Quarterback leads Gryphons to semi-finals with perfect mix of focused composure
For a Gryphons team that has won seven straight and have their hands on an earned bye to the OUA semi-finals, one would assume the starting quarterback would be reveling in the success – especially after a career year for the fourth-year veteran.
But that’s just not Jazz.
The Markham, Ontario native is often criticized for his laid back attitude; an attitude that includes unusual pre-game rituals. Lindsey described dressing a certain way, and even talking to himself – both qualities deemed ‘normal’ for superstitious athletes. However, a few remain unique to No. 2.
“I drink root beer before every game,” Lindsey began. “I chew gum during the game – always a pack of Juicy Fruit – and I eat candy during the game, too. I’m the candy man.”
When asked if coaches challenge the unorthodox rituals, Lindsey quickly countered with a smile: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Don’t let the fun-loving persona fool you. There is an overbearingly evident self-driven focus that comes alive when Lindsey talks football, and it shouldn’t be disregarded with the shrug of the shoulders or less-than-emotional reactions he is often criticized for.
“A lot of people take it as in, ‘I don’t care,’” Lindsey explained of his easygoing mentality. “I just don’t really react to things. It’s kind of good to have that characteristic with my position because there’s a lot of stuff going on. It’s like a rollercoaster every game.”
Lindsey may not wear emotions on his sleeve while running the Gryphons’ offence, but that in no way means he doesn’t strive to conquer that rollercoaster every game.
“I just shoot to be the best,” the sociology student said of his motivation. “I always tell myself that I am, whether it be conceited or not. It helps me drive myself to perform like I am the best, or at least try to be.”
This motivation has translated into an incredible year for the quarterback, including a record-setting game against the Gryphons’ rival, the Western Mustangs on Oct. 18. The contest saw the Gryphons go toe-to-toe with the purple ponies, coming out on top 49-46, thanks to a Daniel Ferraro 41-yard field goal with just 1.7 seconds remaining. Lindsey shattered the school record of single-game passing yards, previously set by Justin Dunk (487), with 513 yards on the game.
“It wasn’t until after when I had an interview that I realized, you know, that is a pretty big accomplishment,” Lindsey explained, adding that he wasn’t sure what had happened when it was announced.
Lindsey’s dominant performance of 34 completions on 53 attempts, 513 yards, and four touchdowns with only one interception earned the Gryphon CIS Offensive Player of the Week.
With a record in the history books, national honours, and a career game, Lindsey didn’t hesitate to admit what meant the most.
“The win,” Lindsey said. “Individual accomplishments are great, and it’s always awesome to break records and have your best game, but at the end of the day, if you lose after all that, it takes away from it. The game was the best feeling.”
The dramatic win earned the Gryphons a bye to the semi-finals, and with a 7-1 record, pushed the black, red, and gold into second in the OUA behind McMaster, and tied for fourth with Montreal in the CIS rankings.
With two weeks until the semi-finals, the team is mirroring Lindsey’s perspective.
“Since we don’t know [our opponent] right now, we can just focus on us and what we need to do better,” the quarterback explained. “We’ve seen the way our preparation goes and what we’ve been doing has been working.”
For Lindsey himself, it’s all about keeping the momentum going.
“Continuing it, not falling off,” he said of his biggest challenge going forward. “A lot of guys get complacent with big performances and big games and seasons. I just hope there’s more success.”
With a focus on the challenges ahead, Lindsey shows no ignorance towards expectations that come with previous success.
“I don’t personally let it bother me, but it’s still there,” Lindsey explained. “It’s going to be in the back of your head no matter what. I just know I’m gonna have to do better.”
There’s always a better for this QB.
“If you’re not better, you’re worse. That’s what they say.”