Cecil Shorts III (Mount Union College) WR Interview

Cecil Shorts III is a starting wide receiver for the Mt. Union Purple Raiders. Cecil and the Purple Raiders won the D-3 National Championship while Shorts himself has had a very successful career.

You played alongside Pierre Garcon who is currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts. Can you describe the experience of playing alongside an NFL player?

It's a great feeling to see somebody that went through the same stuff as you become successful. He is a great role model on and off the field and to see him become successful is like a dream come true for all of us that knew him.

What is it like to play for Mt. Union, such a prestigious D-3 program?

It's a honor to play for not just a prestigious program, but a prestigious coach as well. He has really installed how to become men at this program. It's a gift and a curse at the same time because everybody expects us to win the national championship every year and if we don't, we feel like we let them down. But it's a blessing to be in that situation year in and year out, not too many teams can say they have been in the national championship 5 years in a row.

How did you know Mt. Union was the right choice for you and why did you make the decision to play there?

When I made the visit to Mount Union I felt comfort and love from the coaching staff and players that I didn't feel on my other few visits that I had. Also, they have a wonderful Education program here and that's my major.

You were voted as an All-American this past year. Are you trying to pursue a career in professional football or do you think you will end up choosing a different career path?

If the opportunity presents itself, I will do my best to take full advantage of that. If not, then that's the reason I'm in school in the first place. Student-athlete is the phrase used, not athlete-student. So if the next level doesn't happen for whatever reason, I'll be teaching and/or coaching somewhere.

What were some of your favorite memories playing for Mt Union?

Winning the national championship in 2007 was a great memory for me. We really wanted to bounce back from the previous year and send the seniors out on top and we did. Another one would be from this year in the semi-final game against Wesley when I had to play QB during the second half and we ended up winning 24-7, while advancing to the national championship game.

Michael Zweifel Interview (University of Dubuque) WR

Michael Zweifel is a starting wide receiver for the University of Dubuque Spartans. He is one of the best receivers in Division 3 and was named a D-3 All-American.

You grew up very close to the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater. What was the experience like playing against Wisc-Whitewater while you were part of the Wisc-River Falls team?

Playing UWW was always fun because they were always a top 2 team in the country, so playing against the nations best is always a motivation. It was also neat because I was playing against my hometown and against some of my friends. I always had something to prove against UWW and tried to play with a chip on my shoulder against them.

Why did you transfer from Wisc - River Falls to the University of Dubuque?

I transferred to Dubuque because my father became the head coach here, and I receive free tuition because he is an employee at UD. So it was the best decision for my family financially.

Some people believe the stereotype that football players are dumb brutes. You have made the honor roll every year in college, how important are academics to you and what career do you want to pursue after graduation?

Academics are very important to me. I know I can't make a career out of football after college so my education is a main priority. I'm studying exercise science and after I complete my undergrad, I hope to get my masters in kinesiology.

You were named 2nd team All-American by D-3football.com last season. What is your personal goal for next year?

My personal goal for next year is for our football team to win conference and make the playoffs. As an individual my goal is to be the best wide receiver in Division 3.

What is your favorite memory playing for the University of Dubuque?

So far my favorite memory at UD is probably the last two weeks of our season. We finally came together as a team, and ending the season with two big wins and seeing everybody clicking was great.

Alex Tanney Interview (Monmouth College) QB

Alex Tanney is the starting quarterback for the Monmouth College Flying Scots. The Scots finished last year's campaign ranked 18th in the nation. This past season, Alex Tanney was voted 2nd team All-American by d3football.com. The Buried Athlete had a chance to discuss with Alex his experiences at Monmouth, playing at a professional level, and more.

You were a very successful high school quarterback. Did you know that you are among only a few high school quarterbacks to be part of almost all the Illinois High School Football records?

Yes, I knew that I was included in a few of the records. My father was my high school coach at Lexington and my older brother was a quarterback, so I have always been around the game. The spread offense I ran in high school along with a lot of good players around me helped a lot with those.

What was the most important game in your high school career? Are there any memories you would like to share?

My senior year we were 6-3 heading into the playoffs and made a run to the semi-finals before losing. All of those playoff games and playing with friends that I had grown up with and played together for so long has to be the most memorable part of high school football.

Were you recruited by any Division 1 schools?

I didn't receive a lot of Division I attention coming from such a small 1A high school. Illinois State recruited me and wanted me to be a recruited walk-on but I ultimately decided on Monmouth.

What stuck out the most to you about Monmouth College that influenced your decision to play there?

My brother started at Monmouth for two years so I was at most of his games and on the Monmouth campus a lot which influenced my decision. Coach Bell started recruiting me early in my sophomore and junior year and I wanted to play somewhere I could start for four years. All of those factors led to me coming to Monmouth College.

You were the recipient of the 2009 Melberger Award. You have won several awards, but have never competed in the Stagg Bowl. Do you think Monmouth has what it takes to compete against the likes of Mt. Union and Wisconsin-Whitewater?

Coach Bell and his staff have really built this program up and made it a nationally known program compared to where it was before he came here. Getting to the playoffs is a constant expectation now and I have never played against Mount Union or U-WW, but I think we are heading to a level where we could compete with them. I hope we get a chance to play teams of such caliber next season.

Many websites rank you as one of the best quarterbacks in Division 3 football and even have you ahead of some quarterbacks in Division 1, albeit while you still have one more year of eligibility. Has playing professional football crossed your mind or do you think you will pursue a different career?

Yes, after this past season I realized playing after college is a realistic goal. It was always something that I wanted to do and have dreamt about but never knew if I would be able to. With some teams contacting me and other people that have contacted me, I am hoping to get a shot to continue to play after I graduate. Right now I am focused on the upcoming season and making a deeper run into the playoffs.

LaMar Hunter Interview (Marietta College) RB

Lamar Hunter is the starting running back for Marietta College. He has excelled not only on the gridiron but in the classroom as well. The following interview discusses Lamar's career prospects and what he might pursue after his football career at Marietta College.


You first played at Glenville State. Why did you decide to transfer to Marietta College and not to some other school?

I transfered to Marietta College because I felt like academically they would give me a much better chance to succeed. Academics are very important to me and I didn't feel as though the program at Glenville gave me the best chance in terms of preparation and opportunity. Athletically, I was still a productive back as a freshman (averaging 5.8 yards per carry), and we had a very good team, but I was concerned with my life after football.

You have stated in other interviews that you are studying to become a chiropractor. You are one of the best running backs in Division 3 football. After you graduate, will pursue a football career at the professional level or are you going to work furthur towards becoming a chiropractor?

I am kind of torn between two dreams. My childhood dream has always been to play professional football. I still hold that dream close to my heart, however as a man, I realize that you cannot play football forever. I am really intrigued by the chiropractic field. I recently enrolled in a chiropractic college (Life University), but I still have a desire to play football so that's just something I'm going to have to pray about.

What is your favorite memory of playing football at Marietta College?

I have many great memories about Marietta football. Coach Ski (the head Coach) makes it a great place to be if you love the game. My favorite memory would be the skits that we do after two-a-days where we make fun off everyone. Also beating the 7th ranked team in the nation this past year. We definitely enjoyed that whole weekend. :)

What do you think is the biggest difference between playing Division 3 and Division 1 football?

The biggest difference between the two divisions is the exposure. Pierre Garcon is a prime example that there is talent on this level and there will be several other players coming out in the future that will also be stars. I believe there is a difference in depth and the amount of talent at the D-1 level, but you will find talent in D-2 and D-3 as well.


Were there any Division 1 football programs scouting you during high school?

In high school, I had lots of D-1 schools scouting me: Northwestern, Cincinnati, Ohio University, Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan and Toledo. They were interested, however after my injury, only Toledo and Cincy kept in contact, but they were not willing to take a chance and offer me a scholarship. They wanted me to be a walk-on which is very tough.

Johrone Bunch Interview (Mount Ida College) RB

Johrone Bunch is a two sport athlete at Mount Ida College. He plays football and basketball for the Mustangs. Johrone has played well for the basketball team, but he has excelled on the gridiron. Johrone averaged 146 rushing yards per game for the Mustangs, giving him the 3rd highest average in Division 3 football.

We had the opportunity to interview Johrone Bunch, here is what he had to say:


What is your favorite memory of your high school football or basketball career?

My favorite memory in high school was playing in the championship game vs New Canaan high school. We ended up losing the game, but I had an outstanding year. I won the basketball state championship my senior year after we lost the championship game my junior year.

In high school, were there any Division 1 programs recruiting you for either football or basketball?

In football I had Uconn, Temple, Virginia, Syracuse, Michigan, Michigan State and Umass looking at me.

What made you decide that Mount Ida was the right school for you?

Well my S.A.T and A.C.T weren't that high and I didn't get the score I really wanted. I couldn't get in any D1 school because of my score. Mount Ida accepted me after my visit there.

You rushed for 146.64 yards per game, the 3rd highest average in Division 3 football. These are unbelievable stats; Is there any aspect of yourself as a player that you'd like to improve on?

I want to improve on becoming a leader and I'd also like to get bigger for the next season. I really haven't reached my physical capacity yet.

Even though you are a sophomore, have you thought of pursuing either football or basketball as a career after college?

Yes, I hope one day I will get the opportunity to make it to the pros.