As the final stretch for the SWAC championship begins, several teams in the hunt are relying on backup quarterbacks to lead the way.
Alabama State, without starter Andrew Trunks, passed Jackson State on Nov. 1 against Prairie View with a shoulder injury.
Head coach Eddie Robinson Jr. became a success. The transfer quarterback was a standout for the Hornets in Saturday’s 42-24 win in his first start against Texas Southern.
“Smoot was out there playing, got the start, did a great job, got the win.” Robinson said. “So one and zero as a starter. I’m proud of him – the work he’s done, the preparation, the preparation and waiting for his opportunity.”
Smoot was efficient and error-free, completing 69 percent of his passes with a 233.5 rating. The quarterback attempted 13 passes without committing a turnover.
His first effort as a starter set the tone – an 87-yard strike to Jalen Jones on a seam route for a touchdown. His only goal of the day proved to be his.
Still, smoot led to eight offensive drives, smoot, smoot, maximizing every possession beyond his years.
Robinson stressed that Smoot’s preparation was a product of patience and perseverance, which they say every athlete needs to develop. “In life, you never know when you’re going to get your chance,” Robinson said. “I love seeing how it benefits.”
Swac West Hopeful turned in his fourth straight in a big game
Gramlind, which is closing in on its first winning season since 2019, did so under fourth-string quarterback Hayden Benoit after a 31-23 win over Bethun-Cookman. A true cheerleader, Benoit was named the SWAC Newcomer of the Week after throwing for 220 yards and four touchdowns against the Wildcats.
Hayden’s our boy, the ‘Tigers coach Mickey Joseph saidOn Oct. 25, Benoit was replaced by an injury to starter C’zavian Teasett, who missed the last two games with a non-rehab injury, including another quarterback, Teasett, who missed the last two games.
Joseph gave the quarterbacks Carey, who managed the fourth signal of the season, especially the group’s offensive staff to keep the continuous, especially the quarterbacks Careye Careye. “It’s not easy, but this young coach has not faded,” he said. “He trains them hard. They’ve done a great job meeting, locking in and preparing them.”
Joseph is centered to trust the simple and leadership of benoit of the great works of the game plan of the saturday game. “I told him, it’s not too big for you. Get your hand off, throw a high percentage, hit the deep ball when you’re there — you’ll be fine,” he said. “He was in Louisville, Louisiana, and when his number was called, he didn’t blink.”
The Grambling coach stressed that the team’s internal motto is to be ready in moments. “We made a pact with our 105 guys — sooner or later your number will be called. You have to be ready for your job. These guys stepped up when their numbers were called.”
Defence, SWAC Champs, stopped under the first shot qb
At Jackson State, coach TC Taylor echoed A similar message for the rookie quarterback tasked with keeping the Tigers in first place in the SWAC East.
Jared Lockhart is getting the spotlight and continues to earn the coach’s trust with each outing.
“At this point, I’m excited to watch Jalbat grow,” Taylor said of Lockhart, who is 2-0 as a starter this season. “At this stage of the season, with everything on the line, he’s done well. Every start, every Saturday, you can see him improve.”
Lockhart has been the guy since all Swac Quarterback Jacobian Morgan the lower leg injury persisted v. State of Guaranty in Las Vegas.
Taylor added that Lockhart’s work ethic and love of the game fueled his continued progress. “He knows he has a lot on his shoulders, but he embraces it,” she said. “It’s going to be really good in this league going forward.”
The Jackson State Rams have also tailored their offense to match the strengths of the quarterback.
“We’ve done a good job as an offensive unit of figuring out what we can do to be successful,” Taylor said. “And he goes out there and plays at a high clip.”
