Aug. 14, 2004
DAVIS, Calif. - As the quarterback candidates audition every fifth snap, casting director Bob Biggs knows his time to make a decision is running short. The UCD head coach said Thursday that he wants to choose his leading man for the Sept. 4 opener in the next 10 days.
That means the five-way race, which started during spring practice, will come to a conclusion soon.
"No one has established themselves as head-and-shoulders above the rest," Biggs said after his team practiced without pads. "It's unusual to have five guys doing well like this."
What is clear is that whoever emerges as the starter will be learning on the job.
Only one candidate, sophomore Jon Grant, has seen any game time for the Aggies. The third-string quarterback a year ago, he appeared in four games, completing 4 of 6 passes and throwing a touchdown.
Grant, who transferred to the UCD from UC San Diego in the spring of 2003, held a slight edge in the quarterback derby coming out of spring camp due largely to his familiarity with the Aggie's complex offense. That edge, Biggs said, has vanished.
Biggs said transfer quarterbacks Richard Schwartz and Matt Engle both improved this summer and can effectively lead the offense.
Schwartz transferred to UCD from Cal this winter after losing a three-way competition for the Bears' starting job.
"Spring was a learning time for me," Schwartz said. "It feels more like second nature now. · I'm feeling more comfortable in the huddle."
Engle came to the Aggies from El Camino Junior College after a freshman season in which he threw for more than 2,500 yards and 21 touchdowns. Bryan Lee-Lauduski, who turned in a solid effort in the spring game this May, is also in the mix.
Redshirt freshman Tim Plough, who missed much of the spring as he recovered from a knee injury, is still a possibility as well. As of Thursday there was no clear leader.
"I'm going to try to make a decision in the first two weeks," Biggs said. "It may not be the decision I stick with."
After opening the season against Great West Football Conference foe South Dakota State, the Aggies have an open week. That would give the UCD coaching staff time to make a change before it travels to Weber State on Sept. 18.
There would be precedent for the move as well. In 2002, Kenny Kearns won a lengthy quarterback competition to start the opening game. Kearns got hurt in that game and ultimately lost the starting job to Ryan Flanigan.
"What we have is a good competition, they're all enthusiastic about wanting to learn," Biggs said. "At quarterback, whoever we name, I know is going to play well."
Among the quarterbacks, it's a friendly competition and an intense struggle all at the same time. Only one person can play quarterback at a time, but the five will be working with each other all season.
"Everyone's out there battling, but at the same time we quarterbacks are encouraging each other," Grant said. "We genuinely want each other to do well."
To get that coveted starting nod, the focus has to be on personal performance.
"I put a lot of pressure on myself," Schwartz said. "Coach Biggs is a loyal guy, and he's going to be fair with everyone. Everyone's going to get a shot. You've got to show up when your time comes and do your best."
Notes: The Aggies will practice for the first time this year in shoulder pads. The first full pads practice will come Sunday afternoon. UCD will have the first of five double days of practice on Monday.
