Former three-star 2023 QB Drew Viotto entering the transfer portal
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
For athletes, time is precious. At the high school level, most have just three years to make their mark in chasing the dream to play college ball. Once at the next level, the timeline expands, five years with a redshirt season, but it can still be wasted away in a blink of an eye. Playing quarterback in college is challenging for multitude of reasons, but the opportunity to showcase what one can do sometimes is the hardest part. For Drew Viotto, the former Class of 2023 field general is ready to lay it all on the line for that one team who will utilize his skills.
Signing with Minnesota out of Walled Lake Western High School (Walled Lake, MI), the three-star was with the Golden Gophers for a redshirt season before joining Eastern Michigan. After the Eagles posted a 5-7 record, 2-6 in the MAC, Viotto (6-4, 225) just wants to play.
On Thursday, December 5, Viotto entered the transfer portal. With three years to play three, Viotto reflected on his experiences at Minnesota and Eastern Michigan while looking ahead to his next opportunity.
Q&A Interview
What was the year learning under coach PJ Fleck and OC Matt Simon at Minnesota like for you?
“I thought it was a good year; I learned a lot. I learned a lot not only about myself but as a QB. Even though I left after one year, I still learned a lot. My first year at Minnesota I learned a lot of new things, and I got to see the big-time with games at Iowa and Ohio State. I had a lot of really good experiences in that year.”
Making that move to EMU for the 2024 season, what did you learn under head coach Chris Creighton and OC Mike Piatkowski?
“Eastern runs a different offense than Minnesota; learning it, picking up a different system, it was great to expand who I am as a QB. At Eastern, I expanded my tools as QB. I’ve made a lot of great relationships here. This was a new experience playing in the MAC, like playing midweek games. I am thankful for my time here.”
Between the stops at Minnesota and EMU, how have your skills as a QB improved?
“I have expanded my knowledge of the game and started to hone in on my skills, sharpen the skills I have. My arm strength and accuracy have improved. I learned how to watch film and how to take that to the field. From Minnesota to Eastern, I have been sharpening all my skills.”
What are your strengths as a quarterback?
“I am very accurate, and I have a strong arm; I can make all the throws. I am a smart QB. I understand the defense, and I know what will happen before it happens. I can run when needed. I am not the fastest, but I can get a first down or pick up 10 to 15 yards. I am a competitor and a leader; I do what it takes to win.”
Leadership as a QB is important. Tell me about your leadership skills.
“I’m not a huge rah-rah guy, but I bring everyone together so we will play for each other. With football, you play for the guy next to you. Whichever new school I go to next, I will be throwing with the receivers and bonding with those guys. I did that here. You make these new friendships with your teammates letting them know that you will do your all for them and them for you.”
You’ve touched on this in different parts; how would you describe your style of play?
“I’m a pro style QB, but I can run. I am not a statue; I will pick up yards. I am comparable to Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals). He makes all the throws and wins. He doesn’t run a lot, but he can move the chains; I feel that I do all those things.”
When you start looking at new programs, is there a type of offense you want to play in next?
“I just want to find an offense that fits me the best. Honestly, there’s not one offense in mind. I just want a school that wants a guy like me, a guy that can make all the throws in the pocket and can run. I will play in any offense.”
When you make that choice, what criteria will factor in that decision?
“The criteria – an opportunity to play. The school that will do that for me, that is where I want to go. I will go anywhere in the country. I want to play ball and win games.”