An enthusiastic and devoted member of the football team, Duncan Roberts ’16 is Ridge High School’s varsity quarterback for the 2014-2015 school year. His name has been prominent in conversations at Ridge High School during the past couple of months; along with a number of other juniors and seniors, he joined the varsity team this year, an induction that was met with fanfare from the student population.
Duncan recently shared his thoughts with The Devil’s Advocate on his athletic career, Ridge football, and more.
Avani Bhargava (Reporter for The Devil’s Advocate): When did you first discover your interest in football?
Duncan Roberts: When I was younger, I knew that I loved football. I always watched the Cowboys when I was growing up. I was dying to play tackle football, and my parents wouldn’t let me play [it] until I was in 6th grade. That’s when I really started loving it…that’s when it became really fun.
AB: What teams have you been on and which one was your favorite?
DR: [In] 6th and 7th grade, [my coach] was absolutely awesome. He made everything fun…he was a great coach. 8th grade was really fun because back then I didn’t play quarterback, I played tight end…I just went out for passes and caught the ball, and didn’t have to worry about anything. Freshman year was fun too because it was my first year being quarterback. Sophomore and junior year, they’re a little different. This year being on varsity is really fun. It’s been great so far.
AB: Would you say [playing on varsity] is more high pressure? How time-consuming is practice?
DR: Yeah, definitely. (laughs) You can’t relax as much. On a Tuesday or Wednesday, usually I’ll get home around 7, so it’s kind of rough with homework. In the summer especially, we have practice four days a week from 8 ‘til 12:30 so it takes up [our] summer and [we] can’t really go away.
AB: What has been your best game so far this season?
DR: As a team, definitely the second game, against Immaculata, because we all were fired up…we went after them. Probably my best game personally was against Scotch Plains… Their pass defense could not stop our pass offense, so we just threw the ball and threw the ball. I had a lot of yards, a couple touchdowns…it wasn’t our best game as a team, but personally it was fun.
AB: What are your thoughts on the school spirit that Ridge students have shown at the games so far? There was one person who brought a cardboard cutout of your face to one of the games.
DR: Oh, yeah. (laughs) That was really cool…I love it. I [looked] in the stands and I [saw] that [cutout] bobble up and down and I just [started] laughing. Definitely the first three games were really good…the fans were really great.
AB: Do you find that people treat you differently because you’re the varsity quarterback?
DR: Yes. Very. Ever since I’ve been quarterback more people have started knowing who I am and more people have started talking to me. I get people paying attention to [me] and looking at [me] in the hallway, which sometimes is good and sometimes is bad, because sometimes I don’t really want that attention. But other times it’s kind of interesting.
AB: How do you get pumped before a game?
DR: I made a Friday night playlist—so [before a game] I listen to my music and get all excited. I don’t really show that I’m excited because sometimes I’m nervous too…usually inside I’m going crazy, but [on the] outside I just look calm…People are like, “You don’t even look nervous”, but I’m freaking out.
AB: What is your favorite thing about football?
DR: Probably how it’s such a team sport…you have eleven players [playing] on the field as one. In the locker room, it’s great after a win. There’s nothing better. [We] just come together as a team and all become friends, and we hang out.
AB: How do you spend your time when you’re not on the field?
DR: I do A Cappella [Choir]. Also my youth group at church—I’m helping on a sophomore/freshman retreat this year, so I’m busy with that. After that, there’s not much time left. I volunteer with Saturdays in Motion so I’m there on some Saturdays—It’s a program where you work with kids with autism…you play with them while keeping them safe. I’m the co-leader [of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes club] with Danny DeMarco.
AB: Who are your heroes and role models?
DR: My parents are good role models. Definitely, on the Cowboys, Jason Witten. He’s a tight end in the NFL. He’s a good guy. I don’t really have any idols or anything…I guess God.
AB: Do you play any other sports?
DR: I play basketball. I play ultimate Frisbee—not organized Ultimate Frisbee, but it’s one of my favorite hobbies.
AB: Where do you see yourself after high school? Still playing football?
DR: People always ask me that. I haven’t really given that much thought, but I’ll see how it works out, if I start playing really well and colleges start looking at me. Right now I’m focused on getting good grades…I’m focused on high school right now.
AB: Any last comments/anything you want to say to Ridge?
DR: Always be positive, stay happy, and always be nice to people. You never know how being nice to someone could affect them…help them out.
Cheer on the Devils and Duncan as they strive to conquer their rivals on the football field this season!