Former UB Quarterback Named Starter for Las Vegas
10/19/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
LAS VEGAS – Former University at Buffalo quarterback Drew Willy has been named the starter for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. The Locos signed Willy in August to back up starter Tim Rattay. However, Rattay was injured in their last game and head coach Jim Fassel named Willy the starter.
Holder of nearly every UB passing record, Willy will make his first career start against the Hartford Colonials on Saturday at the 3:30 pm (EST). The game will air on the Versus Network.
Willy originally signed a free agent contract with the Baltimore Ravens in April of 2009, but was later cut. He was signed to the practice squad of the Indianapolis Colts in December of 2009 and promoted to the Colts active roster on Dec. 26. The Colts released Willy in July of 2010.
"I've been very impressed with Drew," Fassel said. "He's grown a lot since training camp and he has showed me, week in and week out, that he can do the job."
Willy is confident that he can lead the team.
"There's always pressure when you're a quarterback," Willy said. "But you have to go out and play. I believe in the offense. We've got a good group and I've been learning from Tim every week.
"It's a shame what happened to him, but it's an opportunity to go out there and play."
Willy graduated from UB holding the school record for completions (849), attempts (1,322), yards (8,748) and touchdowns (52).
At 3-1, Las Vegas is tied for the best record in the league.
