More answers coming on Saturday

By Brian Bailey
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East Carolina head coach Ruffin McNeill almost reverted to his best impression of “Wild Bill” Hagy in explaining the Pirate quarterback situation at his first news conference of the 2015 season.

Hagy would lead cheers from section 34 in Baltimore's old Memorial Stadium. He would spell out the word O-R-I-O-L-E-S with his body forming the words to the delight of Oriole fans in attendance.

Coach Ruff joked that perhaps he had to spell out his quarterback’s name to the media on Monday. Ruff almost did his own Wild Bill impression.

“Do I need to spell it out,” he joked as he made the motion to signify a letter. “Blake Kemp is the quarterback. He was the backup quarterback, so he’s next in line. Cody Keith is back at practice and James Summers has also joined us. James was able to join us on Friday.”

Many remember the last time Coach Ruff had a question at quarterback going into the opener. That was 2010 in McNeill’s first season. Dominique Davis and Brad Wornick were in a battle to be the starter. Davis won out, but it wasn’t made public until Davis actually headed to the huddle with the first play.

That mystery was on purpose, to try and gain an advantage on the opponent, which was Tulsa. This is a different situation.

“One of these days you guys will learn to trust me,” said McNeill. “I’m not going to play the hat game with you guys. Kemp is our quarterback, but like every other position he has to continue to earn that position.”

I’ve always been fascinated at the public and media interest in the quarterback position. I’m guilty of it as well. If Zeek Bigger or Montese Overton comes out of the game, nobody bats and eye. If it’s a quarterback, than everyone is buzzing.

So Blake Kemp is up first. Cody Keith might have had a better chance to start, but his injuries have absolutely crippled his development.

ECU offensive coordinator Dave Nichol says whoever the quarterback is, it’s the staff’s responsiblity to get the ball to the playmakers.

“Absolutely, that's our job is to get it to the right guys,” Nichol said. “Across the board we have plenty of guys who have made plays before and will make plays again. Everyone else has to step up. That's what happens when anyone goes down, especially at that position."

James Summers joined the team last week. The former Greensboro Page star transferred in from Hinds Community College. He was recruited as a wide receiver, but he is an amazing athlete and he made an immediate impact with his attitude.

“What I like about him is when we called him, he said he would play wherever we wanted him to play,” said McNeill. “Since committing to us, he’s worked at wide receiver and that’s all he’s thought about. He hadn’t thought about anything else. His comment was quick when I got on the phone with him. He said, ‘Coach, I just want to help the team win.’

Freshman John Jacobs is also working in practice.

“I like the way John has improved from his first day,” noted Ruff. “Even John will tell you it’s slowing down for him. For a freshman, especially at that position, it can become very fast. Coach (John) Wiley loves the way he’s improving. He’s smart, tough, a lefty and he’s going to be a really special player for us.

As I mentioned, quarterback was the big talk at Monday’s news conference. McNeill also updated the status of transfer Phillip Nelson, who once started at Minnesota.

“He is redshirting on scout team and being a great teammate,” said McNeill. “He’s done everything the coaches have asked him to do, whether that’s being a quarterback, wideout or running on kickoff scout team. You name it, he’s done it.”

ECU certainly has question marks in other areas, but the season-ending injury to Kurt Benkert magnifies the inexperience at quarterback.

McNeill and his staff have always had a “next man up” philosophy, and that philosophy will be tested at the team’s most critical position.

Questions finally start being answered Saturday night in the season opener.

BB

E-mail Brian Bailey.