2023 PFN Player Profile: Getting to know Riverside Viking QB Chase Taddonio
Tagged under: District 2, News, Player Previews
Billy Splain | June 22, 2023
Chase Taddonio
QB/S
Riverside
Class Of 2025
Jersey #2
HT/WT 195, 5’10
2,077 yards passing in 2022, 30 touchdowns in 2022, 139 completions in 2022.
Other sports Baseball
All League Quarterback
Twitter @ChaseTaddonio
Coach Armstrong: ” QB with a killer instinct. Chase has tremendous poise under pressure. In his 1st year as a QB i n 2022 he was a big-time playmaker with his arm and legs. Quick release, pin point accuracy and runs like a big time tailback. But the thing that separates him from the pack is his mental toughness. As Chase continues to improve his fundamentals and gain more experience with his decision making he is going to be one of the best QBs to come out of Lackawanna county”.
LET’S GET TO KNOW CHASE
Why do you play football?
I play football because of my competitive drive to be a better athlete. I want to maximize my athletic potential on all fields and also make all of my teammates better while doing so.
It’s gameday! What are you looking forward to the most?
The feeling of victory throughout the locker room after a hard earned W. After an entire offseason of preparation a win feels rewarding to the entire team.
Who is your favorite sports star and WHY?
My favorite sports star is Jalen Hurts because I share his position and I can relate to his in game performance. He is also a team first guy which is why he excels so much on the playing field.
Do you have a favorite play you remember the most? Explain:
My favorite play is when I passed to my All-State reciever, Reese Gaughan, and he broke the Lackawanna Recieving Yards record. It was incredible to be apart of his journey to the history books.
What was last years season like for you?
There were a lot of positive takeaways as our team had our first winning season in a few years. We really came together as one lethal unit by the second half of the schedule.
What are your goals for this coming season?
We will be a force to wreckon with. Our goal is to win a district championship and hopefully more. The sky is the limit.
Who is the best player you ever lined up against?
This previous year I went head to head against All-Region Quarterback Dominico Spatero, from the Lakeland Chiefs. He showed poise the entire game and gave me an inspiration of what kind of player I want to be.
What stadium, HS/college/pro would you love to visit for a game?
Although I am a Penn State fan and have been to many games, I have never been to a Tennessee Volunteer game. I would love to experience the awesome atmosphere there.
What is your favorite Pro team, any sport?
I like all of the Philadelphia teams. (Eagles, Phillies, Sixers)
What game, yours, college or pro, was your favorite game you watched and why?
My favorite game I watched was when Penn State played Ohio State at home in 2016. Penn State blocked a field goal late in the game to secure the victory.
What sports movie would you watch every day if you had to pick one and why?
I would watch Moneyball because I am a huge fan of analytics and I love the insights it gives into what happened in the Oakland A’s franchise.
If your mom and dad are screaming at you from the stands, what is it they usually yell?
My parents only yell when the team makes a great play.
Name one thing that you’d love to do in football that may never happen?
Although I do believe anything is possible, I’d love to play professional football in the future.
Who is your mentor, the person you want to be like? WHY?
I want to be like Kylar Murray. He was a first round draft pick in baseball and football. I am very serious about both of my careers so he showed me if you put the work in you can chose your future.
Name a sport you’d love to play but can’t:
I’ve always been a fan of watching volleyball.
What is your most embarrassing sports moment?
Last year I was one of the hottest players in the league going into week 9 against our rival school. When the moment hit, I didn’t come through. I had the worst first half of the season and my team went down 14-0. I felt like everyone I knew from both schools thought I was the worst player on the field, and I felt like I was letting people down. After that I was able to compose myself and realize that I have nothing to lose and we were able to fight back in the game.
Is there anyone in your family, besides your parents, you could consider your biggest fan? Who, Why?
My Aunt Laurie from California. No matter what the time difference or work schedule is she finds a way to stream every game I play.
When you aren’t playing, practicing or training for sports, what is your go to activity and why?
I like to hangout with my friends, especially fish and play backyard sports. (Wiffle ball, football, spike ball)
What is your favorite football memory to date?
Our team won our 4th straight game and all the vibes in the locker room were awesome.
What is your favorite play to run?
My favorite play was when I tossed it to our reciever and I ran a wheel route for a touchdown catch. (Philly Special)
What scares you the most?
Letting my teammates and town down.
Music of choice:
Rap/Hip Hop
What was your favorite gift as a little boy? Why?
I always loved getting new sporting equipment whether it was a new baseball bat, football/baseball cleats, or a new ball.
What restaurant is your go to when you need a big meal?
I love going to a small diner called Terrys. They serve awesome food after a long practice.
What is your favorite vacation destination?
California to visit my aunt is my favorite vacation spot.
Do you remember what the first football game you saw was?
I cannot remember too well, but it was a Penn State game back in the late 2000’s.
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