NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: William Bellamy, QB, Union College

William Bellamy Union College
William Bellamy is a very athletic QB at Union College who also plays on their baseball team. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?

My experience as a student at Union College has been an amazing journey thus far. Union gave me the ability to receive a top-notch education while also providing me with the opportunity to play both football and baseball at the collegiate level. As a Sociology major, I have connected with a diverse set of peers and have learned many lessons that have made me a more well-rounded individual in society. This summer, I have secured a collaborative internship in Beverly Hills, CA with Louisiana natives Blaine Lourd (CEO of LourdMurray’s Private Wealth Management Firm) and his older brother, Brian Lourd (Managing Director and Co-Chairman of Creative Artists Agency (CAA)). 

In addition to my academic and athletic responsibilities, I serve as the House Manager for the Civil Rights House on campus & Leader of the Zoller Elementary Mentorship Program. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My teammates would probably commend me for the leadership qualities. They would say that I control the emotions of the offense, especially with my receivers and younger quarterbacks. My will to win is something that I think most of my teammates I’ve ever played with have recognized and fed off of. 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I am a leader on the field. I am a firm believer that actions speak louder than words, but I am confident as a vocal leader on and off the field. I bring positive and passionate energy to my team while diligently holding myself and my teammates to a higher standard.

In terms of skill set and scheme, I’d say that I am very comfortable in a spread system. I have a really good grasp on Run, Pass, Option (RPO) concepts. Although I consider myself a Pro-Style Quarterback, I utilize my athleticism to extend plays when necessary and am not scared to put my body on the line for my team. I pride myself on accuracy and consistency and feel that my attributes could fit in both Pro-Style and Spread systems.  

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
In Louisiana, I grew up playing with and against elite football players. From Leonard Fournette, to the Chiefs’ rookie star in the backfield, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, I’ve been challenged on the football field at a young age and love to compete with the best.

College wise, I’d have to say Ithaca’s trio of Joe Germinario, Will Gladney, and Andrew Vitto have been the most polished/talented players I’ve competed against.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Combining academics and athletics, my center, Ryan Ehrets, is most impressive. Due to his dedication in the classroom as a Mechanical Engineer along with his “do more, say less” mentality on the gridiron, Ryan embodies what a student-athlete truly is. Coming from a background where nothing was given, rather everything earned, Ryan’s work ethic and selflessness has continued to earn the respect of myself and others day in and day out. Our bond has become something that I will cherish forever. 

NFL Draft Diamonds 2021 Small School Rankings

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
When I was 15 years old, I was struck in the back of the neck by a 9mm bullet. After a Mardis Gras parade in Lafayette, LA, two of my buddies and I hopped in the truck to drop off Austin Rivault, who was sitting in the back seat. Right as we pulled up to Austin’s house, in a very peaceful neighborhood, a man fired 3 bullets from his Beretta pistol for absolutely NO REASON. 3 shots, 3 hits, one dead. Not only did I traumatically watch my friend take his last breath, I found myself in a heated trial in which the perpetrator, who was originally charged with one attempt of first-degree murder and two attempts of second-degree murder, got off with manslaughter and aggravated battery charges only facing 13 months in prison. This was a whole lot to deal with as a freshman in high school. By the grace of God, the bullet that hit me missed my carotid artery by .6 millimeters and is still lodged in the left side of my jaw today. Cole Kelley, who’s the QB at Southeastern Louisiana University, was the other survivor and has a bullet lodged in his left leg today. Overcoming this adversity at a young age shaped my character and made me appreciate the blessing of life that we are given.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
My father, Jon Bellamy, was drafted out of high school & played for the San Diego Padres and Minnesota Twins. His passion for baseball generated a love for the game in me. I am very fortunate to be able to play both football and baseball here at Union College. In the spring, I play outfield on the diamond.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
This is a tough one. I’d say that my foundation of faith is something that I am very proud of. Through my faith and an unwavering support system in my family, I’ve accomplished things that I never would have imagined. Growing up in Louisiana, very few kids have the opportunity to attend a prestigious liberal arts institution like Union while also doing what they love on the athletic field. My relentless effort and pursuit to reach a higher standard, is something that I am very proud of.

Athletically, I’ve been fortunate enough to remain healthy and garner many accolades. During my senior year at St. Thomas More Catholic High School, where I became the program’s first 3 year starter at QB. I led my team to the program’s first state championship appearance in the New Orleans Saints’ Mercedes Benz Superdome. That was unforgettable.

My leadership also led Union back to national recognition, the fourth 10-0 regular season record in history, it’s 3rd outright Liberty League Title, and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet Sixteen. Union Football is finally back to where they’ve historically been. A body of hard work and leadership has made our alums and fans proud again. 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
Throwing three second-half touchdown passes in the first round of the NCAA playoffs against Case Western Reserve. After being down 21-0 at halftime, my teammates and I stormed back to win our 11th game of the season and uphold our undefeated status.

Watching Ike Irabor seal the deal with a 50 yard touchdown at Butterfield Stadium to bring back the Liberty League Title to Union was something I will never forget. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I might gain some critics for this, but I have always looked up to LeBron James. Not only has he dominated the NBA, he’s been a model for young athletes for the past 17 years. While his greatness is widely recognized for his achievements on the court, LeBron’s leadership is what has led him to such honorable status. You don’t become the first player in history to win 3 Finals MVPs with 3 different teams solely through talent. The way he carries himself on and off the court has truly had a positive influence on my style of leadership.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
I listen to a wide variety of music, but Chris Stapleton is probably my go-to artist. Before games, I don’t really listen to music to get me pumped up. I try to listen to calm songs, mostly Country, to get into a relaxed and poised state of mind. 

What is your favorite comfort food?
Chicken and sausage gumbo is without a doubt my favorite food. I grew up on 5,000 acres of rice and crawfish fields in Abbeville, Louisiana, so it’s only right to love a lil gumbo. 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I love to duck and goose hunt with family and friends on our farmland. I also enjoy bullfrogging in the crawfish ponds. My secret talent is that I can call in a Specklebelly Goose with my voice 9 times outta 10.

Who or what motivates you the most?
My family motivates me the most. They relentlessly push me to be the best possible me and to never become satisfied or complacent in life. The sacrifices they have made for me in order to live out my dreams, motivate me to work hard and achieve success and respect in all that I do.

My Head Coach at Union, Jeff Behrman, has also significantly motivated me through the ups and downs that college life brings about. Although he’s the boss man who steers the ship, he and I have a very special relationship on and off the field. Being so far away from home is tough at times, and he’s been a father-like figure for me the past three and a half years at Union. Not only does he push me to be the best Quarterback in the country, he challenges me to be a leader of men outside the world of football.  

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