't have any favorites, but as soon as I get drafted, that team will become my favorite--does that make sense? I'll work hard wherever I go, but I don't have any strong feelings one way or the other. I'm just excited to get drafted at all. I'm more than ready to take the next step into the NSFl, and to win a championship for my team--whoever that might be."

I: Thanks for doing this interview, Quenton. Good luck with the rest of the season.
QB: "Thank you!"

The San Antonio Marshals travel to Palm Beach for their next game. The Marshals are in first place in the SFC with a 7-1 record, while the 2-6 Solar Bears are in last place.