Ruden Sports News

Football

Weil Ready To Take Over At Quarterback For Staples

Dave Ruden

08.19.2024

Nick Weil, participating in The Murph during the opening day of OTAs last week, is ready to step up to the challenge as Staples’ new quarterback. (Dave Ruden)

WESTPORT — The task of replacing MaxPreps’ Connecticut Player of the Year for the defending Class LL champion and No. 1 team in the state would be a daunting challenge for anyone.

Nick Weil, who will be taking over for Caleb Smith as the new starting quarterback at Staples, understands he will be operating under a spotlight at the start of the season, though he has yet to attempt his first varsity pass. He admits there is stress. He also wants to spend this fall seeing the field from under center, not on the sideline with a clipboard.

During the Wreckers’ first OTA last Thursday, Weil, a 5-11, 170-pound junior, spoke with a quiet confidence, acknowledging his situation and how he is prepared to handle it.

“I’m a little nervous but very excited,” Weil said. “Big footsteps to fill. Caleb was an amazing quarterback and he definitely taught me so much, took me under his wing. I learned a lot from him. I’m just excited to get a good season with all the seniors. We’re looking really good.”

Weil did get varsity playing time this past spring with the Staples boys lacrosse team, which won the FCIAC title.

Smith was a relative unknown when he took over as the Wreckers’ quarterback as a junior. Smith threw for 3,025 yards and 27 touchdowns in leading the Wreckers, who suffered a one-point loss to Fairfield Prep in the Class LL quarterfinals, to a 9-2 mark. He also ran for 797 yards and 18 touchdowns.

A year ago, with a more run-centric offense, Smith threw for 2,008 yards and 21 touchdowns and was 11th in the state with 1,497 rushing yards and 26 scores. After a season-opening loss to West Haven, the Wreckers ran off 12 straight victories, winning a rematch with the Blue Devils in the Class LL final, 21-20, for their first title since 2005.

Smith, who graduated with seven school records, is now a preferred walk on at UConn.

While early comparisons may be inevitable, Staples’ new quarterback doesn’t have to be the second coming of Smith but a solid first Weil.

“I definitely feel the pressure,” Weil said. “But I’ve definitely learned to take that on. My teammates trust me, my coaches trust me and that definitely helps me move forward.”

Staples coach Adam Behrends specializes in working with quarterbacks, a role he had at IMG before arriving in Westport seven years ago.

Behrends goes back with Weil to his days in the town’s PAL youth program.

“He’s definitely someone we’re comfortable with,” Behrends said. “He kind of knows our terminology, what we want done, what the expectations are. At that position there’s just a standard, certain things we’re going to expect. I’m really excited for him and have all the confidence in the world that he’s going to get done what we need to get done.”

Weil will have plenty of company in the new starter category. The Wreckers lost seven on both sides of the ball and will have unfamiliar players all over the field when they open at home against Hamden in 25 days. Despite the inherent attention he is about to receive, Weil said he has been well-schooled for this opportunity.

“I’ve been working all my life, and with Coach Behrends for about eight years now, and it’s going to be my first time playing for him and I’m really excited,” Weil said.


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