Mesquite, Texas native Chason Virgil, a junior quarterback, started his quarterback experience when he was 4 years old and continued into college.

Virgil transferred to the university from California State University, Fresno. He explained what he learned from his time there.

“My time there taught me a lot as an athlete,” said Virgil. “It taught me preparation, and more importantly, it taught me how to be a humbled athlete. With going through injuries and losing seasons, it humbles you as an athlete a lot. I got to understand what it takes to be a leader too.”

Virgil shared his daily schedule full of practices, workouts and classes. 

“My usual day starts out at about 7:15 when I wake up,” said Virgil. “My body is used to waking up at that time since we had a lot of summer practices. Tuesdays and Thursdays are my early days since I have classes at 8 a.m. My body really doesn’t allow me to sleep late, which is good.”

Virgil started in every football game this season. He discussed his preparation for each game.

“The week consist of me practicing a lot and watching game film every day of the week and trying to find ways to exploit the other team’s defense,” said Virgil. “I tend to watch about 20 hours of game film a week. When I wake up, between classes, before and after practice or before I go to bed is when I watch film.”

Virgil shared how his preparation changes for game day.

“Sometimes watching other games to help me prepare for my game later that day, I can take mental notes and watch what other defenses do,” said Virgil. “For game day, I try to relax as much as possible in order to save all my energy for the game.”

To stay in optimal physical shape, Virgil works out throughout the week.

“I work out literally every day seven days a week,” said Virgil. “The grind never stops. Nonstop preparation is the key.”

Virgil takes a more relaxed approach to his diet.

“A lot of people think it’s salad and grilled food, but I eat whatever I want whenever I want really,” said Virgil. “Whatever I am craving at that time of the day, that’s what I eat. I train really hard, so I don’t have to have that intense type of diet. The main thing I personally focus on is staying hydrated and drinking plenty amounts of water. It’s not rigorous nor intense at all.”

Virgil likes to take advantage of his free time when he finds any.

“I try to build relationships and friendships with my teammates,” said Virgil. “I try to build that chemistry on and off the field. If I am not doing that, I usually sleep. I can sleep a whole day away. I have been like that since I was little.”

According to Virgil, fans compared him to Drew Brees, a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, as the two share the same jersey number. 

“It is truly a blessing to be compared to Drew,” said Virgil. “I would have never personally compared myself to Drew. He’s one of the best in the game. I try to be the best I can be and be myself, and hopefully I will be blessed to get there.”