Despite losing record-setting quarterback Derek Carr, UTM’s offense was the star of the show in this year’s Spring Game.
The battle for the top quarterback spot has been a three-man race all through camp. Jarod Neal came into camp expecting to be the starter, but Tyler Rice has significantly stepped up his game, challenging Neal for the job. The newest addition of Dylan Favre, nephew to Packers legend Brett Favre, has also made the fight for the starting quarterback job an interesting one.
“I was very pleased with the progress of our quarterbacks this spring,” UTM head coach Jason Simpson said. “We had some talented players that were in waiting and they just had to keep getting experience. We saw three guys throw the ball around today and our wide receivers made some plays. Today we didn’t make some plays in the secondary but consistently over 15 practices, I thought the defense had gotten the best of the offense.”
Rice was the most impressive of the quarterbacks of the day, going 12-of-14 for 211 yards and four touchdowns. Neal went 9-of-18 for 152 yards and three touchdowns and Favre went 8-of-15 for 125 and one touchdown.
Replacing the production from Quentin Sims was going to be a huge task for the Skyhawks, but there were several receivers who made plays during the game.
Chris Thompson led the team with six catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns. Malik Generett caught five for 98 yards and Jeremy Butler hauled in only three catches, but they were for eight yards, a 28.7 yards per catch average.
“Butler by far is the most productive,” said Simpson. “He caught 51 balls last year and we expect him to be a 60-70 catch guy next year … Davis made some plays today. It was good to see Malik finally make some plays. It was good to see Kevin Anderson make some plays.”
Overall, Simpson seemed excited about his receiving corps, but wouldn’t commit to a quarterback for the team just yet.
“They’ve made it very difficult,” said Simpson. “Going into the spring Neal was the clear-cut starter. Thought he had a solid spring … His feet and his mental preparation, he’s ahead of the other two, but these last five practices Dylan Favre really starting grasping things. You saw him make some plays out here today and we’re very excited to see that. Tyler Rice is really probably the most improved player on this team. Coming from a redshirt-freshman last year with no playing time. He’s put himself in the mix to compete in the fall. I think it’s going to a deal like this, some guys can play under the lights, because they all can play pretty well in practice. Somebody is going to have to get an opportunity in a game and not lose the game and when the game is on the line make the play and that’s kind of where you get your starter from.”
The Skyhawks will start their season Thursday, Aug. 29 when they travel to Chattanooga to take on UTC.
