Quarterback position up in the air

by by Joe Arnold
Staff Writer

A week after rushing for a game-high 118 yards against Florida, Ohio quarterback Dontrell Jackson is apparently back in the running for the starting job. Jackson got the start against the Gators after an ankle injury against Northeastern two weeks ago sidelined quarterback Fred Ray.

Ray was named the Bobcats’ starter following the team’s 27-14 loss at Pittsburgh. Ray finished 7-of-13 passing for 63 yards and one interception. He also rushed for 77 yards.

Ohio coach Brian Knorr said he would make his decision after this week’s practices.             

“A lot of it will be based on what we do offensively,” Knorr said. “Freddie earned the position with the Pittsburgh game, and Dontrell has since played well at times, so we’re going to have to evaluate their performance this week.”

Kerr collects honor

A week ago, Ohio kicker Kevin Kerr was in the midst of his worst kicking slump of his career. Kerr, who also handles the Bobcats’ punting duties, had missed eight kicks in a row prior to last Saturday’s game against Florida.

Kerr’s luck has come full circle in the span of a week. Two field goals on a soggy field against the Gators accounted for Ohio’s only points and earned Kerr the Mid-American Conference’s Special Team’s Player of the Week Award.

He collected field goals of 48 and 20 yards against Florida.

“When you’re kicking and you only get one or two chances in a game, one night you can be a hero, and the other night everyone can blame you,” Kerr said. “They just happened to go through this past Saturday. I just go out and try to do my job, and whatever happens, happens. If I get rewarded for it, then great.”

Injury report

The Bobcats’ injury list continues to grow. Fullback Ray Huston practiced this week and will play as tolerated this weekend. Huston suffered a slightly separated right shoulder against Florida, Director of Athletic Training John Bowman said.

Right guard Brian Brown chipped a bone in his ankle against the Gators, but practiced all week and will play against Connecticut. Brown’s injury is the latest to an offensive line that has already seen its share of injuries.

“It’s kind of a letdown because usually we’re the strongest on the team,” Brown said. “But that’s what being the strongest is all about — getting through (the injuries).”

Offensive tackle Shane Yates will miss at least two months with a third-degree right ankle sprain.

Only three games into this season, the injury list already is starting become too large for Knorr to keep track of.

“I’m done playing doctor,” he said. “I just look at the (injury) report.”