BLOG 5: Schneider will be first up; Parrish could get a look

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State University quarterback Tom Schneider (8) throws a pass during a spring practice session to warm up his arm. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – Redshirt freshman quarterback Tom Schneider’s skill level and physical talent have never been questioned by the coaches in Ferris State University’s football program.

Offensive coordinator Matt McCarthy, and the rest of the Bulldog coaching staff, wanted to see one of the quarterbacks grab the opportunity to become the starter. Now, with training camp over and week one of game preparation officially in the books, McCarthy has tapped Schneider as the man who will get the first shot to lead the Bulldog offense as it opens the season against Tiffin (Ohio) on Saturday afternoon beginning with a 2:30 p.m. kickoff.

While Schneider will get the first start, don’t be surprised to see junior-college transfer Kyle Parrish take a few snaps during Saturday’s opener. Parrish has had a solid fall preseason camp and has climbed his way up the depth chart since his move from California to Michigan. Parrish has come in and already shown the type of toughness and confidence it takes to be able to step in and compete for time at quarterback against a group of guys with more experience running the offense.

Bringing experience and knowledge of the offense to the table entering the season, junior Eric Grozenski still is in the mix for the Bulldogs this fall. With injuries being what they can be, Grozenski is maybe two plays away from finding his way on the field.

Schneider and Parrish bring similar styles of play. Both signal callers have strong arms and the ability to scramble and make things happen outside of the pocket. Several years ago, the Bulldogs had two quarterbacks with contrasting styles of play in Ryan Kaul (more of a passer) and C.J. Van Wieren (more of a runner), but with this duo the similarities are striking.

Schneider, who had a strong spring season and spring game performance with three touchdown passes, just has to come out and play his game, make the reads that he has been making throughout preseason practice and not get rattled. He has the maturity, that defies his redshirt freshman status, and he has the toughness to get the job done in this opener against the Dragons of Tiffin, a school that has joined the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference this year.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com