UConn Football: Huskies On The Hunt For QB1
With the current quarterback situation about as murky as the fog in Storrs on a fresh March morning, it’s anyone’s guess who will emerge as the starter when kickoff arrives on August 27th (at Utah State).
“As a group, it’s going to be a good group,” Mora said. “I think there’s going to be really good competition. It’s hard to judge after two days of practice just because there’s so much coming at them. They’re seeing so many new defenses. It’s different than when you come out here in a walk-thru.”
The current ‘group’ includes redshirt junior Steven Krajewski, redshirt sophomore Ta’Quan Roberson, redshirt freshman Tyler Phommachanh and sophomore Jacob Drena.
Thus far, Krajewski, who appeared in nine games a season ago (1,217 passing yards and seven touchdowns), has seemed to be the most in command. However, the most impressive throws early on in camp have come from Roberson, the much-hyped transfer from Penn State, who is still getting acclimated to his new surroundings.
Last season, the Huskies opened up with Phommachanh under helm, as he totaled 413 yards and three touchdowns through the first three games before a season-ending knee injury, which required surgery.
“Tyler really hasn’t been able to do much other than just kind a little bit of light throwing,” Mora informed the assembled media gathered at the Shenkman Training Center after practice.
“I watched his film from last year, I was impressed with him. I met him at Clemson, was terribly impressed with him,” he continued. “As I’ve been around him more and more, I love his personality. I think he has charisma, I think he’s got leadership ability and I’m excited to see him get on the field and compete hard this summer.”
While there is no shortage of company in the quarterback room, it could soon begin to feel a bit crowded. That’s because former Northern Arizona quarterback Cale Millen (son of former NFL quarterback Hugh Millen) is still awaiting his transfer to be complete. Plus, incoming freshman Zion Turner will arrive upon his graduation from high school powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas in Florida. Some might say the battle has hardly begun.
“Every day is a competition,” Mora stated. “I think at that position, the earlier you can define how you’re going to work those guys and who's going to be your number one or if you’re going to try and platoon, which I’ve never been a big fan of, the better it is for your football team. But we’re not going to make a decision until it becomes clear.”
“I love their attitude, I love their competitiveness, I love their leadership ability. I think it’s a good group.”
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