STORRS – If you’ve given any thought to the UConn quarterback situation in the last day or two, perhaps you’ve come to the conclusion that the Huskies are in a jam – but it could be a lot worse.
Chandler Whitmer reminded us of that at Tuesday’s football press conference.
“We’ve talked about how interesting it would be if I actually hadn’t come back [for this season],” Whitmer said. “What would I be like, sitting at home, thinking maybe I’d have a chance to be back here playing again with my teammates. It’s interesting how this game works out. You just never know. You can’t predict anything.”
Interesting and ironic. When UConn announced Casey Cochran would be the starting quarterback this season, no one could have predicted his career would end after the season opener against BYU. But that’s where the Huskies are after Monday’s announcement that Cochran has decided to “permanently discontinue playing football” due to multiple concussions in his career, including the one he suffered against BYU.
Whitmer, no stranger to starting, stepped in and led the Huskies (1-1) to a 19-16 victory over Stony Brook. Now Whitmer, a redshirt senior who was ready to pack up and head home in December, is back at the No. 1 spot on the depth chart. Sophomore Tim Boyle, who started four times in 2013, is now the backup despite the fact UConn wanted to redshirt this season. And Will Rishell, a redshirt freshman from Hebron, is listed third on the depth chart.
“We’re thin,” Whitmer said as UConn continues preparation for the Boise State Broncos (1-1), who come to Rentschler Field Saturday (noon, ABC/ESPN2) for a non-conference game that is important to both teams.
And it would have been a much worse predicament if Whitmer hadn’t been convinced there was a possible opportunity for him at UConn this season. Now Whitmer, who said he has suffered three concussions (including two at UConn), knows exactly what the challenge is ahead of him. And he said his preparation won’t be any different.
“I’ve started before, I’ve not played before,” Whitmer said. “I’ve played half and half. I’ve kinda done it all. I’m ready for whatever my role might be and I prepare the same way.”
|
“Casey is excited about playing a role with the team, and is excited about learning how to be a coach,” Diaco said. “We can immediately get started with his development in that area, give him a few jobs and a few roles. He has no change in his scholarship, all that still pertains and the requirements are still during this time period 20 hours, and out of season eight hours. He’s still working in some kind of role.”
|
Cochran addressed the team Monday but was not available for interviews Tuesday. Diaco and UConn players said Cochran was a pro about the moment, not shedding any tears.
“We feel for him but we’re excited for his future,” Whitmer said. “He’s still around, still helping us out, being the same guy. He’s going to help me out me out a lot, me and Tim [Boyle]. They embraced him, just like you would expect a team to do.”
Cornerback Byron Jones said: “You could tell by his posture, and he wasn’t crying, you could tell he had no regrets. He gave football all he got. He said that. I still don’t have the full details but either way we’re behind him. I know he’s going to be around a lot.”
Asked what kind of coach Casey might be in the future, Whitmer smiled and made a reference to Casey’s dad, the Connecticut high school legend, Jack Cochran.
“He’s talked about how his dad is,” Whitmer said. “If he’s anything like that, I guess he’ll be pretty intense. He’s a hard working kid and he’s smart. I think he’s got a bright future.”
Diaco said Boyle will play, but it seems there won’t be the same two-QB split that existed with Cochran and Whitmer.
|
“He needs to get his opportunities, whether they happen during the course of the game or not, we need to make them happen,” Diaco said. “Tim has all top-notch traits. He’s fast, he’s big, he’s got great vision over the linemen, he’s got a very strong arm. He can throw all the passes, he’s got good touch on the shallow passes, nice touch on the deep passes. He can zip from the hash to the field flat, he’s got that kind of strength in his arm. He’s got enough escape ability to be a problem. So those are things I like about him. He’s got top-flight tangible traits.”
|
Whitmer, who has been in every situation possible and could have watched this develop from afar, knows what Boyle has to do.
“We’ve both got to be read,” Whitmer said. “He’s got to prepare like he’s the starter. It’s hard to go through the season with just one quarterback. We saw that last year. I know he’d like to keep his [redshirt], but it’s part of the deal. Things happen.”
For more on Tuesday’s developments, I suggest you read the column by Jeff Jacobs in The Hartford Courant.
Which leads me to remind you of the column I wrote on Aug. 19.
Speak Your Mind