Richmond QB seeks strong sophomore year

Talk about a coming out party. As a 14-year-old freshman, Drew VanVleet had quite a start to his first season at quarterback for the Richmond Red Devils last year. Against Connersville in the opener, VanVleet threw for 154 yards and four touchdowns en route to a 41-21 victory. When the dust settled on the 2019 season, Richmond finished 4-6 and enter this season with much excitement under coach Tony Sonsini and VanVleet.

"My dad played football in college at the University of Dayton, so growing up, I always wanted to be like him. I started playing football in third grade with my dad as my coach. I wanted to play linebacker like him, and on offense I would always play quarterback," VanVleet told Sideline Prep Sports Report. However, VanVleet would continue to grow and it became clear that there was one position that would suit him.

"I kept growing taller and taller, and I was always pretty lean so we decided a couple years later linebacker wasn't for me. From then on, I just focused on playing quarterback and fell in love with the position," he said.

Starting as a freshman was something VanVleet said was a "great opportunity" and one that has helped in terms of state rankings for freshmen. QB Hit List has ranked him as the 95th best pro style quarterback in America. But he takes it in stride.

"Other than that, it doesn't mean a whole lot to me. I just do what I can for my team. Hard work pays off. Working hard and having the right people and coaches around me, I'm thankful," VanVleet said.

Richmond's last winning season came in 2013 and VanVleet is hopeful the Red Devils can have success in 2020.

"I would say a team goal is just putting everything we have into our team and this program. For a personal goal, I want to lead our team as best I can," he said.

VanVleet threw for 154 yards and four touchdown