For the second straight year, as momentum builds towards the season opener, the quarterbacks have often topped preseason headlines. But this year, the quarterback battle is much different than it was last fall.
In 2008, the job was Jonathan Crompton’s to lose, and lose it he did. The five-star quarterback from North Carolina was expected to takeover the starting role after patiently waiting in the wings for three seasons. No one could have anticipated the three-man carousel that ensued. Crompton, Nick Stevens, and B.J. Coleman treated the starting quarterback job as if it was a hot potato. Each of them had a turn but none were able to hold on to it.
Fast forward to 2009. Crompton is once again the favorite to be named the starting quarterback heading into the season. Just barely.
Factors in Crompton’s favor?
He’s a senior, he has the most game experience, and he’s only competing against one other quarterback (Nick Stephens). B.J. Coleman transferred, Mike Rozier quit the team, and Nick Lamaison — just arriving on campus in August — isn’t likely to be ready for playing time any time soon.
Obstacles in Crompton’s path?
His horrendous play at times last season, the fact that he’s been unable to clearly distance himself from Stephens, and the number offensive systems floating around in his brain (more than I care to count). Most importantly, Crompton needs to forget everything that he learned last season from Dave Clawson and his award-winning Clawfense.
The previous staff claimed that Jonathan Crompton practiced well, but it didn’t always carry over to game situations. So while Saturday’s scrimmage is technically only a practice, it’s going to count like a game — one that may decide which quarterback gets the starting nod against Western Kentucky on September 5th.
On Thursday, Lane Kiffin indicated that he plans to carefully watch, from outside the huddle, to see which quarterback best manages the offense and makes sound decisions.
“I will be off the field; all of our coaches will be off the field,” Kiffin said. “They have to manage the huddle and the offense. That will be a challenge for them, doing it without any assistance.”
“This is a pretty big terminology offense. In the end, a lot of times, decisions have been made based on the quarterback who makes the smarter decisions. It will be great to see Saturday,” said Kiffin.
With his job on the line, in a scrimmage likely to prove the most important of his career, Crompton needs to play well to secure his position as the starter.
Saturday’s scrimmage will kickoff at 12:21 pm, not coincidentally, the same kickoff time as the Vols’ home opener.