A new offense and some new personnel have given the quarterback position a brand new look this spring, but the goals for improvement remain the same.
In 2005, playing time at the signal-caller spot was split mainly between veteran Austen Everson and true freshman Brandon Jones. Joining in the action this season are Brad Bower, who sat out last season after transferring from Illinois, and red-shirt freshman Josh Febus.
Spring practice gives coach Frank Solich and quarterbacks coach Gerry Gdowski their first chance to size up the four contenders, and their performances influence who gets playing time this fall.
Spring ball will be important as far as deciding that
Gdowski said. Coach Solich's philosophy is that there's always competition at the spot so we'll for sure go into fall camp before everything is decided. But obviously spring ball is very important and we're evaluating them every day.
But Everson and Bower are more concerned about personal progress rather than who will be on the field this season.
I think sometimes in spring people worry about (playing time) a lot
Everson said. It's not the time to worry about who's going to be playing in the fall; I think right now you've got to worry about just yourself and getting yourself the best you can. Then everything else will fall into place. Ohio has a history of playing a lot of quarterbacks. I think not one of us is going to play every snap of the year ... but I think it'll pan out
and the coaches will do the right thing. Whatever they decide
I think it's up to us to stick with them and trust them.
Right now I feel great about being here and the four of us splitting reps
Bower said. We just have to go out and execute as best as we can.
Struggles with the passing game strongly contributed to the Bobcats' lack of execution on offense last season. Following a season in which Everson and Jones combined to complete just 46 percent of their passes, Gdowski and the quarterback contingent identified the ways they need to improve in order to make the passing game more effective.
I think just understanding the offense a little bit more and where the ball needs to go is part of it
just the mental side
Gdowski said. There's always little technique things that you can do
as far as making sure your drop is good
making sure you're throwing the ball on time. We've done some things to try to kind of break down their throwing mechanics a little bit more
