Buccaneer Spotlight - Andrew Trudnowski

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Charleston Southern quarterback Andrew Trudnowski went to Liberty expecting to be on the sidelines calling plays, but was thrust into action with an injury to starter A.J. Toscano. Thinking he would be redshirting the season, Trudnowski had a choice to make, he could plead with Coach Jay Mills and ask to stay on the sidelines, or he could forfeit next season by putting on his helmet and taking the field.

The choice was easy. “It was a big shock to me at first because I knew my life was about to change, but Coach (Mills) called on me and I knew it was my job to step in and play right there. It was an exciting experience and I just wanted to go out and play the best that I could.”

The unselfishness of his quarterback was not lost on Mills. “The thing that I really appreciate was the selfless love and unity of this team, this is what Charleston Southern football is all about,” said Mills. “We haven’t had some of the fiscal or physical resources, but we have had the intangible things such as the quality of the people in our program, as evidenced by Andrew. He didn’t even stutter, I said ‘Get warmed up’ and he said ‘Yes sir’ and came out and competed hard. I know he did not have nearly the reps in practice that he would have liked, but I thought it was an inspiring performance by Andrew.”

The starter for this week's game against Gardner-Webb, the Buccaneer offense is now in the capable hands of Trudnowski, who threw for more than 6,200 yards and 50 touchdowns in two seasons at LA Harbor College before joining the Bucs. In seven games as the backup last year, Trudnowski completed 50 percent of his passes with only one interception, including a 9-for-17 effort against the Florida Gators.

Watch the full interview with Andrew Trudnowski