Buddy Pough Gives Update on Corey Fields, Quarterback Situation
After a rough season debut against Jackson State, many anticipated how South Carolina State quarterback Corey Fields would respond in the Bulldogs' Week 1 matchup against Charlotte.
But the 6th-year senior did not play against the 49ers, and redshirt freshman Andre Washington served as the signal-caller for Buddy Pough. Fields' absence made some wonder if his MEAC/SWAC Challenge performance was enough for him to be replaced, but Pough spoke to the media about why Fields didn't play Saturday.
"Corey had an issue with his foot after playing Jackson State," Pough told the media on Monday. "He's had an issue with plantar fasciitis. We think he'll be closer to playing this weekend. We want to make sure he's closer to 100%, which will give us a chance to get him through the rest of the season."
Pough is moving conservatively with Fields to avoid re-injury. Beyond that, however, the Bulldog head coach's sentiments indicated that the quarterback depth chart could change in the future, primarily because of another player returning from injury, Prometheus Franklin.
“We think that we’re going to get Prometheus back this week,” Pough said. “He was the heir apparent coming out of last season until he suffered an ACL injury coming out of last season.
“We have a good number of guys in that position group, and we’ll figure out who will be where in the coming weeks.”
Franklin went 3-for-6 with 70 yards, a touchdown and an interception in three appearances last season, and Washington is learning on the job as the only healthy option for the Bulldogs.
South Carolina State knew it had to figure out who Corey Fields’ successor would be after this season. But as time progresses, a quarterback change could come sooner than later.