Look Out, Tom Brady

Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan talks about his charmed senior year, a cool nickname, and what he won't do to win the Heisman Trophy.

What's your major? Initially, you were in the school of management.

I actually graduated in May of last year with a degree in communications. I'm a fifth-year senior, working toward a second major in English.

You probably have a lot more time for football than most of the guys.

Yeah, I only have class three nights during the week, so I get to spend a lot of time watching film and working out.

That's an unfair advantage, isn't it?

I wouldn't say that.

If you were to get a job in TV, whose job would you want?

Kirk Herbstreit, host of College GameDay on ESPN. Kirk gets to go out and see some great campuses and have a good time doing it.

Fine, but Kirk Herbstreit or Tom Brady?

It's not even close. Playing is something that's very important to me. Tom Brady.

Which do you admire more, his three Super Bowl rings or the supermodel girlfriend?

Um, I don't think any of it's bad, is it? The three Super Bowl rings are something that I definitely think are special. I'm sure he feels the same way.

As the star quarterback of a nationally ranked team, you must get invited to a lot of parties. Is it hard to stick to your knitting and focus on football?

You have to be yourself and enjoy your time at college. I've tried to do that and to be the same person on the field that I am off of it.

What's on your iPod?

Nothing too interesting. A lot of lighter stuff like Coldplay and Goo Goo Dolls, some Dave Matthews, and a little bit of rap.

Your name's been mentioned in connection with the Heisman Trophy.

It's flattering, but I just try to concentrate on preparing week to week. The personal accolades will take care of themselves.

Spoken like a veteran Pro Bowler.

Thank you.

The University of Michigan star Desmond Howard used to strike the Heisman pose when he scored. You should do that.

That would be kind of presumptuous.

According to Wikipedia, your nickname is "Matty Ice."

I didn't even know I was on Wikipedia. I'll have to check that out.

I suppose it's because you're a big Vanilla Ice fan.

Nah. It started when I was a freshman or sophomore in high school. One of my high school buddies came to visit me [at BC], and it just kind of stuck.

Any predictions for the rest of the season?

We're taking it one game at a time.

Geez. Bill Belichick would be proud.

Yeah. He's had a tremendous amount of success, so I'll go with that: We're taking one game at a time.