PV Football Training Camp Day 15: Quarterback Luxury

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- While some people may label it a quarterback controversy, the Prairie View A&M coaching staff refers to it as a quarterback luxury as the Panthers head into the season with two experienced signal callers in juniors Jerry Lovelocke and De'Auntre Smiley.

Last season, the duo combined to throw for 2,462 yards and 16 touchdowns as both saw plenty of action. On the ground, Smiley was also a threat as he rushed for 367 yards and three scores followed by two rushing touchdowns from Lovelocke. Both players have intangibles you can't teach which complement the team well.

"We're confident with either quarterback as the offense does not have to change much with either one of those guys playing," said head coach Heishma Northern. "We have some comfort as both guys have been in and able to put up a good numbers of points on the (score) board versus a variety of opponents and have been in contention for a number of awards."

Northern said each quarterback brings something different to the table when on the field and complements each other well on-and-off the field while splitting snaps.

"Jerry brings a little bit more of an accurate arm while Smiley brings a little bit more of athleticism from running the ball," said Northern. "Both of them can put the ball where we want them to and both have pretty good command of the offense. They understand that both of them may play so there's nothing personal between the two guys as one may start but one will play more snaps. They both understand the situation and they help each other on the field as they can both talk about what they see from opposing defenses. It's good for our team as they have confidence in both players."

The Panthers are in their fourth round of two-a-days on Monday and will practice once at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday before their final set of two-a-days on Wednesday.

Season tickets are still available by calling (936) 261-9111 in addition to special hotel rates for selected games through the month of August.

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