Vandal Football Preview - Quarterbacks

BREAKDOWN

What a difference a season makes for the Idaho Vandals at the quarterback position. Twelve months ago, the Vandals had just named an unproven redshirt freshman as the starter before heading into the season opener at Washington State. A year and a Jerry Rice Award later, Gevani McCoy is looking to take another step in his development with another year in the weight room and a better understanding of the offense under offensive coordinator Luke Schuesner. 

Backup quarterback Jack Layne enters his redshirt freshman season with a start and a win under his belt and, like McCoy, big improvement in the weight room and in his understanding of the offense. 

Three freshmen joined the quarterback room this year. The talented trio won’t need to rush their progression with the two veterans in the room. 

“I really feel like we're picking up where we were at the end of the year last year,” Schuesner said. “Last year it took us probably four or five games to really hit our stride, find out who we wanted to be and really have that mastery of the offense.”

The key for the quarterbacks is to trust the talent around them and not try to win every game by themselves. 

“Our guys need to play within the offense, don't force the football,” Scheusner said. “There will be opportunities for big plays. We have some great playmakers on the outside, so the bottom line is when those guys get one-on-one, give him a chance. The other emphasis is leadership. I really want them to be an extension of the coaching staff on the field, be able to get us lined up, get us on the right plays and play fast.”

KEY RETURNERS

McCoy is ultra-accurate, setting single-season records for accuracy and passing efficiency. He threw for 2,719 yards and 27 touchdowns with just seven interceptions. Last fall, Layne started just one game with McCoy on the bench with an injury and played three games total. He passed for 368 yards and a touchdown.

This year, they both improved weight, adding about 10 pounds each. They put in the time in the playbook and film room and on the field with the receivers to master the offense before stepping back into camp. 

“Gevani and Jack have made huge strides in the offseason and really built on where they were last year,” Schuesner said. “I’m Excited to watch them play. Gevani, just his decision making, his command of the huddle, is just leaps and bounds ahead of where he was last year. I really think he's going to be able to have an incredible year. Jack Layne is a year older, bigger, stronger, faster. He’s not a true freshman anymore, has gotten a lot more reps. Both are like coaches on the field for us with their experience. I am really excited to see what they can do this year.”

INCOMING FRESHMEN

The first thing Schluesner says when he speaks about the three freshmen on the roster is that his hope is that they won’t see the field this year. Jack Wagner, the Tualatin, Oregon, product started just one season at quarterback, but led his team to the 6A semifinals. Hogan Carmichael was the Oregon 5A Player of the Year out of Summit High School in Bend and Nick Josefik was a two-way player for College Place High School in Walla Walla, Washington 

The talent is evident, but the opportunity to sit for a year will help the trio hit the weight room, learn the offense and get settled into the life as a Division I athlete. 

“The three young guys have all had their moments during camp,” Schluesner said. “They all have a lot of potential. Jack Wagner is a great athlete. When it's live and he can use his feet, he's been impressive with his speed and he has a really big arm. Hogan Carmichael is a good decision maker and has a good command of the offense. Nick Josifek is a guy who played both ways in high school, so he's a good athlete as well and has a strong arm. All three of those guys are making strides. Hopefully we don't have to see him this fall, but if so, they'll be ready. They're working to have a bright future.”