NM- Talk about your experience like this weekend at Cincinnati? What stood out to you the most, and what coaches have you been in contact with?
Appler- First off, I just want to thank you for taking the time to talk to me. I loved the campus, the school and facilities there were amazing. The atmosphere on game day was amazing, I couldn’t even talk to my mother, who was right next to me, because the fans were so loud. I have been in contact with quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli, we haven’t talked on a daily, but have been in contact recently. Coach Gino, is a great guy, I got to speak to him before the game, he was super nice and welcoming. I’m glad I got the opportunity to speak with him.
NM- The environment is very crazy right now on campus. Talk about what it was like to be on campus, around the then No. 3 team in the country, now No. 2 today. What would you say comes to your mind when you hear Cincinnati Football?
Appler- It felt amazing on campus, when I first got to campus, I was dropped off right in the middle of the tailgating section and it was so crazy. Everyone on campus was super nice, I remember multiple people came up to me asking, if I was being recruited here and they all tried to convince me to come to Cincinnati. To me it’s crazy to know Cincinnati is now ranked No. 2 in the country, I am really happy they are, because truthfully I have always looked at Cincinnati, but I have never had a way to talk to them. On September 1st, when I was eligible, they were the first school to message me and it was at 12:10 am. It’s amazing! I never really knew what I would think of Cincinnati before, but now that I have seen them in person, I think of them as the underdogs, because Cincinnati is an amazing team, with great players all the way around. They are up next to these big name schools and they belong up there. Hopefully I will get a offer here sometime soon.”
NM- That is awesome. I see you are a quarterback yourself, were you able to sit and talk to Desmond Ridder at all? If so, talk about what was that like as a recruit?
Appler – I sadly was not able to talk to Desmond Ridder. He ran past me a couple of times, but he was in the game day mode, you could see he was in the zone, so I never got the chance too.
NM- That is alright! I know you mentioned the fans and the atmosphere being electric at Nippert Stadium, what were your thoughts on how well the fans came out, especially seeing it live, as well as seeing them take over the big games on the road especially in South Bend when they beat No. 9 ranked Notre Dame?
Appler- Oh man, it was crazy. The fans seem so into the game. It was so loud and crazy, I loved every bit of it. Before the game even started the stadium was so loud. I had to shout to my mom and she was right next to me.
NM- The Ruckus is very contagious. I know you mentioned earlier, you were in the middle of campus with the fans tailgating, what were your reactions to having the College Football Playoff Trophy on campus, as Cincinnati is looking to become the first “Group of 5” team in the College Football Playoffs? How did it feel to see that trophy live from a recruit standpoint?
Appler- It was amazing, I’ve never seen the trophy in person, I have only seen it on TV and have always wanted to see it in person some day and now I have.
NM- My last question for you, talk about what is next for you during your junior season. What should coaches expect from you as a player, and what are you looking for when you take your next step to play at the next level?
Appler- I don’t have a specific plan yet. I’m just focusing on the season right now. I’m defiantly trying to stay in coaches thoughts, and getting my name out there, but overall I want to be a team player. I think coaches will see me as a leader and an team player. I try and do what is best for the team, I will do anything I can to win. I am hardworking no matter what happens, no matter the circumstances, I am a very positive guy. No matter what the score is, or what is happening I will always try to bring everyone around me up.
Enjoyed the articles Neil!