| A changing of the guard. |
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Mike Menozzi JolietCatholicFootball.com
It’s not often you see a sophomore starting QB on a championship finalist, transfer to another school at the end of the year, but you have now.
A desire to throw the ball 30+ times a game is the catalyst behind the transfer. In the history of the JCHS/JCA program players aren’t bigger than the Hilltopper program, and overhauling the offense or defense to cater to a player and/or father’s wishes isn’t something that happens.
I spoke to Coach Sharp today about the change. All of this has taken place in the last week, “the bottom line is he wants to throw the ball more, quite a bit more, than we’re willing to do with our offense.”
“The timing of this works for both, we can move on and look to the future.”
Speaking of the future, who has a shot at the QB spot? “I had a great conversation with Breshion Tucker who was starting QB of the sophomore team in the 2008 season and sat out last year to concentrate on basketball. He really regretted his decision last year as the season wore on. He has a great attitude, and a great work ethic, just as important, he’s really well liked by his classmates and teammates. He’ll return to football in 2010, and compete with Chris Ator for the starting QB spot”
Tucker will bring a strong arm and lightening quickness to an already loaded backfield. His speed and elusiveness will be a great compliment to a returning backfield of Isaac, Jones, and Ferguson as well as returning starters Kolodziej and Elliot at ends. As a defensive coordinator, try planning a defensive scheme for that group.
If you had the opportunity to see Tucker at QB on the sophomore team you know what he’s capable of. That team piled up the points against nearly every opponent. “He has a year that he missed so he’ll need to catch up, but there’s no doubt he will with his work ethic.”
“These kids have a great attitude and are really looking forward to the 7 on 7’s and the season starting. In the meantime they’re participating in the offseason programs, hitting the weights and getting ready for another outstanding season.”
Given the opportunity I asked Coach about the rest of the team considering the Hill will be so strong at the skill positions. With the understanding that so many positions are wide open in terms of competition, he was reluctant to name names, but . . .
“Both lines will be pretty inexperienced, but we’ll have some good size in a couple players on the offensive line. The defensive line will be smaller but very quick and athletic. The defensive backfield returns 3 of the 4 starters, linebackers will be lead by Mike Mettille who saw a lot of playing time last year.”
Expect some players going both ways in some instances, “No point in having talent standing on the sideline with me if I can get them in the game.”
This will be an explosive offense, and they’ll need it with a killer first half of the schedule. Montini, Providence, Muskegon Hts., and Carmel in the first four games, with Marist and St. Pat’s in the second half. The Hilltopper opponents will include three championship game teams from the year prior, a semi-finalist, and a quarter-finalist.
My opinion is this:
The kids are working hard, and have a great attitude. After seeing nearly every game last year, I saw the highs and lows from the sidelines. This team will be minimally as strong, if not stronger in many ways with the change at QB.
Tucker brings a different dynamic to the position, quickness that will minimize the long yardage sacks, minimizing second and long, and third and long yardage situations. Ability to throw on the run and move the pocket will force defenses to adapt and adjust to the pressure he can put on the line of scrimmage.
Make no mistake, this isn’t a “Wildcat” offense with a running back playing QB. Tucker was starting QB on the sophomore team and, had he stayed out for football last year, would likely would have been the starter last year as well.
Second, I applaud the decision to deny the requested list of changes to accommodate one player, and his play calling preferences. Hilltopper football has always been “team”, hard working “blue collar” players that succeed and struggle as a team, not as individuals.
I wish the outgoing QB well, I think this is a win for both sides.
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