Spartans Again Have Flexibilty At Key Positions
While most people know about senior Chris Jessop at quarterback, the Spartans also have another talented signal caller that could see significant time this fall in Tim Miscovich.
ASHBURN, VA- As Broad Run returns to training camp after a Dulles District title and an undefeated regular season, one thing will be obvious: the Spartans have a lot of options. The skill players are a talented bunch, which goes without saying, but most of them will have to go both ways.
Jessop and Flemming will both have to play in the defensive secondary, as well as on the offensive side of the ball. More specifically, Jessop will have the hardest time. The all-state cornerback has been forced to also lead an offense that puts the onus on a hard-working quarterback.
"Asking (Chris) to play every down and then turn around and play every down on defense, it's just not realistic," Head Coach Michael Burnett said.
But that's when a crisply thrown out route came from the backfield during 7-on-7 drills. It came from the arm of Tim Miscovich, the current backup quarterback, but potential savior for the Broad Run Spartans.
Miscovich displayed improved awareness during 7-on-7 drills, as well as full team drills. On multiple occasions, the quarterback checked down to his third and even fourth options before the defensive pass rush was able to get their hands on him. Miscovich's ability to read a defense, as well as throwing a very catchable pass has put extra thoughts in Burnett's head.
"He can step right in, he can take snaps," he said. "He can be a starting quarterback."
While Miscovich doesn't have the mobility or experience-driven intangibles that Jessop possesses, Miscovich is moving closer and closer to becoming ready to relieve Jessop.
"He's close, he's very close," Flemming said.
Since Burnett took control of the Broad Run Spartans, he has always had the benefit of having multiple players who can play the quarterback position. This situation may have the young head coach licking his chops.
With Miscovich under center and a trio of talent in Jessop, Flemming and Earl flanking him on both sides, the Spartans offense could be very scary this season.
The passing attack will be the focus of the offense when Miscovich is behind center, a slight difference from the more option-oriented and Jessop-led offense. But with Jessop's talent being pushed elsewhere, he will have to learn the intricacies of a new position. No need to worry though, Jessop played both running back and wide receiver last year.
Even with two players who are capable of starting at quarterback, don't use the word controversy around Burnett. In fact, he considers the situation he's been placed in far from a debate.
"Any time you have two kids that can play (quarterback), some people say it's a controversy, I say it's a luxury," Burnett said.
