Questions at quarterback for the Bobcats in 2008
By Andrew Reeder, Staff Writer
April 13, 2008 | 6 a.m.
Two junior college transfers, both hailing from schools in Los Angeles, both about the same size, with the ability to pass as well as scramble out of the pocket, both with tongue-twisting first names, and both are competing for one starting quarterback position in 2008.
The Ohio University football program entered spring practice this season with a number of question marks on the offensive side of the ball, but the question everyone wants answered is who will be under center come this fall. The Bobcats lost last year’s Big Ten transfer Brad Bower, who played in 11 of 12 games last season, to graduation. Two candidates have emerged, however, to fill the void at quarterback.
Theodisthree “Theo” Scott and Franshaw “Boo” Jackson are both poised and working hard this spring to solidify their role on the roster. Familiar to Ohio football fans, Theo Scott returns for his second spring season with the Bobcats after transferring from Los Angeles Southwest College in 2006.
“They want to see a leader, so you’ve got to show leader qualities,” Scott said.
Scott was able to put his leadership qualities on display during the 2007 season where he saw action in 10 games. He threw for 743 yards and five touchdowns while averaging three yards per rush.
“They just want to see it,” Scott said of what his coaches were looking for this spring to determine who would be the starting quarterback. “They want to see the guy,” he said, “and that’s what I’m trying to do, be the man.”
Although Scott is the favorite to start right now, he will have to compete with newcomer Boo Jackson who signed with the Bobcats in February.
“Everyday we’re competing,” Jackson said of his teammate Scott. “They brought me in to compete, so that’s what I’m going to do,” said the 6-foot, 197 pound junior.
Jackson transferred from El Camino College, where he led the Warriors to an 8-2 record while earning the Offensive Player of the Year award as well as First-Team All-Conference honors in 2007.
Jackson put up impressive numbers last season, throwing for 2,385 passing yards, racking up 18 touchdowns and rushing for three more. He said this is not the first time he has had to compete for a starting job and that he thrives off the competition.
“If I’m put against competition then I’m really going to try to shine,” Jackson said, adding that he would rather earn the starting quarterback job than be handed it.
But for all the ambiguity surrounding the QB position, it is certain that whoever does come out on top will face the tough task of leading a young and inexperienced offensive unit in 2008.
The Bobcats will be without record-breaking running back Kalvin McRae and return only three receivers—junior Taylor Price and sophomores Lavon Brazill and Terrence McCrae—with experience from last season. Despite the springtime uncertainties, Scott said he remains confident in his team.
“I believe in my whole team,” Scott said. “They’re going to get it done. I believe it.”
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