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By Geoff Brown, Athletics Media Relations
Why did you choose to come to UVa?
Verica: “I liked the school itself. Aside from being a great football program in a great conference, it’s a top-notch school. It’s arguably the best public institution in the nation. It’s close to home so my family is still able to see me. I liked the whole operation here with Coach Mike (Groh) and Coach (Al) Groh, so there are a lot of things that sold me on it.”
What was it like this off-season knowing that you were competing for the starting quarterback position?
Verica: “It was exciting. Regardless of what the outcome was going to be, I was going to prepare like I was the starter. If I was second- or third-string and was called upon, I had to be ready. That ended up being the case and fortunately I was ready to embrace the role.”
What has surprised you the most about your experience as the starting quarterback so far?
Verica: “The drastic difference between how we played against Duke and Maryland. How we played against Maryland is what we are capable of. To show that kind of resolve and come back the next week after a dreadful performance shows the tremendous resolve and leadership that we have on our teamthat was amazing to me.”
What did you do to change your game in between the Duke and Maryland games?
Verica: “I think we just paid more attention to detail, stuck to a system where I took what the coaches gave me and didn’t force the big play and I put the ball into the hands of the playmakersthat’s really my job out there. If I can do that then everything will take care of itself.”
If you were to evaluate yourself, what are some of your strongest points as a quarterback?
Verica: “I think I get the ball out pretty quickly, I’m accurate and I think I am decently athletic so I can avoid the rush or buy a little extra time. I think those parts of my game help me a lot.”
Along the same lines, what are some things that you need to improve?
Verica: “There’s always room to improve in anything. There are things in my footwork and mechanics that I still need to work on and get better at. I’d like to be more accurate. Against Maryland, I think there were some throws that I should have had. In my mind, I should have gone 30-for-34. I wish I could have had about four or five passes back. I’m not satisfied, I’m always hungry, and I’m never content so my approach is to get better every day.”
Are there any NFL quarterbacks that you try to model your game after?
Verica: “There is no particular quarterback, but I like watching the guys in the pros like Tom Brady, Donovan McNabb, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees. They are all guys who are leaders and their team rallies around them. More than anything they are tremendous in their preparation and their approach to the game. I think that it’s more than just their physical talent but the fact that they prepare that way on a week-to-week basis, for 16 games, instead of a 12 or 13 game season like we dothat’s pretty amazing to me.”
Who have been your greatest influences in your football life?
Verica: “Growing up my dad has been a huge influence on me and not just in football. He and my mom and are my biggest fans and they come to every game. They support me in everything. Since I have been at UVa, I would say Coach Mike Groh has been the biggest influence on me. There is no way I would be able to throw a pass in a college game if it weren’t for him. His coaching has helped me come such a long way in the last two years and I am really thankful to have him as my coach.”
Do you have any pre-game rituals or routines?
Verica: “Nothing too crazy, I just listen to my iPod, listening to some music and relax. I usually go out on the field about an hour before kickoff to get my arm loose and throw around with the receivers a little bit. Then I’ll come back in the locker room and get dressed. Nothing really too ritualistic, just getting my mind ready, that’s about it.”
What’s on your pre-game iPod play list?
Verica: “My musical taste is different. (Laughs) I like listening to a band called Explosions in the Sky. They did the soundtrack for the Friday Night Lights album. I like music like that, strictly instrumental, no wordsit really helps me get ready.”
What was it like growing up as the only boy among four children?
Verica: “I’d like to think that I know a little bit about women. I have three sisters even my cat is a girl. Hopefully I have gained some strengths in that respect. I love my sisters and wouldn’t have it any other way. They are also great fans and tremendous supporters; they love seeing me every week. I love to see them come to my games.”
What are some things that you like to do off the football field?
Verica: “Music is a passion of mine. I taught myself how to play the guitar when I was in sixth or seventh grade, so I have been doing that for a while. Then I taught myself how to play the piano two or three years ago. So if I ever have any time, I’ll just sit down at the piano or play my guitar for an hour or two to help me relax. It’s a good way to free my mindI really enjoy it.”
What is your major and what are some of your favorite classes?
Verica: “My major is economics. It’s interesting to me and I think I am good at it. The reason I chose it is because I think I will have a lot of opportunities when I get out of here. We have this financial crisis now so I might have to go somewhere else maybe music. I’m taking a news writing class right now and that’s pretty cool. To get on the other side and get the writer’s perspective is an interesting thing and I really enjoy that.”