John Laub was bred into the game of football. At the ripe age of six, Laub was out competing on the gridiron. He had the raw talent from a young age and that was due in large part to the legacy before him.

Laub's father, John, played football at the University of Delaware, and his grandfather, Doug, played at the University of Penn. He even has a second cousin known for his success in the game, former pro Matt Millen.

"It's a game I just grew up to love," said Laub. "It wasn't forced onto me, but when I picked it up, I just wanted to keep playing."

Laub, a three-sport athlete at Parkland, was a standout at quarterback and had some choices of where he could attend college on scholarship. When he chose Richmond, it wasn't just about football. Laub also chose the Spiders for their rich excellence in academics. The finance major is keen on graduating and putting his diploma to use.

"Richmond has given me a great education," said Laub. "The business school is nationally ranked every year. I really appreciate the opportunity I've gotten to succeed here."

The success on the field, however, didn't come quite as easily early on. After redshirting his first year, Laub saw time in just 16 games within the next three years. But he would be the first to say it, hard work does pay off.

After the spring football game last April, the players and staff alike named Laub a team captain. After a tough first four years, the honor meant a lot.

"It was a great honor for me being named captain after the team voted on it," said Laub. "My teammates selected me to lead them this year, and with that comes a lot of responsibility."

Responsibility that Laub, a fifth year senior, is ready to take onto his shoulders. He is ready to prove that he is a winning quarterback and can bring an arsenal of talent to the table.

"My parents have instilled a work ethic into me," Laub said. "I pride myself on getting the best result possible, whether it's in football or in the classroom. I've also been around a lot of coaches who are very knowledgeable about the game. Being a fifth year senior I'm very mature and very knowledgeable about the game. Also, being named a captain, I feel my leadership is a big aspect of a winning mentality. I want to lead this team to a winning season."

That is something Richmond and the Spiders community is thirsting for after losing eight straight to end a 3-8 campaign a year ago. If there's one person the team wants at the helm, it's Laub.

"I think Coach [Danny] Rocco is doing a good job instilling some of the things we were lacking last year," Laub said. "We had a lot of close games last year, ones we could've won. This year we are looking better to finish those games with a win. This conference [Colonial Athletic Association] is so tough and each game comes down to the fourth quarter. Coach Rocco's scheme is really going a long way for success."

Besides being under the tutelage off his family, Laub has grown up watching and learning from one of his favorite pro athletes, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

"Everything he does as a quarterback, he has so many intangibles that can't be replaced," said Laub. "He's just a winner in every aspect of the game. And that's also why I like Tim Tebow because he's a hard worker and a winner and that is exactly what I pride myself to be like."

Laub came to Richmond as a winner at Parkland, leading the Trojans to a 15-1 record and PIAA Class 4A runner-up finish his senior year. He threw for 1,677 yards and 22 touchdowns, both Parkland records for a single season. The all-around athlete also lettered in baseball and track and field.

"I grew up loving Parkland," said Laub. "I've read a lot of articles in the Parkland Press, ever since I grew up playing in the North Parkland organization. Parkland just has a very good football family. Friday night under the lights there is something I will never forget. It's just a special place and I loved being there."