With just under a month until the season opener, UConn's football team has yet to name a starter at quarterback, leaving three talented players to compete for the top spot.
The competition has been heating up between Jake Merklinger, Kalieb Osborne, and Tucker McDonald, each bringing unique skill sets to the table. Despite the competition, the three friends have been focusing on supporting each other rather than trying to outdo one another.
"I think it's a unique dynamic being in a quarterback competition especially during fall camp," Merklinger said after practice on Saturday, Aug. 8. "You're spending every waking moment with each other, and then you're with each other all the way, to 8 or 9 p.m. at night. Obviously, we compete with each other, and it's really competitive because we all want the same thing. But at the same time, we like to have fun and be around each other."
Merklinger, a transfer from Tennessee, has been impressing coaches with his ability to read defenses. He credits his coaches and older brother for helping him develop this skill. "I was blessed with really good coaches from middle school to high school to college, and obviously my older brother, he plays offensive line," Merklinger said. "So I was always just getting his take on protections, run game situations and things like that."
Kalieb Osborne, on the other hand, comes to UConn with familiarity in coach Jason Candle's system. Osborne played mostly as a backup last season at Toledo but broke out when he got to start in the Boca Raton Bowl against Louisville. He believes his time with Candle has helped him adjust to the new offensive system at UConn.
Osborne is considered a dual-threat quarterback, with coaches praising his throwing ability. "He's as gifted a thrower as I've ever been around," said offensive coordinator Nunzio Campanile. Osborne believes his ability to operate and lead has improved with the help of Candle's system.
Tucker McDonald is the wild card of the group, a redshirt freshman who has impressed with his poise in the pocket. Teammates and coaches have pointed to his intangibles and his scrambling ability as his biggest strengths. McDonald believes his decision-making and ability to extend plays are his greatest assets.
First-year coach Jason Candle is taking his time in naming his starter, and for Merklinger, Osborne, and McDonald, that means more early mornings and longer days together. "At the end of the day, we just want what's best," Osborne said. "Coach is going to make the right decision for the team. So, we just worry about each other and it's just all competition for the team because this is the ultimate team sport."
UConn's quarterback competition will continue to heat up as fall camp progresses. With the season opener against Lafayette just around the corner, Candle will have to make a decision soon. As the three friends continue to compete and support each other, one thing is clear: the ultimate goal is to help the team succeed.
Source: Yahoo Sports