A Look at the SFA Quarterbacks
8/16/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 16, 2006
NACOGDOCHES - With fall camp well into its second week of action on the Stephen F. Austin campus, the Lumberjack coaching staff is looking to answer some of the question marks heading into the 2006 season. One of the smaller question marks coming into the season was the starting quarterback position, and the answer to that question is becoming clearer every day.
Junior Danny Southall came out of spring ball with the edge over redshirt freshman Clint Bricker due to experience. But Southall has really taken on a leadership role for the Lumberjack offense during fall camp.
"Danny has come back to camp looking very strong," said SFA head coach Robert McFarland. "It is obvious that he has worked very hard during the summer throwing with the receivers. I've been very pleased with his decision-making and his overall performance. We feel very comfortable with Danny heading into the season."
Southall enters his junior year with a lot of expectations after sitting behind first-team All-SLC quarterback Michael Williams for two years and honorable mention All-SLC quarterback Zeke Dixon last season. But don't forget, Southall battled his way into the 'Jacks starting lineup midway through the 2005 season, before having his season cut short due to an injury in his second start.
The high level of expectation is centered around what Southall accomplished in his limited playing time last season. He completed 50-of-85 passes (58.8 percent) for 704 yards and five touchdowns. During that stretch, Southall was the Southland Conference's highest rated passer finishing the season with a 143.10 efficiency rating.
Southall poses a dual threat for opponents with his elusive ability to escape the blitz and gain positive yards on the ground. Last season Southall averaged almost four yards per carry when he recorded 35 rushes for 136 yards and one score. But ask Southall what kind of quarterback he views himself as, and he will tell you that he is passing quarterback, an attitude which pleases the SFA coaching staff.
"We like our quarterbacks to throw first and that is exactly what Danny does," said McFarland. "He's definitely a thrower before a runner, but he also has unbelievable running abilities. I like the way he plays the position. He plays the game to throw it and get the ball in the hands of other players. He's not going to tuck it and run unless he has too."
Bricker was listed second on the depth chart after a strong showing in the spring, but a battle has begun for the 'Jacks' No. 2 spot since the beginning of fall camp. Junior college transfer Greg Meinzer has really opened some eyes on the SFA coaching staff.
"We have a really good competition that has developed for the back-up," said McFarland. "Greg Meinzer has come in and done a great job of picking up the offense in a very short time. Right now he and Clint are really battling for that No. 2 spot. It's great that we have this kind of competition and we look to have that No. 2 spot settled in another week."
Meinzer does have some experience at the collegiate level completing 101-of-207 passes (49 percent) during his freshman season at Hutchinson Junior College. He finished the year with 1,456 passing yards and 14 touchdowns for the Blue Dragons.
The Lumberjacks will spend the rest of the afternoon in position meetings before hitting the field Thursday for their third two-a-day practice. SFA will be on the field at 8:15 for a morning workout and return to the field at 7:30 for the evening session. All practices are free and open to the public.
The 'Jacks will host their lone scrimmage of the season Saturday, Aug. 19 at Homer Bryce Stadium. The scrimmage is slated to begin at 8:20 a.m.
-SFA-
