Tennessee State's Calvin McNairl enjoys dual role as quarterback, wide receiver

Having already proved his ability to run and throw the football, Calvin McNairl is spending spring practice at Tennessee State proving he also can catch it. The Henry County product started at quarterback eight games in 2009 and led the Tigers in rushing (628 yards) and passing (78-of-147, 920 yards). The junior shared time with senior quarterback Dominic Grooms, which left McNairl on the sideline too often, Coach Rod Reed said.

TSU star Calvin McNairl get shot as dual threat receiver and quarterback in 2010.

When Reed, the former defensive coordinator, replaced James Webster in December as head coach, keeping McNairl on the field was high on his list of priorities. So he moved McNairl to wide receiver for spring drills and expects him to play there next season when he's not at quarterback. "You want your best athlete on the field and the more you can get the ball in his hands the better,'' Reed said. "We'll have a package for him at quarterback and work him in at wide receiver." McNairl (6-foot, 210) had hoped for a shot at receiver since he was a freshman even though he had never played it before.

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