Grizzly Football Preview – Quarterback

Ahead of this Saturday's season opener at Tennessee, I'll finish up my position-by-position preview of the Montana Grizzlies with the position that has the most uncertainty.

The quarterback is an important position for a number of reasons. A good quarterback can pass the ball well, run the ball when needed, and command the entire offensive huddle.

As of 4:00 Monday afternoon, the Grizzlies' starting quarterback had not been named for Saturday's showdown against the Tennessee Volunteers. Regardless, here's what UM brings to the position in 2011:

Gerald Kemp, Jr.
Nate Montana, Jr.
Jordy Johnson, So.
Matt Berg, Fr.
Trent McKinney, Fr.
Shay Smithwick-Hann, Fr.
--
--

RETURNING STARTERS: 0

PLAYER TO WATCH: Jordy Johnson

SLEEPER: Shay Smithwick-Hann

FUTURE STAR: Trent McKinney

The starting quarterback decision has gone this late because of two main reasons. Jordy Johnson has missed a significant portion of fall camp with an ankle injury, and Gerald Kemp has shown big-play potential in his absence. Regardless of who starts, both will see playing time until a true starter emerges. Nate Montana will be the 3rd-string QB, with Shay Smithwick-Hann not too far behind. Freshmen Matt Berg and Trent McKinney will likely redshirt this season, and Berg's future may be at kicker, anyways.