Sunday, July 19, 2015

CIAA football is all about quarterbacks in 2015

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- When the league’s media day event kicks off Thursday in Durham, they’ll be the focus of attention. Most of the contenders have a good one. Those who don’t will have to compensate.

Last year’s champion, Virginia State, has one of the best in junior Tarian Ayers. Johnson C. Smith, under first-year coach Kermit Blount, is an unknown after losing its first- and second-string quarterbacks to graduation.

Freshman Jordan Lane, who led Victory Christian to a pair of N.C. independent schools Division II championships, is in the mix for the starting job. Lane, a 6-3, 202-pounder, connected on 119-of-175 passes (68 percent) for 2,091 yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior at VCC. As a junior, he hit 133-of-245 for 2,450 yards and 22 scores.

The Golden Bulls (3-7 in 2014) averaged a CIAA-worst 13.2 points per game last season with Kehan Wallace and Andrew Alexander behind center. JCSU also doesn’t have much of a running attack returning with senior Richard Brannon the leading incumbent at 14 carries for 21 yards. Senior receiver Fred Scott (47 catches, 488 yards, six touchdowns) returns as the top target.

CONTINUE READING

No comments: