As part of the recurring feature "10 Questions with…" here at Daddy’s Sugar Ball we will be interviewing sports figures and teams with connections to the local Central PA area. Please check out our past interviews here.

This week we were grateful to have a discussion with Woody Dantzler. After a successful college career at Clemson University, Dantzler went on to play for the Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons in the NFL and the Chicago Rush in the Arena Football League. In 2009, he signed to quarterback the Harrisburg Stampede in their inaugural season. Unfortunately for Dantzler, he has spent the season recovering from a knee injury and has yet to see the playing field.

                        
                                                                    Photo courtesy of Sean Simmers, The Patriot-News

DSB: Can you describe your path from Clemson to here in Harrisburg?

WD: My path from Clemson to Harrisburg was a fun one. It took me through a few states and even countries. I enjoyed the good and the bad. I’ve learned a lot in the process.

DSB: You were a quarterback growing up and in 2001 were the first player in NCAA history to pass for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards. In your NFL experience with the Cowboys and Falcons, what was your transition like to become a kick returner and running back?

WD: The transition for me was not bad at all. I encountered people on the way that were more than willing to make that transition a very smooth one for me.

DSB: This is the Stampede’s first season in the AIFA (American Indoor Football Association)…how has the fan support been?

WD: The fans here have been outstanding. For us being a first year team and all, the people of Harrisburg and surrounding areas have really embraced us as if we have been here for 10 years. I was a little worried about coming to the state that booed Donovan McNabb. Yet, I’ve come to realize that the people here are wonderful and they love their sports. Once you get them on your side, it’s a lifetime bond.

DSB: What are your individual goals? Do you see this as a stepping stone to anything?

WD: My individual goals are to fulfill what my Father in heaven has for me. And as far as a stepping stone, I see this more as a platform. It is a platform that will enable me to help reach the youth of America and lead them down the path of righteousness.

DSB: What’s your family support been like as you move all around to chase your dreams?

WD: My family support is and always has been great. The choices I make are always supported by my folks back home. And for me, I’m not chasing a dream…I am following the lead of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It’s not so much me living to play football. It is more of me living for my Father and using football to expand the Kingdom of God.

DSB: Your season has been derailed as you have been dealing with injuries the entire time...how is rehab coming?

WD: As far as my injury goes, it has its way of frustrating me. With any true athlete there is a competitive spark that burns in you and it pains you not to be on that field going to war with your guys. With that being said, I’m a man of faith and though I’m not playing I know there is purpose in me being here. John Morris (Harrisburg Stampede owner) has been wonderful in this process; along with the rest of the organization. My rehab has been going very well thanks to the people at CPRS. I’m improving everyday.

DSB: Twice during the season, a head coaching change was made. First, Defensive Coordinator Mike "Mac" McDonald replaced Kelly Logan after 6 games. Then McDonald left 4 games later to take time away to deal with family matters. How has this affected the team?

WD: With any change, there are going be positives and negatives. But as a whole, I would say that this team and organization has handled it very well.

DSB: What is the pay like for a typical member of a team in the AIFA or more specifically for the Stampede?

WD: The pay is $200 a game with an additional bonus of $50 if you win.

DSB: This Saturday night is your final game of the season. So with your off-season rapidly approaching, what do you do? What are your plans?

WD: My plans are to continue coaching back in my hometown of Orangeburg, South Carolina at my high school (Orangeburg-Wilkinson). Also, I am looking to pursue a career in counseling. I have a passion for our so called trouble youth. I don’t see them as troubled. I see them as full of the wrong information. I want to do all I can to get them the right information that will give them the ability to make better choices that lead to a better life for them and those around them.

DSB: Do you have any advice for the kids out there who dream of one day playing professional football?

WD: My advice to them is that you get out what you put in. If you truly want to play professional football, there are things you must do. With that being said, there are things that you cannot do too. School is very important. Get your grades up and stay away from negativity and bad situations. Most of all learn who Jesus Christ is, because it is He who will take you where you need to go.