This week I sat down with linebacker Will McNamara ’16, who last week earned Ivy League defensive player of the week, as well as Northeast Credit Union player of the week and Fox College Sports defensive player of the week for his two interception performance against Columbia University.
How did it feel to get so many recognitions last week?
WM: It felt awesome. I felt like our whole team practiced really hard, myself included, and they helped me a lot. In getting recognitions, it wasn’t just me by myself. It felt good to finally succeed in football here. I feel like it was my breakout week.
You were the first player to ever return two interceptions for touchdowns in Big Green football history. How did that feel?
WM: I didn’t really know it at the time but it felt amazing. I feel like the first one was more that I was in the right place at the right time. The second one was lucky, it just kind of popped right into my hands and David Caldwell ’16 made a great hit on a guy. I got some great blocking and then I made it in for a touchdown.
What do you think has enabled you to be so successful lately?
WM: Just the camaraderie I have with the kids on the team. It’s awesome. I have a ton of fun with everyone. My mom, dad and grandma were up for that past game, so that definitely helps. I feel like Dartmouth has become more of a home. I feel so much more comfortable here.
What is the hardest part of your position?
WM: Knowing what everyone is doing at all times. I feel like if you’re a defensive back, you kind of know just what the defensive backs are doing and somewhat of what the linebackers are doing with coverages. And if you’re a defensive lineman, you just know all the run plays and the blitzes. But as a linebacker, you have to know both. You have to kind of be the quarterback of the defense and know what everyone is doing so that everyone is on the same page.
What are your thoughts on the season so far?
WM: We lost a couple of close games. We’re definitely a way better team than our record shows, and we’re still in the hunt for the Ivy League title, so I would say it’s going pretty well.
What is your favorite thing about being a Big Green athlete?
WM: It’s tough to describe — the satisfaction you get out of taking on such a rigorous schedule with sports and school, and trying to handle different random miscellaneous tasks. That feeling of success you have when you finally accomplish it. You’re kind of just proud of yourself. You’re taking on so much more than everyone else takes on, and you’re succeeding.
What is your favorite part about Dartmouth overall?
WM: The people. Great people I really connect with a lot of them, especially the athletes. I’m a huge fan of the small community, fraternity system, camaraderie and all that stuff.
What is your favorite NFL team?
WM: The Bears.
Do you have another college sports team you like to follow?
WM: Yeah, my dad was a huge Notre Dame fan, so he would take us to games all the time. I really like to follow them.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
