Rick Skuff has completed his first partial season in the DSFL, and by all indications is excited for the next steps. Coming into the league as a bruiser, long hours working on his speed have left him a balanced runner, albeit a lackluster contributor to the passing game.
In two fewer games than anyone above him, Skuff finished 13th in rushing yards with 430 and 12th in rushing TDs with 3. Notably, he did this with the 2nd and 8th best rushers (by YPG) on his team splitting the carries. Skuff lined up primarily in the fullback position, although in college he played runningback and seemed comfortable there when given the opportunity.
We sat down with Skuff to see how he he felt about his first year and his prospects going forward.
Q: First Rick, congratulations on the Ultimini. What was it like, winning the championship in your first season?
A: It was a thrill. When I stepped into the league I didn't know much of anything about any of the teams, but when I was scooped up the Ducks I got a crash course on where things stood. When I heard they'd won the Ultimini last season it was a lot of pressure to repeat. I didn't have the biggest role on the team, but I still felt like I was contributing to something great. When we won the Ultimini it was really rewarding to see all the work I'd put in pay off, and it felt great to celebrate it with an awesome group of guys.
Q: Have you given any thought in to where you want to go in the draft?
A: Draft position doesn't matter to me too much. It would be cool to go earlier than later, and the money would be a little better, but I care more about going to the right spot than the prestige of being a high pick.
Q: What would make a team the right spot for you?
A: The biggest thing for me is playing with guys I like. A great locker room, lots of hanging out, stuff like that. Of course I love to win, of course I love contributing on the field, but really the number one thing to me is having a good time. Winning the Ultimini was great, but the best part of this season was getting to know all the guys on the team and around the league.
Q: Not all players are called up to the NSFL in their first year. How would you feel about staying in the DSFL for part of the next season, or the whole season?
A: Not a problem for me. I'd like to be in the NSFL sooner than later but playing in the DSFL has been a blast with my Duck bros and I wouldn't be mad at all at coming back for another ride.
Q: How at home do you feel at RB? There's been some chatter about possible position switches.
A: That's one place I do stand firm. I love RB; it's all I've ever known. I can't see myself playing anywhere else on the field. Halfback or Fullback are fine, but moving to anywhere but the backfield... no.
Q: In the training room what have you been working on? What do you plan on working on going forward?
A: When I came into the league the first thing I noticed was how fast everybody is. I had to get my speed up. I'm still working on that, and plan to keep going for a bit. I will definitely take direction from the coaches wherever I end up though. If they want me to work on pass catching, blocking, whatever, I'm down for whatever helps the team.
Q: Speaking of your role on the team, do you need to be the bell-cow?
A: I'm only human. I want carries. But I'm fine splitting duties, or even sitting behind somebody for a bit. A team having good RBs doesn't scare me at all; I'm confident I'll work hard enough to get a role eventually, and as long as I'm having a good time a little wait wont' kill me.
Q: Alright, last question. What sort of contract are you looking for?
A: It'll depend a little on how early I go, but in general I'm not looking for anything out of line with wherever it is I go. I do like the idea of a contract with bonuses for hitting training goals. It seems like that would help motivate me to stay sharp while rewarding the team with a good value for their money.
In two fewer games than anyone above him, Skuff finished 13th in rushing yards with 430 and 12th in rushing TDs with 3. Notably, he did this with the 2nd and 8th best rushers (by YPG) on his team splitting the carries. Skuff lined up primarily in the fullback position, although in college he played runningback and seemed comfortable there when given the opportunity.
We sat down with Skuff to see how he he felt about his first year and his prospects going forward.
Q: First Rick, congratulations on the Ultimini. What was it like, winning the championship in your first season?
A: It was a thrill. When I stepped into the league I didn't know much of anything about any of the teams, but when I was scooped up the Ducks I got a crash course on where things stood. When I heard they'd won the Ultimini last season it was a lot of pressure to repeat. I didn't have the biggest role on the team, but I still felt like I was contributing to something great. When we won the Ultimini it was really rewarding to see all the work I'd put in pay off, and it felt great to celebrate it with an awesome group of guys.
Q: Have you given any thought in to where you want to go in the draft?
A: Draft position doesn't matter to me too much. It would be cool to go earlier than later, and the money would be a little better, but I care more about going to the right spot than the prestige of being a high pick.
Q: What would make a team the right spot for you?
A: The biggest thing for me is playing with guys I like. A great locker room, lots of hanging out, stuff like that. Of course I love to win, of course I love contributing on the field, but really the number one thing to me is having a good time. Winning the Ultimini was great, but the best part of this season was getting to know all the guys on the team and around the league.
Q: Not all players are called up to the NSFL in their first year. How would you feel about staying in the DSFL for part of the next season, or the whole season?
A: Not a problem for me. I'd like to be in the NSFL sooner than later but playing in the DSFL has been a blast with my Duck bros and I wouldn't be mad at all at coming back for another ride.
Q: How at home do you feel at RB? There's been some chatter about possible position switches.
A: That's one place I do stand firm. I love RB; it's all I've ever known. I can't see myself playing anywhere else on the field. Halfback or Fullback are fine, but moving to anywhere but the backfield... no.
Q: In the training room what have you been working on? What do you plan on working on going forward?
A: When I came into the league the first thing I noticed was how fast everybody is. I had to get my speed up. I'm still working on that, and plan to keep going for a bit. I will definitely take direction from the coaches wherever I end up though. If they want me to work on pass catching, blocking, whatever, I'm down for whatever helps the team.
Q: Speaking of your role on the team, do you need to be the bell-cow?
A: I'm only human. I want carries. But I'm fine splitting duties, or even sitting behind somebody for a bit. A team having good RBs doesn't scare me at all; I'm confident I'll work hard enough to get a role eventually, and as long as I'm having a good time a little wait wont' kill me.
Q: Alright, last question. What sort of contract are you looking for?
A: It'll depend a little on how early I go, but in general I'm not looking for anything out of line with wherever it is I go. I do like the idea of a contract with bonuses for hitting training goals. It seems like that would help motivate me to stay sharp while rewarding the team with a good value for their money.
