By David Brandt, Clarion ledger
After a month of watching his top two quarterbacks leapfrog each other on the depth chart, Jackson State coach Rick Comegy pegged last Saturday's scrimmage as decision day.
And after throwing two touchdown passes and rushing for another score, senior Jimmy Oliver left little question who should be the starter when the Tigers face Delta State at 6 p.m. this Saturday at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Comegy made his decision official on Monday morning.
"Right now, Jimmy Oliver's going to take the snaps for us," Comegy said. "We think he had a good spring and fall practice. And at the scrimmage this past weekend he had a little more shine, so we'll go with Jimmy first."
Oliver beat out Mississippi State sophomore transfer Tray Rutland for the job. Both quarterbacks had drawn praise from the coaching staff throughout fall practice.
Rutland has the stronger arm of the two and picked up the Jackson State playbook faster than expected, but Oliver's consistency and year of experience ended up tipping the scales in his favor.
Almost always easygoing, Oliver (6-foot-1, 185 pounds) seemed only vaguely aware that there was a competition in the first place.
"It was never something I had on my chest," Oliver said. "I'm always willing to work for something good and I'm ready for my senior season."
But both Oliver's teammates and coaches said they noticed his improved practice performance this fall.
"Jimmy really came into camp this year with a whole different demeanor," JSU offensive coordinator James Woody said. "He was more polished and was a better leader. It was good to see Jimmy rise to the challenge."
Oliver threw for 1,906 yards, 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his junior season as Jackson State finished with a 6-5 record overall (5-4 Southwestern Athletic Conference).
Oliver ranked first in the SWAC in total offense (222.9 yards per game), third in passing average (173.3 ypg) and second in pass efficiency (144.9 rating).
But Rutland, who played in five games last season with Mississippi State, matched Oliver throw for throw until Saturday's scrimmage.
Receiver Jaymar Johnson said he's happy Oliver was named the starter, but would have been fine with Rutland on the field as well.
"Whoever's playing the best needs the job," Johnson said. "They were both playing well so I'm sure it was a tough choice. But both those guys know how to get the ball to the receivers."
Rutland will now assume the backup role with junior Joseph Hawkins and William Brack fighting for the No. 3 slot.
"Tray's a great player and I'm not taking anything away from him," Oliver said. "But right now, I'm a senior and I know the system. Once it is Tray's turn he'll know the system and have some great years."
After a month of watching his top two quarterbacks leapfrog each other on the depth chart, Jackson State coach Rick Comegy pegged last Saturday's scrimmage as decision day.
And after throwing two touchdown passes and rushing for another score, senior Jimmy Oliver left little question who should be the starter when the Tigers face Delta State at 6 p.m. this Saturday at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Comegy made his decision official on Monday morning.
"Right now, Jimmy Oliver's going to take the snaps for us," Comegy said. "We think he had a good spring and fall practice. And at the scrimmage this past weekend he had a little more shine, so we'll go with Jimmy first."
Oliver beat out Mississippi State sophomore transfer Tray Rutland for the job. Both quarterbacks had drawn praise from the coaching staff throughout fall practice.
Rutland has the stronger arm of the two and picked up the Jackson State playbook faster than expected, but Oliver's consistency and year of experience ended up tipping the scales in his favor.
Almost always easygoing, Oliver (6-foot-1, 185 pounds) seemed only vaguely aware that there was a competition in the first place.
"It was never something I had on my chest," Oliver said. "I'm always willing to work for something good and I'm ready for my senior season."
But both Oliver's teammates and coaches said they noticed his improved practice performance this fall.
"Jimmy really came into camp this year with a whole different demeanor," JSU offensive coordinator James Woody said. "He was more polished and was a better leader. It was good to see Jimmy rise to the challenge."Oliver threw for 1,906 yards, 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his junior season as Jackson State finished with a 6-5 record overall (5-4 Southwestern Athletic Conference).
Oliver ranked first in the SWAC in total offense (222.9 yards per game), third in passing average (173.3 ypg) and second in pass efficiency (144.9 rating).
But Rutland, who played in five games last season with Mississippi State, matched Oliver throw for throw until Saturday's scrimmage.
Receiver Jaymar Johnson said he's happy Oliver was named the starter, but would have been fine with Rutland on the field as well.
"Whoever's playing the best needs the job," Johnson said. "They were both playing well so I'm sure it was a tough choice. But both those guys know how to get the ball to the receivers."
Rutland will now assume the backup role with junior Joseph Hawkins and William Brack fighting for the No. 3 slot.
"Tray's a great player and I'm not taking anything away from him," Oliver said. "But right now, I'm a senior and I know the system. Once it is Tray's turn he'll know the system and have some great years."
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