Fifteen Questions Saturday, October 6, 2012 By W.A. Myatt
Ahoy, Pirate Nation: I'm a sophomore in the Teaching Fellows program at ECU. You may have seen some of my photography work on Bonesville over the past year. I'm branching out from the camera to do some profiles through questions and answers that will let you get to know Pirate athletes and coaches on a more personal level. The series is scheduled to run every other week. — W.A. Myatt

Fifteen Questions for Shane Carden

By W.A. Myatt
©2012 Bonesville.net
All rights reserved.

East Carolina quarterback Shane Carden started the 2012 football season as backup to Rio Johnson. Carden had an opportunity to make a case for himself for the starting role when he entered the game in the third quarter of an already decided South Carolina game. The Houston, TX, native went on to throw a fourth quarter touchdown pass to a wide open Justin Hardy. After a solid week of practice, he was named starting quarterback for the Southern Miss contest.

Article continues after the following picture.

ECU quarterback Shane Carden guns a pass
against Texas-El Paso. (Photo: W.A. Myatt)

With Carden under center, the Pirates have won two and lost two, stumbling at times and showing great promise at others. As a sophomore gaining game experience each week, he gives ECU fans reason to be excited about the future.

Carden took time to talk after the Sunday night practice following the Pirates' Conference USA victory over Texas-El Paso on Sept. 29.

Q: Favorite TV show?

A: Family Guy.

Q: Favorite meal?

A: 15 oz. sirloin steak.

Q: If you could go on a vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: Somewhere with a tropical beach.

Q: What made you decide to play football at East Carolina?

A: The atmosphere, coaches and the offense.

Q: What is your intended major? Do you have a favorite class?

A: Sports Studies with a minor in Business. So far, my favorite class was Sports Psychology.

Q: What is it like walking into Dowdy-Ficklen on game day?

A: (grins) There's really nothing like it. It's a crazy atmosphere, the fans are nuts — there's nothing greater.

Q: Any special routines or superstitions you have before games?

A: No, not really. I'm not a superstitious guy. I go out there and everything is a little different each day, so nothing really.

Q: Favorite memory of your high school football career?

A: Winning the (state) championship.

Q: How, if any, has your mentality shifted after being named starting quarterback?

A: Knowing that when the game starts, I have to start fast and I have to be more of a vocal leader as starting quarterback.

Q: How often do you guys work on the fade to Justin Hardy? What's it like having a guy like that who makes those catches look easy?

A: We work on the fade to all of our receivers everyday in practice. It's great to have receivers like that who can make plays.

Q: How do you feel about maybe a black or gold jersey option, or even a throwback set?

A: I like the idea. I think it would be pretty cool.

Q: Is the game becoming easier for you as you gain experience?

A: Definitely. Experience helps everyone and I think it will help me.

Q: How do you think ECU would fit into a major conference such as the ACC or SEC?

A: I think we would definitely hold our own. We have the fan support, the people around us, and we play hard ball — I think we would do a good job.

Q: Did you follow the Ryder cup at all? How are your skills on the golf course?

A: I followed it a little bit. I'm not too bad. If I go out there and practice a little bit, I can hit the ball pretty well. I don't have a handicap though.

Q: Favorite NFL team and active player?

A: The (Houston) Texans, just my hometown team. (On his favorite player) That's a hard one. I'll probably have to go with Aaron Rodgers.

E-mail W.A. Myatt.

PAGE UPDATED 10/06/12 02:29 AM.