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Post by elon_phan on Aug 24, 2007 20:58:44 GMT -5
Elon names Riddle starting QB
Times-News
August 24, 2007 9:15 PM
ELON — True freshman Scott Riddle has won the Elon University football team’s quarterback job.
Coach Pete Lembo sent word through athletics department spokesman Matt Eviston after Friday’s practice that Riddle will start the Phoenix’s season opener a week from tonight at South Florida.
The competition for first-string quarterback duty has been a close call, Lembo said on numerous occasions during training camp this month.
Redshirt freshman Donny Kirby vied for the spot with Riddle, a two-sport standout from Eastern Randolph High School.
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Post by elon_phan on Aug 24, 2007 21:22:19 GMT -5
This kind of surprised me. I thought with a year to get stronger and learn the system Kirby would have the edge. Regardless I have thought that this year the back up will see some playing time before the season is over.
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Post by esc349 on Aug 25, 2007 8:21:39 GMT -5
Take a look at USF last year with Grothe starting. I have heard nothing but good things about this kid. There will be growing pains, but no better practice than gameday...
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Post by elonsoccerfan on Aug 25, 2007 9:48:25 GMT -5
Lembo said in his press conference on Thursday that whoever isn't named the starting QB stills needs to be ready to play. In his 5 years at the helm of Lehigh he only had 1 season where the starting QB made through unscathed. Obviously last year, Wes did as well. The odds are Kirby will see some playing time this year.
Plus, Riddle has a gun of an arm. For those that are thinking didn't we have another freshman QB on the roster, Billy Watkins decided to enroll at Guilford College instead of Elon.
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Post by topher99 on Aug 25, 2007 13:45:30 GMT -5
There is another freshman qb on the roster - Chris Shafto.
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Post by phoenixfc on Aug 25, 2007 14:01:25 GMT -5
Must say that I am surprised as well...not that we had a true picture of either of their abilities on Thursday, but I kind of thought Kirby showed quicker mobility and maybe more accuracy. However, it's not my place to 2nd guess the coaching decision. Riddle does have an arm..
I am thinking I would prefer we think about rotating the QB on basis of what kind of defense we will be facing, week to week.
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Post by elonsoccerfan on Aug 26, 2007 12:32:09 GMT -5
Interesting article in todays Times-News about Kriby having "the day off" yesterday after getting named the back-up. I hope this doesn't mean he's going to transfer.
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Post by elon_phan on Aug 26, 2007 20:02:33 GMT -5
Here is the article. I hope Kirby stays. I think one way or the other he will end up getting significant playing time this season and in the future.
Competition fizzles: QB misses practice after Riddle takes command for Elon
By Bob Sutton / Times-News
August 26, 2007 3:00 AM
ELON — A day after Scott Riddle won the starting quarterback job in Elon University’s football camp, the other quarterback wasn’t at practice.
Donny Kirby, a redshirt freshman, was in a close competition with Riddle. Kirby’s absence Saturday afternoon at Rhodes Stadium made it more clear that Riddle, a freshman out of Eastern Randolph High School and son of former Elon linebacker Jimmy Riddle, would be taking snaps next Saturday in the opener at South Florida.
Coach Pete Lembo informed the quarterbacks of his decision prior to Friday’s practice.
“It was very emotional meetings in both cases,” he said. “It was tougher in that it was so close in the field.”
Neither Riddle nor Kirby has taken a snap in a college game.
Lembo said after Saturday’s practice that he and his staff had been in almost hourly contact with Kirby, who participated in Friday’s workout. He didn’t go so far as to say Kirby quit the team.
“It has been an eventful 24 hours for him,” Lembo said. “It has been a tough 24 hours for him. We gave him the day off.”
Neither Kirby, who's from Virginia Beach, Va., nor his parents could be reached for comment for clarification of his absence.
Last year, Kirby studied behind then-starter Wes Pope as he took a redshirt season.
As the competition built between Riddle and Kirby, Lembo said he wanted a clear-cut starter. He said it’s important to give the starter, in this case Riddle, time to develop with the first-team unit.
“Both of these guys took every single rep with the 1s and 2s in camp,” Lembo said. “Our hope was to (make a decision) as soon as possible. It was a credit to both young men as well as they competed.
“Once those decisions are made, we’re all on board and have to go with it.”
Lembo pointed to Riddle’s arm strength and mobility as assets.
The Phoenix wrapped up training camp Saturday with a situational scrimmage. During the session, 2006 backup quarterback Shayne Milligan, who had converted to receiver since the end of last year, worked with the second-team unit. Freshman Chris Shafto, a recruited walk-on from Cary, is the third stringer.
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Post by firebird on Aug 26, 2007 21:41:42 GMT -5
This is a difficult situation for Kirby and the team. Kirby was highly recruited by Elon. It just happened that Riddle proved better in camp. You can hardly blame Kirby if he wants to move on, though. There are many schools for whom he would be a starter. Still, as the competition was so close, there may still be a chance for him to take the starter position back should an injury occur or should Scott's game play not turn out to be as good as his camp.
All in all, I am rooting hard for whoever the starter may be. We really need this year to be one that builds on last year rather than having a setback.
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Post by elonpride on Aug 27, 2007 8:16:26 GMT -5
"You can't blame Kirby if he wants to move on."
If this is the case, then it shows poor character.
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Post by whoanellie on Aug 27, 2007 12:50:45 GMT -5
"You can't blame Kirby if he wants to move on." If this is the case, then it shows poor character. sure this guy (Kirby)is hurt by not starting... suck-it-up man-up and show some kind of leadership... Riddle is a Freshman and if he does well great but if not Kirby is there and is capable. He would have backed up Pope and been spotted anyway. Riddle would have been red-shirted.... but that is all BS & coulda-woulda-shuda don't cut it. our best Character guy got kicked off for honor code violation!!!! best transfer in years is a thief??? he's gone gotta think Lembo is thinking what's next? USF is next.... get ready. |
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Post by elonpride on Aug 27, 2007 16:07:12 GMT -5
Best transfer in years is a thief??? What'd I miss?  |
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Post by euphoenix99 on Aug 27, 2007 16:24:33 GMT -5
I think he's talking about Platt.
Go Phoenix!
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Post by elonpride on Aug 27, 2007 17:07:06 GMT -5
You're right, Platt is no longer on the roster. Wow that sucks backside.
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Post by elonalum06 on Aug 27, 2007 19:43:05 GMT -5
This does not surprise me, because a number of people have told me that if Riddle was taller then 6 foot that he would be playing in the ACC, so he has the physical tool set to play, plus Kirby was throwing to Percy Harvin in high school so he is going to look better then advertised. As far as him transfering I really do not fault him if he does because no one should want to be a career back up, I am not saying to duck and dive competition but maybe he sees that he cant beat out Riddle and wants to play rather then sit the bench.
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