Murray State University Athletics
Quarterbacks prepare for intense situations
8/12/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
All championship teams are known for their great quarterbacks. In the National Football League, the last three "dynasties" have been led by smart, heady quarterbacks in Tom Brady (New England Patriots), John Elway (Denver Broncos) and Troy Aikman (Dallas Cowboys). Even in the college ranks, the quarterback position is much more than just a signal caller, but a true team leader whom fellow teammates can trust when the game is on the line.
With all this in mind, the main question the 2005 Murray State Racers have to answer is this: Who will the Racers turn to at the quarterback position to lead them toward an Ohio Valley Conference championship?
The competition in the Racers' pre-season practices is between junior newcomer Ken Topps and sophomore Ryne Salyer. Today, the two worked on pressure situations, with the defense blitzing and forcing the quarterbacks to make a quick decision with the ball.
Racer head coach Joe Pannunzio said he has been impressed with both Topps and Salyer.
"They are continuing to progress," Pannunzio said. "We feel very lucky we have two veteran quarterbacks who both seem to feel real comfortable with the system."
CAMP NOTES: Pannunzio stressed the importance of special teams, which will take a whole new look this season.
"Our main focus today was special teams," Pannunzio said. "We have two new long snappers in Matt Radke and Sean Seldat, and a new punter Tim Wright."
RICK-OGNITION: Rick Schultz, a senior linebacker, seems to have been more vocal the past two practices, often encouraging or congratulating teammates for their hard work shown in practice.
"Rick is what coaching is all about," Pannunzio said. "You watch him develop over the last few years, and he has evolved into a good player, but most of all a good kid. He's on track to graduate, and I'm real proud of what he's become."
Schultz was named to the Pre-Season All-OVC Defensive First Team on OVC Media Day on July 25.
DID DWIKE IT? New coach Dwike Wilson has brought invaluable enthusiasm to the first two practices, happily congratulating junior cornerback Paul Walker after a breaking up a pass by jumping on his back and congratulating him by patting his helmet.
PASS AND WE SHALL RECEIVE: A group of six wide receivers took part in a new drill today, forming a line and catching a football spit out of a machine at 35 miles per hour from five to 10 yards away. Senior Dan Rumley, sophomore Maurice Marchman, junior Jonathan Eiland and sophomore Lee McGinnis all showed great concentration and hands, not dropping a single pass. Only three balls were dropped out of an approximate 50 thrown.
KEEPING A COOL HEAD: Senior offensive tackle Richard Deutch has tried a new approach for now. When Deutch showed up to practice yesterday, everyone saw the shoulder-length hair that Deutch has sported since last season. Today, Deutch arrived at practice with a shaved head, with the number "71" shaved in the back of his head, for his uniform number.
INJURY REPORT: Senior safety Tony Ryan has a sore Achilles, and senior defensive back Dione Davis has a sore groin. Both injuries are minor, and should not keep the two out of action for long.
RACERS' PRO-GRESS: Former Racer Marcus White will be in action tonight when the Tennessee Titans face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 7 p.m. White is currently ranked third on the Titans' depth chart at right tackle behind Albert Haynesworth and Randy Starks. A link to White's bio on the Titans official website is here: White's Bio
Another former Racer is making a name for himself in the NFL, as Jesse Ohliger suits up for the Baltimore Ravens. Ohliger is listed as the No. 2 punter on the depth chart behind Dave Zastudil. A link to Ohliger's bio on the Ravens official website is here: Ohliger's Bio
Laroni Gallishaw also remains on the Minnesota Vikings roster, and is fourth on the depth chart at cornerback behind Antoine Winfield, Ralph Brown and Adrian Ward. A link to Gallishaw's bio on the Vikings official website is here: Gallishaw's Bio
