Eastern Michigan Athletics
Quentavius Scandrett’s Journey from Freshman to Leader
8/30/2024 7:00:00 PM | Football
EMU opens the season Saturday, Aug. 31, at UMass
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – As the clock ticks down on his college football career, Eastern Michigan University's senior defensive back Quentavius Scandrett (Lovejoy, Ga./Lovejoy) is embracing his final season with a renewed sense of purpose and leadership. It's a moment he's been preparing for since he first stepped onto the field as a wide-eyed freshman, uncertain of what the future held but determined to make the most of every opportunity. Now, as a senior, he's reflecting on his journey and the responsibilities that come with being one of the team's elder statesmen.
From Freshman to Leader
For Scandrett, the transformation from freshman to senior has been both swift and profound. "It's a different level," Scandrett admits, his voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and resolve. "As a freshman, you needed the older guys to come in and help you out. Now, I want to take over that role and help the younger guys, not just for their future, but to better myself and the entire team."
Scandrett credits former teammates like Russell Vaden and Blake Bogan for showing him the ropes early in his career. "They came in when I was just a 17-year-old early enrollee, and they taught me what it means to be a college player. It's way different from high school," he recalls. Now, he finds himself in the position they once occupied, mentoring younger players and ensuring that the standard of excellence remains high within the team.
One of the players Scandrett has leaned on for support in his leadership role is fellow safety David Carter Jr. (Ecorse, Mich./River Rouge). "David critiques my game, and I help critique his," says Scandrett. "It's helped us build a better bond, and it's something that strengthens the entire safety group."
Building a Stronger Defense
The safety group at EMU has seen its share of challenges, particularly with injuries and roster changes. But Scandrett is optimistic about the depth and talent that has been added this year, singling out newcomer Bryce Llewellyn as a key addition. "He's the spark plug we needed," Scandrett says with admiration. "Everything he does is fast and physical, and that's exactly what we needed in the room."
In the offseason, Scandrett focused on becoming stronger and faster, working closely with the team's Director of Sports Performance, Deonte Mack, to refine his physical skills. But the offseason wasn't just about physical improvements; it was also a time to study game film, understand schemes better, and learn from last season's experiences. "I feel like I needed to get stronger and faster, and working out with D-MACK helped me do that," he explains. "It was about progressing my game and understanding what different teams did to us last year so that I can help stop it this year."
Redemption and Motivation
Last season didn't end the way Scandrett or his teammates had hoped. "We ended on a bad note that nobody really wanted," he admits, his voice heavy with the weight of unfinished business. "We expected to win a MAC Championship, and a lot of games didn't go the way we wanted. But we still remember those times, and we don't want that to happen again."
The memory of last season's disappointments serves as a powerful motivator for Scandrett and his teammates. "We're going to go out there and give it everything we've got. We're ready to win this MAC Championship," he declares with unwavering confidence.
Balancing Football and Fatherhood
Off the field, Scandrett's life has taken on a new dimension with the responsibilities of fatherhood. Spending time with his daughter, even if it's just through FaceTime calls when she's back home in Atlanta, is something he cherishes. "As a father, it's tough being away from her, but when I have downtime, I just love chilling with my daughter," he shares. "It's a whole different level than just playing the game—you've got to actually be a father."
Scandrett has become a role model not just for younger players on the team, but for other young fathers navigating the challenges of balancing football and parenthood. "Nobody on the team really had a kid at a young age when I did, but now I see other guys in similar situations, and I try to help them out," he says. "It's about understanding that you've got to be there for your child, even when you're away from the game."
Betting on Success
The theme of this year's campaign, "BET," resonates deeply with Scandrett. For him, it's a reminder to bet on himself and his teammates, to give everything he's got every single day. "You've got to believe in what Coach Creighton is coaching and go out there relentlessly, physically, and do the best you can," he says. "Even when you're tired, no excuses."
The season's third game, and the first home game, will be a significant moment for the team as they defend their home turf, known as "The Factory." "We don't want anybody to come here and beat us on our home turf," Scandrett states firmly. "What we do here is special, and we can't let anybody disrupt that."
A Personal Touch
As the team prepares for the home opener, which coincides with EMU's annual car show, Scandrett reflects on his first car—a Nissan Altima. It wasn't the flashiest vehicle, but it was a gift from his mother, and that made it special. "It was my mom's car before, and it meant a lot that she gave it to me so I could come to college," he says with a smile.
For Eagle Nation, Scandrett has a clear message: "I'm Q Scandrett, a father, and a player who's hungry and ready to win. I'm excited to help lead this defense to a MAC Championship."
As he enters his final season, Quentavius Scandrett isn't just playing for himself; he's playing for his teammates, his daughter, and the legacy he wants to leave at Eastern Michigan University. And with his leadership, determination, and focus, there's no doubt that he'll make his mark.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – As the clock ticks down on his college football career, Eastern Michigan University's senior defensive back Quentavius Scandrett (Lovejoy, Ga./Lovejoy) is embracing his final season with a renewed sense of purpose and leadership. It's a moment he's been preparing for since he first stepped onto the field as a wide-eyed freshman, uncertain of what the future held but determined to make the most of every opportunity. Now, as a senior, he's reflecting on his journey and the responsibilities that come with being one of the team's elder statesmen.
From Freshman to Leader
For Scandrett, the transformation from freshman to senior has been both swift and profound. "It's a different level," Scandrett admits, his voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and resolve. "As a freshman, you needed the older guys to come in and help you out. Now, I want to take over that role and help the younger guys, not just for their future, but to better myself and the entire team."
Scandrett credits former teammates like Russell Vaden and Blake Bogan for showing him the ropes early in his career. "They came in when I was just a 17-year-old early enrollee, and they taught me what it means to be a college player. It's way different from high school," he recalls. Now, he finds himself in the position they once occupied, mentoring younger players and ensuring that the standard of excellence remains high within the team.
One of the players Scandrett has leaned on for support in his leadership role is fellow safety David Carter Jr. (Ecorse, Mich./River Rouge). "David critiques my game, and I help critique his," says Scandrett. "It's helped us build a better bond, and it's something that strengthens the entire safety group."
Building a Stronger Defense
The safety group at EMU has seen its share of challenges, particularly with injuries and roster changes. But Scandrett is optimistic about the depth and talent that has been added this year, singling out newcomer Bryce Llewellyn as a key addition. "He's the spark plug we needed," Scandrett says with admiration. "Everything he does is fast and physical, and that's exactly what we needed in the room."
In the offseason, Scandrett focused on becoming stronger and faster, working closely with the team's Director of Sports Performance, Deonte Mack, to refine his physical skills. But the offseason wasn't just about physical improvements; it was also a time to study game film, understand schemes better, and learn from last season's experiences. "I feel like I needed to get stronger and faster, and working out with D-MACK helped me do that," he explains. "It was about progressing my game and understanding what different teams did to us last year so that I can help stop it this year."
Redemption and Motivation
Last season didn't end the way Scandrett or his teammates had hoped. "We ended on a bad note that nobody really wanted," he admits, his voice heavy with the weight of unfinished business. "We expected to win a MAC Championship, and a lot of games didn't go the way we wanted. But we still remember those times, and we don't want that to happen again."
The memory of last season's disappointments serves as a powerful motivator for Scandrett and his teammates. "We're going to go out there and give it everything we've got. We're ready to win this MAC Championship," he declares with unwavering confidence.
Balancing Football and Fatherhood
Off the field, Scandrett's life has taken on a new dimension with the responsibilities of fatherhood. Spending time with his daughter, even if it's just through FaceTime calls when she's back home in Atlanta, is something he cherishes. "As a father, it's tough being away from her, but when I have downtime, I just love chilling with my daughter," he shares. "It's a whole different level than just playing the game—you've got to actually be a father."
Scandrett has become a role model not just for younger players on the team, but for other young fathers navigating the challenges of balancing football and parenthood. "Nobody on the team really had a kid at a young age when I did, but now I see other guys in similar situations, and I try to help them out," he says. "It's about understanding that you've got to be there for your child, even when you're away from the game."
Betting on Success
The theme of this year's campaign, "BET," resonates deeply with Scandrett. For him, it's a reminder to bet on himself and his teammates, to give everything he's got every single day. "You've got to believe in what Coach Creighton is coaching and go out there relentlessly, physically, and do the best you can," he says. "Even when you're tired, no excuses."
The season's third game, and the first home game, will be a significant moment for the team as they defend their home turf, known as "The Factory." "We don't want anybody to come here and beat us on our home turf," Scandrett states firmly. "What we do here is special, and we can't let anybody disrupt that."
A Personal Touch
As the team prepares for the home opener, which coincides with EMU's annual car show, Scandrett reflects on his first car—a Nissan Altima. It wasn't the flashiest vehicle, but it was a gift from his mother, and that made it special. "It was my mom's car before, and it meant a lot that she gave it to me so I could come to college," he says with a smile.
For Eagle Nation, Scandrett has a clear message: "I'm Q Scandrett, a father, and a player who's hungry and ready to win. I'm excited to help lead this defense to a MAC Championship."
As he enters his final season, Quentavius Scandrett isn't just playing for himself; he's playing for his teammates, his daughter, and the legacy he wants to leave at Eastern Michigan University. And with his leadership, determination, and focus, there's no doubt that he'll make his mark.
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