While the Alabama State football team played two freshman quarterbacks in their 24-3 win over Miles last Saturday, Hornets head coach Eddie Robinson Jr. is hopeful that Andrew Body is a part of the team’s future – and present – as a team leader.
“After his injury, you just feel bad for him because of how hard he’s worked,” Robinson said of Body, who is out for the season after a shoulder injury suffered against North Carolina Central in the Orange Blossom Classic. “He has a linebacker mentality, running hills, lifting weights, doing everything we’ve asked of him in the classroom and on the football field. He was truly a leader of the team, and I think he still is.”
Body, a transfer from Texas Southern, ran for 132 yards and two touchdowns before being hurt on the Hornets’ final drive. For Robinson, the positives include Body’s college degree and another chance to play next season.
“He’s on track to graduate, which is great,” he said. “From that point on, he just has to rehab and get himself ready to play. The expectation going forward is that he’ll play more football at Alabama State. For right now, we just want to get him healthy and continue to be a part of the team.”
Freshmen James Hayes and Zach Sims will see the bulk of the snaps at quarterback for the foreseeable future, and Robinson believes having Body in close proximity will help his young signal-callers immensely.
“He’s a big part of what we’re doing and with those young quarterbacks. Being able to look to a guy who’s done it, he’s an extra coach on the field to give those guys a sense of confidence, ” Robinson explained.
