Given recent App State history, the odds are against Jamal Jackson starting every game at QB this season.
Only once in the past few seasons has a Mountaineer QB gone the distance. That was DeAndre “DP” Presley, who started and ended 2010 as the man with the plan.
The Walter Payton finalist was again the starter last year, but only for a few games. Then Jackson took over. It’s his job now.
Prior to DP we had AE, whose starting job was never in doubt, but he missed some games due to injury. He sat out four games his sophomore year, two contests his senior season and once as a junior (that was in the regular season finale against the ‘Whee, and he was never full strength in the two postseason games).
Knowing that past, it’s time we knew who was backing up Jackson.
Meet Kameron Bryant.
Bryant, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound redshirt freshman from Cary, started at quarterback in each of his four high-school seasons, all in different offenses.
Then last season, Bryant — who chose Appalachian over offers from Elon, N.C. A&T, N.C. Central, William & Mary and Western Carolina — was quarterback on the Mountaineers’ scout team, mimicking opponent’s offenses.
“The joke was I knew every offense in the Southern Conference but ours,” Bryant said.
OC Scott Satterfield says Bryant is probably going to be No. 2, ahead of Logan Hallock (hampered by injury).
“Kam had a pretty decent scrimmage this past Saturday and he’s done everything thus far, but I remember when I played I went from starter to fourth string in one week,” said Scott Satterfield, the Mountaineers’ offensive coordinator. “But I’d say Kam is going to be the guy. I think he’s done well. He is a big, strong kid who can really run.
“He adds a dimension to the running game. His passing has been pretty accurate.
“He adds a dimension to the running game.” That’s something Jackson never did last year, rushing for more than 42 yards only twice. With spread master Satterfield back in the ‘shop, one would assume that production should (has to?) increase.
If not, could Bryant see some action at quarterback? If so, it shouldn’t be a cause for concern.
Histor3 itself revolved around three QBs who all shared time at the helm – AE, Victor(y) Elder and Richie Williams. The more snaps for Bryant, the better.
Good to see some optimism at the QB spot after Coach Moore essentially said that there was nothing outside of Jamal. JJ didn't run much last year, but I feel like he can. I know he's bigger than our typical QBs, but that shouldn't hamper him with a really great OC. I'm looking for Satterfield to completely undo the offense and build it up like it was in '05, '06, '07. I'm not looking for a championship this year, but something is better than nothing, and with the new offense in place, things should start rolling. Good luck JJ, but Kam is behind you!
I really like this kid! He's smart, disciplined and well liked by his peers. He will represent App well.
"The more snaps for Bryant, the better."
Yes, unless the reason for more snaps is (1) injury to the #1 QB, or (2) ineffectiveness of the #1.
We need a 2 dimensional QB. I hope he gets some snaps in meaningful minutes of the game, not just to run out the clock like JJ did year before last.
There will never be another AE.
Depending on the offensive that we run, it will determine which QB is successfull.
Jared,
Good thing we actually have an OC now in SS as I think Jerry doesn't really know what he is talking about.