Quarterback Controversy at GSU in 2007?

With the presence of new head coach Rod Broadway at Grambling State University, Tiger fans can expect new changes in the program in 2007 and beyond. However, one of the biggest changes we may see is at the quarterback position. Last season the position was plagued not only by inconsistent play, but by no consistent player operating the position. Both Larry Kerlegan and Brandon Landers shared time during the season, and the two quarterback system may have had a hand in the Tigers struggles in 06. Kerlegan showed flashes of brilliance at times last season, Kerlegan had one of the best statistical performances against a D1 school in Grambling history. When the Tigers faced the University of Houston last September, Kerlegan went 18-23 for 248 yards and 2 TD’s, and also had 88 yards on the ground. However, Kerlegan makes most of his plays on the strength of his legs and not his arm. Which is why I feel he may be better suited as a receiver, especially with Henry Tolbert and possibly Tim Abney’s departure.

Landers led the conference in passing yards last season. He also had three games in which he didn’t throw an interception. Of those three games, only one of the games did he attempt 20 passes. His best game came in the week 1 overtime defeat against Hampton. Landers threw for 273 yards and 4 TD’s. The knock on Landers was that he forced too many passes and made timely mistakes.

All eyes should be on Desmond Brently’s development, Brentley was one of GSU’s prized recruits in 2006. Brently has the type of arm that will make Tiger fans eventually forget about Bruce Eugene. Brently will get his opportunity to show the new coaching staff why he was listed as the 34th best quarterback in the 2006 class by ESPN. A major reason why this position battle is so intriguing is because Broadway has no allegiance to any of the quarterbacks mentioned above. There will be no political connections to any quarterback; the player who performs the best will get the nod.