Indiana University Athletics
Meet the Indiana QBs
3/25/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
With the departure of two-year starter Matt LoVecchio, the honor of being named the starting quarterback is there for the taking. With it comes the responsibility of stepping into something that requires attributes such as leadership, dedication and a tireless work ethic. All of this from a quartet which has combined for total of 58 pass attempts in collegiate action.
Heading the group is passing game coordinator Matt Canada, who returns for a second year with the Indiana coaching staff. Under Canada's direction last season, the Hoosiers improved dramatically in the passing game, going from 11th in 2003 Big Ten passing efficiency, to fifth in 2004. Subsequently, the IU scoring offense improved from 10th two years ago to fourth last campaign.
Canada is hoping that same trend continues, but understands the challenges that lie ahead of him and his young signal callers. Yet at the same time, he is confident that one of the four candidates can take the reins and learn what it takes to lead the Hoosiers; whomever it may be.
"I really feel good about the quarterback position," Canada said. "All four guys are very talented, smart and have a terrific work ethic. There is a job to be had and they are all out to get it. It is a fun situation to be a part of and I feel the competition between them is a great thing."
Powers and McFarland are the only two of the four potential starters to have seen collegiate action from behind center. Powers, a sophomore, saw action in five games as a redshirt freshman in 2004, completing 9-of-22 passes for 98 yards. McFarland last played in 2003, competing in two games and completing 18-of-36 passes. The Birmingham, Ala., native did not compete for the football team in 2004, and focused his attention on the Indiana baseball team. This will be the first year he attempts to be a dual-sport student athlete for the Cream and Crimson.
"It is a unique situation," Canada said. "Graeme is talented in baseball as well. He is in a difficult position
trying to split time between football and baseball. It's a challenge, but he's done a good job with it. We are excited he is back with the program."
The other two quarterbacks competing for the starting job are Gregory and Vlahogeorge, both redshirt freshmen who had standout high school careers. Gregory is competing in his first spring practice, while Vlahogeorge enrolled at IU in January of 2004 in order to compete in last season's spring drills.
To add to the difficulty, the foursome will also have to learn a new offensive system. Bill Lynch returns to Indiana as the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator. Lynch brings 25 years of coaching experience and a well-documented resume. He was also the quarterbacks coach for the Hoosiers in 1993 and 1994 and knows exactly what Canada and his quartet are going through. However, Hoeppner and Lynch's system is one in which coach Canada feels each prospect can excel.
"Coach Lynch is a guy who I have known a long time," Canada said. "I came up with him when we were both here the first time around. It's been a great situation having him here for both myself and these players. We are excited about the new system and I think it gives (the quarterbacks) a chance to show what they can do."
Each quarterback has learned the new system and spent a lot of time together. For as much time spent together, the competition against one another and the pressure each of the four have to deal with on a daily basis, McFarland concedes the quartet also gets along off the field.
"There's never been a problem with our relationships and everyone gets along really well," McFarland said. "It's weird because I am competing against the other guys but I find myself rooting for Blake, Mike and Grant. I have a feeling they react the same way, because when it comes down to it, we are all about winning games."
In order to win games and become successful, leadership is something that's needed. Canada, as he and McFarland both agree, is a demanding coach, but it is something that is warranted to build a leader on the field, as well off.
"Coach Canada is great," McFarland said. "He is real intense and demands us to be as prepared as we can be. He knows the game real well and knows what we are thinking in certain situations. He just has that quarterback mentality and it makes it a lot easier to communicate on things."
The communication between a coach and player may be one of the most important things in building a leader. Canada knows what it takes to be a leader and what he has to do to get his quarterbacks to the point where they can succeed.
"Matt (LoVecchio) was a good leader for us and I enjoyed the chance to coach him," Canada said. "We put a lot of pride in our quarterbacks being the leaders of our football team. Whoever the quarterback position goes to, he has to lead the football team and do all those things we want. All four guys have the ability to do that. They are working hard to be that guy and it is something I am going to demand from the quarterback position."
Indiana head coach Hoeppner also has the faith in Canada to succeed and has witnessed Canada's ability to develop players first hand. Prior to returning for his second stint at Indiana (he was a student and graduate assistant from 1992-95), Canada coached for Northern Illinois from 1998-2003, a Mid American Conference rival of Miami.
"I think Coach Canada is a great student of the game," Hoeppner said. "I think he is young enough that he can relate to these players. I know first hand what he can do because when he was at Northern Illinois we played against him. I saw him develop guys for them and he is going to do the same thing for us.
"I'm glad we aren't paying him per word, because he does a lot of coaching out there in practice," continued Hoeppner. "But the quarterbacks look better today and I anticipate them looking better next practice. I'm confident he can get the most out of them."
That has already been witnessed by the camaraderie displayed by the foursome. When asked about the competition at quarterback, McFarland answered it without hesitation - just as a veteran would.
"When it comes down to it, we are all about winning games. If I am starting and we are losing, that will not be as much fun as me sitting the bench and Indiana winning."
Grant Gregory. Graeme McFarland. Blake Powers. Mike Vlahogeorge. You may not know their names now, but you will soon.
