McDermott prepared to take over as Quakers' starting QB

For Pat McDermott, surviving as quarterback at Penn won't be the biggest challenge he's had in life.

Growing up in Yonkers, N.Y., McDermott was one of 13 siblings in his family. And you're gonna tell him that playing football is a challenge.

"When you learn how to survive in a family of 13 kids, you pick up some survival experience," McDermott said.

Unfortunately for McDermott, that survival experience is about all the experience he has.

McDermott has the privilege of taking over for first-team All-Ivy League quarterback Mike Mitchell, who graduated last year.

Under Mitchell, Penn enjoyed success riding a high-powered offense that centered around the senior quarterback's arm.

This year, that cog of the offense is gone, but McDermott won't be without some weapons.

Star halfback Sam Mathews returns after a 1,000-yard season, and star receiver Dan Castles is coming back for his senior year.

It helps to have that kind of offensive firepower around a first-year quarterback.

"It takes a lot of pressure off my shoulders," McDermott said. "I know I can just throw the ball to Dan and Sam will run the ball all over the place."

The only question mark besides McDermott on the team is a revamped offensive line that will have the task of protecting the new quarterback.

McDermott isn't concerned.

"I have all the confidence in the world in those guys," McDermott said of his offensive line. "I know they're gonna get the job done."

Last season, McDermott appeared six times for the Quakers, and played a large role in two games.

In the Dartmouth game, Mitchell went down in the second quarter and McDermott took over. He was able to maintain a lead in the rain and cold in Hanover, N.H.

McDermott also has one start to his name. He started a hard- fought victory against Bucknell at home, finishing 11-for-22 for 136 passing yards and 38 rushing yards.

The Bucknell game "gave me a little confidence," McDermott said. "I think I know how to manage a game and the speed of the game."

Penn head coach Al Bagnoli also takes comfort in the limited experience his quarterback was able to see last year.

"We're comforted by the fact he's been in the fray, he has some snaps, has some throws and he's been somewhat successful," Bagnoli said.

But McDermott also got valuable experience on the sidelines last year, simply from watching a quarterback like Mike Mitchell.

"I learned a lot from Mike," McDermott said. "He ran the offense as good or better than anyone who's come through here."

One thing anyone who watches McDermott can see is that he certainly has the skills to be a good quarterback in the Ivy League.

The 6-foot, 200-pound quarterback was a three-sport letter winner when he attended the Hackley School in Yonkers, N.Y., and finished third on the school's all-time list for scoring in basketball.

"He has all the athletic skill," Bagnoli said. "He has all the tools to be a very good quarterback in this league. He just lacks having 200 throws, as opposed to 30 throws."

But McDermott, although short on throws, brings something extra to Penn's offense attack, his legs.

"Everybody says I can move real well," McDermott said. "It gives the defense something else to cover."

McDermott also has the right attitude to be a good quarterback.

"He's a terrific kid, very humble, unassuming, hardworking and competitive," Bagnoli said. "He's got a good demeanor. The kids like him."

Bagnoli cites McDermott's upbringing in a 13-member family as the reason for the quarterback's humble persona.

As for McDermott, he's quietly confident and ready to get the season started.

"It's gonna be great to get in there and play some football," McDermott said.

Great, because once the games begin it will no longer be a question of potential for Pat McDermott. It will then become a question of results.

But as a kid with 12 siblings, this is not the first time he has had to live up to the expectations of a predecessor.

"You just gotta go out there and have fun. Everything gets complicated, but when it comes down to it just make plays and have fun."

If McDermott plays with that attitude all season, we're all going to have a good time watching him.

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