Backup quarterback ready to lead team if necessary
Rutgers' Jabu Lovelace, teammates are confident in junior's ability to run Scarlet Knight offense if starting QB Mike Teel were to get injured
Sam Hellman / Correspondent
Issue date: 5/2/08 Section: Sports
An injury to Mike Teel is one of the absolute worst things that could happen to the Rutgers football team during the 2008-09 season. Teel's ability to manage the offense, combined with his experience on the field, are irreplaceable components of the Scarlet Knight offense.
If disaster were to strike however, RU and head coach Greg Schiano are confident that the team's backup quarterbacks can handle the job.
The primary backup at quarterback is junior Jabulani Lovelace, who saw some playing time last year when Teel suffered through a thumb injury. In certain running packages, Lovelace would come in and move the pile with his bulky, muscular frame.
"My game saw a big, big improvement [when I got on the field] because the coaches simulate the game very well in practice, but once you're actually in it, it's a totally different environment," Lovelace said. "I thought the more opportunities that I got in the game, I felt like I just kept growing as a player. Whatever disaster scenario might happen, I feel really comfortable."
In his limited playing time last season, Lovelace threw for 69 yards and ran for 380 yards and four touchdowns.
Lovelace also has a speed advantage that Teel does not. He has shown that he can pass the ball this spring, but it is his ability to make plays on his feet that make him a real threat at quarterback.
"I'm a dual threat type [of quarterback]," Lovelace said. "I enjoy running it and I love throwing it, so I enjoy having both worlds and being able to do both out there."
Lovelace's improved play and work ethic over spring practice have impressed his teammates, making them confident in his ability to manage a game.
"I think Jabu has continued to do a good job of what he's been asked to do," Teel said. "He's had experience and he's played and he needs to continue to take that next step to really understand the offense and be a leader on the football team."
Critics of Lovelace say that he doesn't have the arm to be an every down college quarterback, but his teammates think otherwise.
If disaster were to strike however, RU and head coach Greg Schiano are confident that the team's backup quarterbacks can handle the job.
The primary backup at quarterback is junior Jabulani Lovelace, who saw some playing time last year when Teel suffered through a thumb injury. In certain running packages, Lovelace would come in and move the pile with his bulky, muscular frame.
"My game saw a big, big improvement [when I got on the field] because the coaches simulate the game very well in practice, but once you're actually in it, it's a totally different environment," Lovelace said. "I thought the more opportunities that I got in the game, I felt like I just kept growing as a player. Whatever disaster scenario might happen, I feel really comfortable."
In his limited playing time last season, Lovelace threw for 69 yards and ran for 380 yards and four touchdowns.
Lovelace also has a speed advantage that Teel does not. He has shown that he can pass the ball this spring, but it is his ability to make plays on his feet that make him a real threat at quarterback.
"I'm a dual threat type [of quarterback]," Lovelace said. "I enjoy running it and I love throwing it, so I enjoy having both worlds and being able to do both out there."
Lovelace's improved play and work ethic over spring practice have impressed his teammates, making them confident in his ability to manage a game.
"I think Jabu has continued to do a good job of what he's been asked to do," Teel said. "He's had experience and he's played and he needs to continue to take that next step to really understand the offense and be a leader on the football team."
Critics of Lovelace say that he doesn't have the arm to be an every down college quarterback, but his teammates think otherwise.