Quarterback competitions are something football fans are accustomed to every year in Ohio.
Well, Cleveland Browns fans at least.
The case hasn’t been the same for the Bobcats after seeing Tyler Tettleton fill the starting quarterback position the past three years. But after the spring practice season and more than a week of fall camp, the next starter is still unknown.
Coach Frank Solich said at the team’s media day on Friday the competition is down to two: Derrius Vick and JD Sprague.
“If it’s very, very close you let (competition) go on a little longer. You want the guy that starts to earn that position,” Solich said. “The good thing is you have actual competition — they are pushing one another.”
Vick, a captain, appears to be the favorite and has the most experience. The redshirt junior played in 11 games last year as a backup and threw an 80-yard touchdown pass in the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl.
Sprague, a redshirt sophomore, saw brief playing time last season and completed five of six pass attempts in four appearances.
“I haven’t really actually worried over who is going to be the starter. Honestly, I have no control over it and can't worry about things I have no control over,” Vick said. “Any time you have competition at any position it’s going to bring out the best of each player.”
Sprague echoed the same sentiments and said he’s not worried about who will be the starter, but rather bettering himself and building chemistry with his teammates.
“We both fully understand what’s at stake and what’s going on,” Sprague said. “We don’t really talk about it that much, we just put our differences aside and still have a great friendship off the field.”
Other quotes from Ohio Football Media Day
“(They are) the fastest class we’ve been able to put together as far as outright speed and athleticism. … As a group there will be more freshmen playing for us than we’ve ever had.” — Solich, on the freshmen.
“I’ve always been told ‘practice should be harder than games.' You know, when you’re going against one of the top defenses in the MAC — what I feel is No. 1 — that’s a big thing.” — Senior running back Tim Edmond, on practicing against the defense every day.
“We have the most depth we’ve ever had at all our positions on offense and defense. Especially on offense, you have a ton of depth and a ton of youth, but a ton of guys who can make plays for us. And we’ve gonna have to have it … It’s going to take all 11 players and probably more, but I feel this team is ready for that challenge.” — Redshirt senior wide receiver Chase Cochran, on depth and replacing seniors.
