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Hornets get good look at QBs
Today's Spring Game provides a glimpse of the fall competition.
By John Schumacher - jschumacher@sacbee.com
Published 12:16 am PDT Saturday, May 3, 2008
Story appeared in section, Page C3
Spring football is always about promise and potential, not to mention a healthy dose of learning.
Mcleod Bethel-Thompson has plenty of the first two, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound quarterback having played extensively as a freshman in UCLA's 17-16 loss to BYU in the Las Vegas Bowl last season.
But a new system takes time to absorb. And Bethel-Thompson, who is expected to split time with fellow sophomore-to-be Duncan White in Sacramento State's Spring Game today at 11 a.m. at Hornet Stadium, said he's taking in a lot of new information.
"It's been different," Bethel-Thompson said after Thursday's final spring practice. "Coach (Marshall) Sperbeck's system is different than the one down south. It's a learning process.
"I was thinking too much at the beginning. It's getting better."
Bethel-Thompson is eligible immediately because he transferred from the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) to the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA). He, White and returning starter Jason Smith, who has missed spring drills with a back injury, are expected to compete for the starting job in the fall.
"I think it will be a good competition," Sperbeck said. "I think we have three very good guys."
All three will be sophomores next season, leaving open the possibility White will be redshirted. Bethel-Thompson, who completed 23 of 55 passes for 293 yards with one touchdown and five interceptions last season for UCLA, and Smith have already used their redshirt years.
Sperbeck, who guided Sacramento State to a 3-8 record in his first season, said the Hornets were further along developmentally than last spring.
"We're quite a ways ahead from the standpoint of the kids know the system now," he said.
The Hornets open the season Aug. 30 at home against Humboldt State, then visit Colorado State and host Southern Oregon before beginning Big Sky Conference play with home games against Weber State and Portland State.
"I'm looking forward to getting to the fall camp," Sperbeck said. "It will be nice to come out of September with a few wins."
About the writer:
- Call The Bee's John Schumacher, (916) 326-5523.
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