But Bardo certainly earned the right to speak out a little more after a solid showing in leading UD to a 19-13 win at Robert Morris in his college debut. He finished 14-of-24 passing for 180 yards and two TDs with no interceptions.
“I was very pleased the way Will Bardo played,” UD coach Rick Chamberlin said. “The best thing was he didn’t force anything. A young quarterback (in his) first game may want to try to prove himself that very first series. But I didn’t think Will ever did that. He was calm and under control.”
The 6-foot-3, 190-pound lefty, who runs a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, has been likened to his predecessor, the speedy Steve Valentino, a two-time Pioneer Football League offensive player of the year. Valentino attended the opener and offered vocal support.
But while Bardo is a dangerous dual-threat QB, he first wants to show he can be trusted with managing a game.
“I just try to take what they give me. I’m not trying to do anything special,” Bardo said. “With the talent around me, if I give those guys an opportunity to make a play, they’re going to make the play for me.”
The Fort Thomas, Ky., native did have some rough patches in the opener, but they were hardly his fault. The game was played in near 100-degree temperatures, and his left hand kept cramping, which resulted in a couple of errant throws.
The Flyers replaced Bardo briefly with backup Zach Splain, who finished 5-for-5 passing for 32 yards. But Chamberlin’s plan in the home opener against Duquesne today is to play Bardo the entire game.
“He’s so even keel. That’s the thing we noticed about him when we recruited him. He doesn’t get too high or too low,” Chamberlin said.
“He’s a competitor, but he doesn’t get real emotional. He’s just a steady voice in the huddle.”
About the Author