Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Drew MacPherson, Loyola football

Drew MacPherson is a senior running back for the Ramblers who has racked up more than 1,000 total yards and 18 touchdowns this season. The University of Iowa commit was the Chicago Catholic League Blue Most Valuable Player.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

I really don’t like listening to music before games. I like being in the locker room with the guys, listening to everything else, kind of the sound of the game. I always take Tylenol at the exact same time. Before the game, I watch film a quick 10 minutes of film, and I like being the last one to leave the room. Ryan (Fitzgerald, quarterback) always says a few words to me at exact same time.

2. Why is Iowa a good fit for you?

It’s a good fit because they stand for a lot of good things. The coaching staff is focused on the players and not caught up in the NCAA, media and (name, image, likeness rights) stuff. I think they are focused on creating good people and then good players. I definitely confirmed that when I went on an official visit. I talked to my dad (Matt MacPherson, former Northwestern assistant football coach) a lot about it since he used to be a coach. He thinks they are great people.

3. What is going to be the biggest adjustment going from running back to defensive back (safety) in college?

I think definitely discipline with my eyes. As an offense player you get your eyes on the ball, as a defensive back, I have to stay a lot more patient and wait for the right time. I do a lot of stuff with my dad, who was the defensive backs coach at Northwestern, and have been in contact with a lot of people about it.

4. Are you going to miss being a running back?

I think so, but I love football. There’s not exactly one position I’m married to. I really just love playing — whatever the position is. I think I will miss scoring touchdowns. That’s really fun. And being behind that (offensive) line.

5. If you could try a new sport, what would it be?

I think it would probably be lacrosse. I used to play when I was little. My parents told me I was pretty good at it, but I never kept up at it. Loyola has a really good lacrosse program, so I think I’d fit right in. Maybe hockey. But I never really learned to skate when I was young. It looks fun and is a good skill to have.

6. What is your dream job?

I think I’d have to follow in my mom’s footsteps. She is a realtor and works really hard and provides for us really well. It is a lot of work with people and I think that’s what I’d like to do, moving around and talking to different types of people. I’d also like to be a football coach. Growing up I was around that a lot. The guys used to always come over for dinner. … It was so fun listening to those guys and what they say when they are joking around.

7. What is your favorite thing to do off the field?

My favorite thing to do off the field would probably be to eat. I love traveling around the city and going to different spots to eat. I probably eat around 5,000 calories a day; I don’t gain weight too easily. And this winter break I’m going duck hunting with a buddy of mine. I’ve been skeet shooting a bunch of times, but want to try hunting.

8. If you are in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

I’ll probably take a bag of Dot’s (Homestyle) Pretzels. Those are super good.

9. What is something people don’t know about you?

I played volleyball my freshman year and I would actually love to get back into it. I’ve been thinking about doing it into offseason. I would have played sophomore year but I broke my ankle. I love volleyball. My mom (Pam MacPherson) used to play volleyball in college so that helped get me into it.

10. Outside of talent, what’s been the biggest key to Loyola’s high-level success during your time there?

The biggest key I think is the brotherhood we have with each other. Every week team we have dinner at someone’s house or a restaurant. There are activities we do that grow us closer as a group. That and I think our dedication to the game. I think we watch the most film out of anyone in the state; I’m pretty confident in that.

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