Three Georgia State quarterbacks are spending their offseason perfecting offensive schemes while competing for the starting position.
A new addition
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Utah transfer Conner Manning has joined the Panther family for the 2016-17 season and strives to help the team out in any way possible.
During Manning’s high school career at El Toro High School in Lake Forest, California, he was a record setting passer. Passing for a total of 9,449 career yards, Manning threw 88 career touchdown passes while only recording 26 interceptions. Manning ranked second behind former University of Southern California quarterback Matt Barkley who had a total of 9,471 yards.
Following his trend of setting records and earning a spot on the national ranks, Manning set an Orange County record during his junior year in high school. Passing for 4,219 yards and completing 41 touchdown passes with eight interceptions, Manning gained the attention of several individuals. Manning was named Orange County Offensive Player of the Year during this pivotal time in his career.
Before transferring Manning redshirted during his freshman season at Utah, 2013. The 6-foot-1 quarterback made his first collegiate appearance during his sophomore year against Arizona. Completing two-of-six passes for a total of 28 yards, Manning was able to showcase his passing abilities. His longest pass was completed for 17 yards.
“I’m definitely a pocket passer,” Manning said. “I just play by my strengths.”
Returning for the Panthers
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Returning for another season are redshirt sophomore Emiere Scaife and redshirt freshman Aaron Winchester.
Winchester attended Mount Pisgah Christian School located in Johns Creek, Georgia. Winchester was a two-time all-state quarterback, while being named Offensive Player of the Year in North Fulton as well as in Region 6-A for his junior and senior seasons. Throwing four touchdown passes and scoring the fifth, Winchester helped lead his team in a first round victory over Landmark Christian Academy.
Winchester did not see any playing time during his first year at Georgia State, however Scaife was able to see action during three games. Scaife did not complete any passes, but he was able to record a 24-yard run against Pac 12 team, Oregon.
During his junior year at Mallard Creek High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, Scaife was able to showcase his ability as a dual threat quarterback. Using his arm strength to pass the ball, resulting in more than 2,500 yards and 46 touchdowns, as well as his size to run the ball, recording 400 rushing yards. Scaife missed most of his senior season due to injury.
Preparing to start
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Each quarterback candidate has their individual strengths as well as certain aspects that are room for improvement as spring practice approaches. For Scaife, being more familiar with the offensive scheme was a top priority.
“During this offseason I have done a lot of growing in the system,” Scaife said. “I come in and watch extra film on my own. I come early or stay late just to watch a couple hours of film, so it can be a back of my hand kind of deal. I see a defensive coverage and I know how to dissect it with the play we have.”
Last season as Scaife came off of the sideline against Oregon, Appalachian State and Texas State, he struggled becoming comfortable on the field. If he saw a play in action he’d have a touch and go sense of what to do, but now he is confident that his reaction time will be quicker resulting in better decisions.
As Scaife is becoming more knowledgeable, Manning is trying to submerge himself in the program.
“Coming in I knew there were other quarterbacks here and that I’d have to earn my job,” Manning said. “Being here for only a month, I’m still trying to earn my respect from the guys. Just working on being more of a vocal leader. I’m just working on being the best teammate I can be to the guys and I’m willing to do anything to help the team win.”
Unlike Scaife and Winchester, Manning is new to the team and is not as familiar with the offensive scheme. Trying to learn how the team works together as well as building a relationship with the offensive has been an ongoing process for Manning.
Winchester not only cherishes his relationship with the offensive, but he looks to redshirt senior safety Bobby Baker for advice.
“Bobby Baker for me especially,” Winchester said. “He’s helped me with my development as a quarterback. Being able to pick his brain on what he sees on the defensive side. I think I’m able to present a threat for defenses being able to pass and run the ball.”
Striving to improve his accuracy and timing, Winchester focuses on those two aspects throughout his training. Similar to Scaife, Winchester strives to become comfortable in the game.
“Being comfortable and getting comfortable with different situations and different coverages,” Winchester said. “Once I get comfortable with those things I feel like the sky’s the limit for me.”
Approaching spring practice
All three quarterbacks are approaching spring practice as well as the fall season with a clear eye view. Even though they are all working towards the same goal, they never stop helping each other on and off the field.
“I have a good personal relationship with everyone,” Scaife said. “I care about what’s going on in the guys lives outside of football. I always want to make sure these guys are straight and if they’re okay then everything is good.”
This brotherhood has been mentioned by several players and now Manning has adopted this sense of family.
“Its great to have a good group of quarterbacks,” Manning said. “We’re all competing for the same goal, but we want each other to succeed. That camaraderie is what brings people together.”
