Nerves Don’t Vanquish Indiana Quarterback Jack Tuttle’s Hatred of Losing

Written by Nathan Comp

As one of the newest men on campus, Utah transfer quarterback Jack Tuttle is still figuring things out.

From learning the names of his new teammates to understanding how to take the A bus from the stadium to the Kelley School of Business, it’s a whole new world.

“First off, it’s about learning everyone’s name, you know? Learn their backgrounds, where they’re from, more than just football.” He continued describing the adjustment with a chuckle, “My classes are way further than I expected. I have to take the bus a lot more than I would like, but it’s part of the process.”

Tuttle had a lot on his plate, and it showed. There were a lot of stock answers and a general sense of nerves when addressing the Indiana media for the first time. Who can blame him? He has lived on the west coast his whole life, although he was born in Indianapolis, and his closest Indiana tie comes from his father, Jay, who was a walk-on kicker under the late Bill Mallory in the 80s.

But all his nerves washed away and the competitor inside him shined bright when asked what kind of player Indiana fans can expect to see.

“I’m gonna give this team everything I’ve got. I hate losing, I absolutely hate losing. I hate it more than I love winning. That’s the kind of attitude I bring here, and I think a lot of guys are on board with that idea. I’m gonna work hard and we’re gonna improve together. That’s how championships are made; It’s more than just a game, it’s about developing a brotherhood and trying to win.”

That’s certainly something Indiana fans can get behind; a gritty competitor that will do whatever it takes to win.

And you really shouldn’t be surprised to hear this coming from Tuttle. He’s been dedicated to winning his entire life. He has watched film with his dad since he was 10 years old. In his most recent season, his senior season in high school, he and now Ohio State receiver Chris Olave led their team to a 12-1 record, only losing in the Avocado League Championship. He completed 227 of his 336 passes for 3,452 yards and 42 touchdowns while only throwing 4 interceptions. He was later named San Diego Section Player of the Year.

Tuttle is into winning so much so that as a kid he ventured into his older sister’s expertise and signed up for an all boy’s hip-hop dance group to improve his coordination and ability to perform in front of people.

Clearly, he’ll do whatever it takes to win.

But for now, he’ll settle in by getting introduced to his newly named offensive coordinator Kalen DeBoer, and adding to the list of must-have Bloomington restaurants, having already checked off Mother Bear’s.