No. 4 — The Jackson State quarterback
How does a school replace one of its all-time leading passers?
Apparently Jackson State head coach Rick Comegy will settle matters via a good old fashioned quarterback competition.
While Dedric McDonald heads into fall camp as the favorite to take over for the departed Casey Therriault, Evan Ingram, Tevin Champman, Mark Thigpen along with Ben Thomas and Lamontiez Ivy will have a shot to assume the starting role as well.
Here is how the field stacks up.
– McDonald: 47 of 119 passing/525 yards/1 touchdown/5 interceptions in 19 career games.
– Thigpen: 2 of 7 passing/12 yards/0 touchdowns/0 interceptions in 1 career game.
– Chapman: 2 of 2 passing/ 9 yards/ 1 touchdown/ o interceptions in 1 career game.
– Ingram: No career starts or appearances in two years at Ole Miss.
– Ivy: No career collegiate appearances.
– Thomas: No career collegiate appearances.
During SWAC Media Days Comegy lauded the deep group of quarterbacks on the roster explaining he and new offensive coordinator Derrick McCall would be comfortable with any one of the five under center.
“We have quarterbacks who can win,” Comegy said. “I feel good going into the season. We are not going to change the offense.”
Comegy might not be concerned about production from the most important position on the field, but few should expect anyone from this group to put up the same numbers that Therriualt amassed over a record-breaking two-year period.
The “Air Raid” might need to become a more balanced attack at least early on until whoever the starter is establishes himself as guy who can effective run the offense.
