Interview with 2018 Ithaca QB Joey Bentley

Written by
Kenny Jordan
Published
12/08/2017
Photo Credit
Joey Bentley

Joey Bentley leaves a legacy behind as one of the great Ithaca Quarterbacks. He played three varsity seasons under legendary Coach Terry Hessbrook, starting out as a wide receiver his sophomore year backing up the now starting quarterback at Harvard, Jake Smith. Bentley was 38-2 as a player at Ithaca and 24-2 as the starting QB.

With all the success as a team Ithaca has had Bentley has a lot of personal success throwing for 2,145 yards and rushing 1,656 yards with just two interceptions as a senior.

With these accomplishments Bentley had several colleges after him for his services at the next level. On Thursday December 7th, Bentley decided to end speculation where he would end up and committed to Hillsdale College which is a Division II school which competes in the GLVC conference.

When asked what put Hillsdale ahead of the other schools here's what Bentley had to say.

"They have been with me from the very start by offering me in the summer. Hillsdale is a very prestigious school, with high academics and a great coaching staff."

He was also asked about his time at Ithaca and how that made him into a better football player and person.

"The coaching staff at Ithaca is great, they push you to be your best and puts you into situations to be successful."

Coach Terry Hessbrook was also ecstatic about Bentley's commitment and progress as a player and had some things to say about him.

"Joey has followed in the footsteps of all of our recent QBs. He has taken the role of being a mentor. He was very good for my own son Brady Hessbrook (Freshman QB) this year. He taught him a lot about playing QB."

Coach Hessbrook says Joey put in all the necessary work to become an Ithaca QB.

"We ask a lot of anyone willing to play QB here. He worked very hard during the offseason to improve his mechanics and arm strength. He rarely missed a workout and added 20 lbs to his frame from his junior to senior seasons."

Bentley certinaly leaves a legacy at Ithaca as well.

"Each Senior class adds to the tradition of Ithaca football"

Bentley is the fourth straight QB that has came through Ithaca and ended up receiving a college scholarship.