2021 First Responder Bowl - Air Force Player Quotes
Air Force Quarterback Haaziq Daniels
On whether he expected to put up big passing numbers:
“No, it was good to have that opportunity to be able to come in here and to make it happen. I think I throw a lot better when I'm in a rhythm and am able to sit in the pocket. First, because there was no pressure at all so I was able to just watch the coverage and know he was getting open, wide open, so it's pretty much easy passes.”
On being named the game’s MVP:
“It's a good feeling, I won it but I think I won it for the team. So it represents the diesels, represents the receivers that catch the ball and make the plays happen. It was a good feeling that I got it, but it's all about the team.”
On learning from the seniors:
“I learned a lot, probably the biggest thing that I learned is just don't take anything for granted. You know? Each game has a different opportunity and it can be taken away. So just play the best you can in that moment, play as hard as you can play along with your brothers and whatever happens happens.”
On this team’s legacy:
“I mean, I think we're making history. You know there's not a lot of times where a team can win ten games in a season. It's a good feeling, just have to enjoy all of this. Some guys coming back you know we got to do, keep going.”
On being more than a running quarterback:
“You know it's good deal to be able to show different abilities. And also just put yourself in the best possibility for the team to win.”
On playing like this on ESPN
“Very cool. Personally I'm going to go back and rewatch the whole game, I want to see everything that happened.
On Brandon Lewis’ play:
“Yeah, I mean, we all know B-Lew can do it, you know? So it's just a matter of time, it's a matter of getting opportunities. To see him do what he did today is amazing to watch.”
Air Force Wide Receiver Brandon Lewis
On his nifty moves on the touchdown catch:
“I don't know. It just kind of happened. I wasn't really trying to try to think too much while I'm playing football I just try and react. I was pretty tired, because the drive before I'd already had a long touchdown. I was happy to score Haaziq threw a great ball.”
On getting opportunities today:
“The o-line blocked great when we were out there. Haaziq was throwing amazing balls. And I was just trying to make plays for my team. This was a big game, super important for me now. This game, my final game, I just tried to do the best I could for my teammates.
On the bowl experience:
“It was a great experience. I had a lot of fun. The First Responders people that put this together did a great job and I'm just blessed and happy to be here. I'm just happy to be here, be around the guys.”
On the defense getting early stops:
“It gives us confidence going into our drives, when you can rely on our defense you know don't get to start overthinking things. We can kind of stick to our game plan and don't have to overdo something or try and rush something or press something that's not there. So yeah, it keeps the confidence within our offense.”