Athlete of the week: Joe Walland

By Joey Ax

JULIA TIERNAN/YH

The Yale football team (4-4, 3-2 Ivy), picked by many in the pre-season to finish last in the Ivy League, is currently in a four-way tie for second, and quarterback Joe Walland, TD '00, has been key to the Bulldogs' surprising success. "This year we expect to win," he said. "Last year, we didn't believe in ourselves."

Walland gave the team reason to believe by leading Yale to a critical 28-21 victory against Cornell on Sat., Nov. 7. "Boom," as he is known to teammates, completed 20 of 27 passes for 209 yards and two TDs. He also ran in a touchdown to put Yale up 14-7. Walland was named Walter Camp Player of the Game.

Stellar play from Walland this season has become the norm. In the season opener at Brown, he threw for 267 yards and two TDs, including a last-second, game-winning 27-yard pass to Jake Borden, JE '00.

Walland hasn't looked back since. He is averaging more than 230 yards per game of total offense, including 44 rushing yards. He has passed for nine touchdowns with just three interceptions, and has rushed for an six TDs. Walland is on pace to break Kelly Ryan's, BK '88, single-season Yale record for total offense.

Not bad for a guy who wasn't recruited to play quarterback. "I was recruited as a wide receiver, and in the middle of my freshman year I switched to defensive back," Walland said. When coach Jack Siedlecki took over in 1997, Walland asked if he could take a few snaps. He played his way into the starting position, but injuries slowed him down. This year, he has stayed healthy and is showing off what he can do. "He's a bit shorter than a prototype quarterback," captain Corwynne Carruthers, MC '99, said, "but he gets the job done. He's the sparkplug of our offense."

What Walland lacks in size, he makes up for in accuracy and quickness. He has a second nickname, "Waldo," perhaps in part because his ability to scramble under pressure has left opposing defenses wondering where he is. The coaching staff has taken advantage of his quickness by utilizing the shotgun and the option more often. "The shotgun enables me to move the pocket around and make plays myself," Walland said.

Walland also attributes his improved play to a more mature offensive line. Carruthers agreed. "He had the talent and skill last year," Carruthers said. "The [offensive] line has done a great job."

The biggest difference this season, however, is attitude. "Last year, the nerves really kicked in," Walland said. "Now I just want to have fun."

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