by Katie Mercogliano ’14

Newcomer to Sherwood, junior Neven Sussman, has certainly been welcomed into the Sherwood community and football program in no time at all. Sussman is the new starting quarterback for the Warriors and has so far impressed his coaches and teammates alike.

Sussman’s drive was apparent to coach Chris Grier and the rest of the team from the start. “He came to pretty much every workout for the whole month of July,” said Grier. “He is a good leader, which is part of the reason he won the position. He encourages his teammates, he commands the huddle.”

Sussman credits his work ethic to his ability to establish himself on a new team. “I’ve adjusted well into the program,” he said, “I came in, worked hard, and came as many days as I could and … created great friendships with the guys.”

Like most young athletes Sussman studies the pros who play his position. “I try to play like [New Orlean’s Saints Quaterback] Drew Brees with a chip on my shoulder and try to expand my game by playing [mobile] like [San Fransisco 49ers] Colin Kaepernick.”

In Saturday’s season opener against Gaithersburg, Sussman went 8-16-83-1, with a 33-yard touchdown thrown to senior Marquese Thomas. He also had 54 rushing yards with 10 carries. On whether he prefers being more mobile as a quarterback, opposed to a classic in the pocket type, he simply replied, “Whichever one gets the most yards.”

Expectations for Sussman this season are very high. “We always have high expectations. We expect him to be able to throw the ball when we want and need to … to make good decisions … control the football and play smart, and more than anything we expect him to lead. Lead the offense, inspire confidence and get us through the tough times,” said Grier.