QBs still a problem to DeBord
Chris McCarty
“Very inconsistent,” DeBord said about the five players going for the job. “That’s been the most disappointing position in my opinion.”
Junior Derrick Vickers and senior Derek Gorney took most of the snaps last season, but next year’s starting spot is up in the air. Competing with them are junior Darren Tooley, sophomore Grant Arnoldink and redshirt freshman Kent Smith.
On the positive side, the CMU defense is starting to come together and has shown an improvement in tackling. Early spring troubles with the deep ball also have been somewhat remedied as of late, DeBord said.
“We’re starting to gang-tackle now and we’re really playing with an attitude on defense,” DeBord said.
The defensive highlight of Thursday’s practice was a fourth down goal-line stand in a full-speed scrimmage.
DeBord said Anthony Tyus has stepped up for the defense this spring.
“In our opinion, (Tyus) has beaten out Jovan Clarke for the starting spot, so we’ll see how Jovan responds,” he said.
Clarke, a senior linebacker, tied for the lead in tackles last season with 75. He played in all 10 games.
The team has five practices left before a summer break, four in pads. The last spring practice is April 20.
DeBord emphasized a desire to finish strongly this spring.
“Any team is excited to get spring practice or the season started. The teams that win have an attitude to finish,” DeBord said.
