University of Connecticut Athletics
Getting to Know the Freshmen: QB Jack Zergiotis
10/28/2019 2:00:00 PM | Football
As a freshman Jack Zergiotis has secured the starting QB job and looks to be improving each week. The Montreal, Quebec native has started five out of the team's eight games so far this season. In his most recent performance in the win over UMass, Zergiotis completed 18 passes for 198 yards, including a beautiful 57-yard touchdown pass to fellow freshman Cam Ross.
Zergiotis has shown a lot of promise in his short time as a college quarterback, and UConn fans should be excited about the future with him at the helm. Last week, we caught up with him and learned some more about his background.
Q: When did you think or know that you wanted to come to America to play college football?
JZ: I think since I was like seven years old. Since I started playing football, I always wanted to play D-I football, and it's just a blessing to be here, to get this opportunity.
Q: Why did UConn become your destination to do that?
JZ: UConn was the first school to believe in me and ultimately offer me, so it just felt like home.
Q: How does Storrs compare to your home in Canada?
JZ: It's different. It's definitely something to adapt to. There's not much going on always like back home, but I like it here. It's cool.
Q: What's your favorite part about playing football at UConn so far?
JZ: I'd say just being around all these guys. Everyone's a family around here, so we just gotta come together and win some games.
Q: The education system is a little different in Canada, so unlike the other freshmen you weren't coming straight from high school. Can you tell me a little about that?
JZ: Yeah so it's kind of like prep school. It's called CEGEP. We finish high school in the 11th grade and then we go play CEGEP football for a couple of years. And then after that, you either go D-I or you play Canadian Football.
Q: How do you think that affected your transition to D-I football?
JZ: I think it helped a little bit, just being older and more experienced. But nothing compares to this level of football, so it's always an adjustment.
Q: What's been the biggest adjustment?
JZ: I'd say just like adjusting to the speed of everything and just quicker reads and tighter windows. Things like that.
Q: Coming here, did you expect to play as much as you have freshman year?
JZ: I mean I didn't expect to. That was my goal, but I didn't expect to this early.
Q: What's it been like being able to play that much and get a bunch of starts?
JZ: It's a blessing, and at the same time since I'm not too experienced, there's times when you see it. But I'm happy to be playing for sure.
Q: How do you feel you fit into the offense?
JZ: I think I fit in well. Last year, our quarterback [David] Pindell was more of a running guy, but we don't have him anymore. So it's like we gotta deal with what we have. Now it's more of a pro-style type offense. Under center, throwing the ball more and everything.
Q: Because of the situation, how much have you had to grow up quicker than you probably wanted to at this level?
JZ: I think I definitely had to grow up quicker, and I think I've done a decent job. But at the same time, I gotta be on myself to be perfect even though it's something hard to reach. Just strive for greatness..
Q: You're only a freshman but do you feel like you can lead this team?
JZ: I feel like I could be a leader here. It's just on me. Like when I'm playing well, I tend to be vocal with the guys, but it's when I'm not playing so well to be the same way instead of being quiet and being to myself.
Q: What's a personal goal you have for the rest of the season?
JZ: Just to limit mistakes and ultimately just win some games definitely.
