Blending leadership with a 'Superman' mentality
Kentucky needs its new quarterback, Zach Calzada, to be a hero. But according to him, he first has to be a mild-mannered reporter.
“I’ve got to be Clark Kent until it’s time to be Superman,” Calzada joked when describing his approach to leading Kentucky’s offense. That mindset is exactly why the staff wanted him.
Why Bush Hamdan wanted the "human element"
When offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan landed Calzada from the transfer portal, it wasn’t just about arm talent. “There’s always a human element to it,” Hamdan explained. “He’s a guy that wants to be around everybody, that wants to bring people together and I think we’re fortunate in that regard from the leadership standpoint.”
From hero ball to calculated patience
Last week Zach Calzada walked off the field in tears.
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 10, 2021
Tonight, he beat Alabama pic.twitter.com/UyEmlweVro
Calzada, who famously engineered Texas A&M’s upset of Alabama in 2021, understands that the system comes first. “At quarterback, you’ve got to pick and choose your battles. Pick when to be aggressive and when not to be,” Hamdan said.
That philosophy of calculated patience is key. Kentucky needs efficiency, not reckless hero ball. Calzada’s focus has been on timing and taking what defenses allow. For him, Saturday’s opener is the first real test. “I’ve been waiting for this for a while,” he said. “Just to get back out there and play important games that matter — that’s exciting.”
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Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he spends time with his family, and watching Premier League soccer. #UpTheAlbion