By Duane Cochran
For the Times West Virginian
FAIRMONT —
Media Day was held Sunday afternoon for Fairmont State University’s football team and although it wasn’t an overly-asked question yesterday by the reporters on hand covering the event, certainly the most asked question in Fairmont the past two weeks by fans is ‘Who is going to be the Falcons’ starting quarterback this fall?’
The answer is certainly not set in stone but as FSU’s opener with Clarion looms closer and closer, it appears right now as if true freshman Logan Moore will take the first snap of the season for the Falcons on Sept. 2 at the Golden Eagles’ Memorial Stadium.
“It’s been tough,” said Moore, who is the all-time leading passer in Fairmont Senior High School history with 6,286 yards and 68 touchdowns. “The offense here is very complex and these past two weeks of camp for me have been a big, big learning experience.
“Up until about Saturday afternoon I admit my head was spinning pretty good. The last situational scrimmage, though, on Saturday I think I finally started to feel more comfortable with what we’re doing. After practice we’ve been watching a lot of film and they’re really working hard with me correcting my mistakes. That’s really helped me a lot. In high school we didn’t have the liberty to watch film after practice and correct mistakes. Here it’s another level and a lot different, but it’s coming. I know I still have a ton of work to do, but the good thing is we still have a week and a half before our opener.”
Competing with Moore at the quarterback position are redshirt freshman Brandon Hyler and senior Vick Bradford.
The Falcons also have C.J. Hopson, a 6-1, 200-pound junior quarterback from Lusby, Md., and true freshman Cody Morgan (6-2, 215), who started at both quarterback and running back at North Marion High School. Hopson just recently transferred to FSU from Bucknell University where he started eight games in his two-year career but will not be eligible until next season. Morgan, meanwhile, will be redshirted this fall.
Hyler, a 6-4, 215-pounder who played at Jefferson High School, was impressive in FSU’s spring game. He completed 19-of-36 passes for 315 yards and three touchdowns and was intercepted once.
Bradford, on the other hand, has starting experience for FSU under center, but missed all of spring drills due to an injury and has struggled at times throwing the ball. He, however, has the potential to be very dangerous out of the backfield as a runner. For his career Bradford, a 5-11, 180-pounder, has rushed for 903 yards and nine TDs on just 199 carries. He’s also completed 102-of-236 passes for 1,532 yards and 20 scores. He’s been picked off 14 times.
“We all have a really good relationship,” said Moore. “We complement each other and try to help each other the best that we can. We also hang out together outside of football.
“To be hones, we’re putting in some packages for all three of us so all three of us can help the team out. I’m perfectly fine with that. Whatever it takes for us to win.”
Moore began preparing himself for the college game this summer when he spent a wealth of time on campus lifting and working out with standout senior receiver Perry Baker.
“It was a lot of fun and a great experience for me,” said Moore. “He showed me the ropes up here and basically showed me what it takes to be a winner. I really learned a lot from him.”
Moore says dealing with the pressure of being a potential starting quarterback is something he’s determined not to let be an issue for him.
“You know, I really don’t worry about that,” he said. “People in the community ask me that more than anything and I tell them I’m not going to get all caught up in that. I’m here to play football and do a job and I’m going to do it to the best of my ability.”
One luxury Moore has discovered with FSU’s offense is that he’s surrounded by a number of talented players and potential playmakers, which he feels is only going to help make his transition to the college game that much easier.
“That’s really been nice for me,” he said. “I think we’ve got a great offensive line and I really think we’ve got some talent and some weapons at the receiver and tight end positions. And our backfield, we’ve got a tremendous amount of talent there and they all bring a little something different to the table. It gives me a lot of confidence knowing I’m surrounded by that type of talent.”
