Weber State begins search for quarterback

OGDEN — Following a disappointing 4-7 season, Weber State opened its spring football drills Friday knowing what it needs to do to contend for a Big Sky championship — improve its offense.

The Wildcats had the conference's leading rusher — freshman Trevyn Smith, who ran for 1,129 yards despite not touching the ball in the first three games of season — but could not establish a consistent passing game.

Ian Pizarro and Shawn Woods split time as WSU's starting quarterback but both have graduated. The only Wildcat with a collegiate passing attempt on his resume is offensive lineman David Hale, and it's not likely third-year coach Ron McBride is going to move the 305-pound senior off the line, where he earned all-conference honors last year.

Instead, the Wildcats will look to develop one of the newcomers on the team or turn things over to Brad Leggat, a redshirt sophomore from Hillcrest High. Redshirt freshman Cameron Higgins and JC transfer Brendon Doyle will also get a strong chance to earn the starting job.

Whoever McBride settles on will have some experienced targets to throw to. Junior Bryant Eteuati returns after earning special teams player of the year honors as a kick returner. He is also a capable receiver in the slot position and will join the likes of Tim Toone and fullback Marcus Mailei as receivers.

On defense, the Wildcats lost many of their best players, such as cornerback Bo Smith and linebacker Tyler DeBry. But with Rio Stotler, Ty Sparrow and Derek Jensen back, WSU will again have one of the best defenses in the Big Sky.

A year after bouncing all over Weber and Davis counties in search of a practice field when rain and snow made it nearly impossible to practice on campus, the Wildcats are now enjoying their first spring on the new artificial turf just off Harrison Boulevard.

The Wildcats will practice each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday until the annual spring game on April 21 at Stewart Stadium.