When most people think of a leader on the gridiron they typically gravitate to a boisterous individual calling out the signals under center at the quarterback position.
Interlake Saints senior quarterback Duncan Varela is the undisputed leader of his team in his third season as the starting quarterback, but said he prefers to let his play do the talking on the field.
“I’m not a very outspoken guy. I don’t really yell or anything. I lead more by example and do everything I can to help everyone else on our team succeed,” Varela said.
The senior signal caller is glad to have top flight receiver Naoki Harmer returning to the lineup this season. Harmer played just four games in 2015 due to a leg injury. Varela said Harmer’s instincts for the game are off the charts.
“He runs the best routes I have ever seen,” Varela said. “He gets open all the time so it is pretty easy to find him on the field. If I’m scrambling and the play is broken down, he will find some open space and I will find him.”
Varela thinks the Saints will improve upon last season’s 5-5 overall record this fall.
“I think we will pick up where we left off,” he said.
Recently, the Bellevue Reporter asked Varela a few questions about his life outside of the gridiron.
Bellevue Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?
Duncan Varela: I like “Never Back Down.” It is a MMA fighting movie.
BR: Who was your idol growing up?
DV: Bo Jackson (former National Football League running back). I always watched his highlights. He played football and baseball like me. I always aspired to be like that even though it is really tough.
BR: What is your favorite eatery in Bellevue?
DV: Either Qdoba or Chipotle. I like having a big burrito.
BR: If you could pick one person to go to dinner with, who would it be?
DV: I would go to dinner with my girlfriend, Amanda.
BR: What kind of music are you listening to the most in your iPod right now?
DV: I listen to country and rap music. I like to mix it up.
BR: Who is your pick to win the World Series this fall?
DV: I will go with the Chicago Cubs because they are young. I like how they play.
