Athlete of the week: Nate Strawderman

Thirteen-year-old Nate Strawderman threw for 220 yards and a pair of touchdowns while helping lead the East Manatee Bulldogs Junior Midget team to the FYD South Division title with a 32-16 victory over the Manatee Wildcats Oct. 15. The Braden River Middle School eighth-grader has thrown for 775 yards and eight touchdowns over the past three weeks and nearly 1,500 yards and 17 touchdowns this season.

Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

What does it mean to you to win a division title?
It’s pretty awesome. We beat a 6-1 team, and they said they were going to kill us.

What’s the best part about playing quarterback?
Passing and being accurate.

What’s the toughest part about your position?
The pressure. It’s intense. There’s so much to think about.

How did you get into football?
I started playing when I was 7 years old. I’ve just liked sports since I was little.

Do you play any other sports?
Baseball.

Which sport do your prefer?
Football. It’s more intense, more physical and faster-paced.

Who is your biggest role model?
Drew Brees. He’s inspiring through football and he knows the game.

Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?
A sports commentator. All I watch is ESPN, and I don’t stop talking.

If you could have one superpower what would it be?
To see the future, so I can see what I become.

Do you have a favorite TV show?
“SportsCenter.”

Do you have a favorite subject?
Math. I like numbers having to do with putting things together, and it relates to football.

What’s your favorite food?
Grilled chicken.

If you could play another sport for a day, what would it be?
Basketball. It’s another sport I’ve always wanted to play.