Andrew Benkwitt has been the starting quarterback since he arrived at Utica. Last year, the Pioneers won more than one conference game for just the third time in the program's history.
Curt Fitzpatrick could have mentioned the records. After all, Andrew Benkwitt does hold virtually all of the Utica career passing records.
Instead, the Pioneers' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach opted for a more personal tale in describing the most productive signal caller to ever don a Utica jersey.
"Andrew's the only recruit I've ever seen that showed up on a day visit in a three-piece pinstripe suit," Fitzpatrick recalls. "He's the most well-dressed recruit we've ever had."
Well dressed and ready to impress. And boy, has he impressed.
Since arriving as a freshman at Utica in 2009, all Benkwitt has done is start every game (32 so far), rewrite the record book (he holds the career marks in completions, attempts, yards and touchdowns, among most others) and, perhaps most importantly, play an integral role in building a culture of accountability in a program that hasn't always had it.
"He's never late to a meeting, he's the most prepared player to play, he's always to first one in the office on a Monday asking about the game plan for the next week," Fitzpatrick said. "He's so focused on each opponent, and since he's been here, that's kind of trickled down to some of the other players and he's kind of led us in that way."
It's this work ethic that has simultaneously helped Benkwitt cement himself as one of, if not the best, pure pocket passer in the Empire 8, and Utica continuously improve each season. In Benkwitt's first season, Utica finished 4-6 with no wins in the E8. As a sophomore, Benkwitt directed the team to a 5-5 mark, but again with no conference wins. Last season, the Pioneers again finished 5-5, but finally shook the conference woes by beating Ithaca and Hartwick.
Now, Benkwitt has started writing his final act. So far, he has the Pioneers sitting at 2-0 after impressive wins over regional opponents St. Lawrence and Union. Through the two games -- which Utica won by 33 and 28 points, respectively -- Benkwitt has thrown for 615 yards and eight touchdowns with just one interception.
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