It's only April, but football talk is already heating up around UB. The team is in the final weeks of spring practices, and a quarterback controversy is brewing inside UB stadium.
Randall Secky's status as the starting quarterback is in jeopardy after an average season. Two other quarterbacks, Michael Radon and P.J. Pistorik, could step up and take over the No. 1 spot.
"We have a very competitive situation going on at quarterback, which is good," said head coach Jim Hofher.
Secky passed for 2,015 yards on 421 attempts with 204 of those completed last year, giving him a completion percentage of 48.5.
Those numbers may not make Secky an All-American, but for UB quarterbacks they are respectable. Secky had more touchdowns (12) and fewer interceptions (13) than previous quarterback Joe Freedy did in his final season.
Despite the numbers, Secky did lead a 1-11 team. However, that is something Hofher said couldn't be blamed only on Secky.
"The fact of the matter is that we were not a very good offensive football team last year and we have to make tremendous improvement," said Hofher.
"It's not just one guy, its all the positions," he added.
One advantage Secky has is that he has one full season under his belt, as turbulent as it may have been.
"We certainly got a guy who has significant experience over the others," Hofher said.
"We were the only ones in the MAC East to be starting a new quarterback for the first time," Hofher added. "There is carry-over when you have a good player who is returning to play his second year, perhaps starting, perhaps not, who knows?"
Radon, a freshman, was seen in limited action last year. He played in five games and completed 5-10 passes for 119 yards and one touchdown.
Radon is known for making plays both on the run as well as in the air, but some say he lacks the experience of Secky.
Pistorik has also worked out at quarterback, and impressed the coaching staff. Pistorik poses a double threat as well, showing potential in both his arm and his legs.
"As our quarterbacks continue to develop ... we're going to have a great situation," said Hofher. "Then it's our job as coaches to figure out what it is that each one really may have a strength in, and how can we deploy that strength."
The football team is in its last week of spring practices before the off-season officially starts.
The annual Blue and White scrimmage takes place this weekend and signals the start of the off-season - a time when coaches begin putting names into positions.
"There is a tremendous amount of off-season development that will go on after spring football practice," said Hofher. "But we'll come out of the spring with a pretty good idea of many guys who have put themselves on the bus."
While the position of quarterback is still up in the air, Hofher said he believes his young receivers are ready for the 2003 season.
The Bulls have huge shoes to fill with the departure of senior Andre Forde, as Forde led the team in passes caught and touchdowns received.
Nevertheless, Hofher said he's optimistic about his options for replacing the graduating Forde.
"I'm very excited about the players we have at receiver," he said.
UB coaches will evaluate Tim Dance, Matt Knueven, Azzaam Stallsworth, and Gabe McClover as possible replacements.
"It's time for guys like that to step in and advance their level of play, and that's exactly what they have been doing this spring," said Hofher.
While optimistic about the wide receiver position, Hofher is less hopeful about tight end prospects, as Chad Bartoszek also graduates this year.
"It's a real question mark position for us," said Hofher.
Chad Upshaw and junior college transfer student Jude Bourjolly are possible starters at tight end next year, Hofher said.
For players who do not make an indelible impact, Hofher said there is still room for them to make a name for themselves.
"With the other guys we will be able to say 'you're not quite on the bus yet,' but here is what you can do now between now and August to give yourself a better chance," said Hofher.
The annual Blue-White game, scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, may provide answers to some of Hofher's questions.
The game was originally slated to take place at UB Stadium, but will now likely take place at either the Ralph Wilson Field House or in Ralph Wilson Stadium, due to unfavorable weather.
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
