Exclusive Interview
                                                     Vinny Perretta

                                  By: Aaron Fischman

 

December 22, 2008 - An Interview with Vinny Perretta

Vinny Perretta is a senior wide receiver for the 9th-ranked Boise State Broncos. The epitome of an unselfish team leader, Perretta hopes to help his undefeated team beat the TCU Horned Frogs in the Poinsettia Bowl on Tuesday.

The Poinsettia Bowl figures to be an instant classic (given the nature of Boise State's offense and TCU's defense, which is ranked second in the nation). Get ready for this incredible matchup with Aaron Fischman's interview of Perretta, a key player from one of the preeminent college football programs in the country.

We hope you enjoy Perretta's insight as much as we did.

Aaron Fischman: Boise State finished the regular season with a record of 12-0 and a ranking of 9th in the nation. Does your team deserve to be playing in a BCS bowl game?

Vinny Perretta: We thought we were pretty deserving. We did everything that we could. We aren't going to sit here and complain about it. It is what it is. But the teams have been chosen and we are actually playing in an awesome game. Some are saying that our game is a better match up than some of the BCS games.

AF: Kellen Moore is a phenomenal freshman quarterback for the Broncos. What kinds of skills (physical and mental) does he have that enabled him to put together such an impressive season?

VP: He is a football freak. He loves to play football and he loves to study it. He is one of the smartest football players that I have ever been around. He has such a passion for the sport and it shows in his play.

AF: Throughout your career at Boise State (especially your sophomore season), you’ve also run the ball despite being listed at wide receiver. Do you like catching or running the ball better? Why?

VP: I just like to do what the coaches ask for me. I just try to buy into my role whether its running, catching, blocking, or throwing. I just want to win as well as set an example for the younger players that there is no such thing as selfish players at BSU.

AF: Going back to your sophomore season, what is your favorite memory of the Fiesta Bowl classic against Oklahoma? How does it feel to have been part of such a historical game?

VP: The Fiesta Bowl is something that I will never forget. It is special to be a part of such an awesome game. I will never forget my touchdown pass...the best football moment of my life.

AF: A lot of people wonder why Ian Johnson’s numbers have been declining every year. Does a lot of that have to do with the emergence of Jeremy Avery? What do these running backs mean to the team?

VP: Our running backs are an all-around solid unit. We have so much talent there that really anybody can step in and get the job done. Without them, we wouldn't have gone undefeated. Ian is a great football player and is the leader of the group. He sets the tone for those guys.

AF: Talk about fellow receivers Jeremy Childs and Austin Pettis. How good can these guys be next year, catching passes from Kellen Moore?

VP: Jeremy and Austin are studs. They are some of the best athletes on the team. They catch everything that is thrown to them. To have them back for next season, as well as Kellen at QB, is huge. They have great talent and experience and it will carry over for next season.

AF: How does it feel to contribute so much to the team in your final season? Your best individual games came in the team’s closest calls: games against Oregon and Nevada. How were you able to make such an impact in each of those tight games?

VP: Coach Pete [Chris Peterson] always says big time players make big time plays in big games. That is what I try to do. I love it when the game is on the line. That's when you see who the playmakers truly are.

AF: What are you planning on doing after you graduate?

VP: I graduate in December and then I am going to train for Pro Day in March. I am going to try to play in the NFL or CFL. If that doesn't work out, then I am going to go play overseas in Italy for a season one last time before I hang up the cleats and start my career.

AF: Last year the team lost a heartbreaker to East Carolina in the Hawaii Bowl. How important is it to finish your Boise State career with a win in the Poinsettia Bowl?

VP: That has been our goal since the beginning of the season. To finish. Whatever it is. Whether it's a play, [a] game, [a] drive, or the season. We have to finish against TCU because they are a great team.

AF: On the offensive side of the ball what should we expect to see against TCU?

VP: The TCU defense is one of the best in the nation. It is going to be a good challenge for us and we are looking forward to going against such a solid group. They are fast, physcial, disciplined, and well-coached. We are going to have to prepare well for these guys if we want to have a chance.

AF: Who do you feel was most deserving of the Heisman Trophy this season?

VP: I think all those guys were pretty deserving of the Heisman. They are all great players and have led their teams to great seasons. The National Championship will be interesting. You have the Heisman [winner, Sam Bradford] going against the runner-up [Tim Tebow]. I guess we will see if Bradford or Tebow was more deserving.

 

 

 

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