Practice will determine QB at WCU

As first-year Western Carolina coach Dennis Wagner tries to jump-start the rebuilding process in Cullowhee, he's still trying to come up with a steady option at quarterback.

He has a veteran in senior Andy Horn and a newcomer in freshman Zack Jaynes, and said today that practice this week would decide who would start Saturday against Furman.

Horn has completed 93 of 160 passes for 6 touchdowns and just one interception, but has also struggled with some minor injuries. Jaynes has completed 25 of 42 passes for a score and a pick.

“We told them both that they were going to compete this week in practice," Wagner said. "We are going in with the thought that if they are even, then the senior (Andy Horn) is the guy that plays because he has gotten us to this point thus far. Andy’s had a few injuries and he’s been banged up and not performed to his ability and that opened the door for Zack (Jaynes) to come in and play.

"He got a chance to go in for a couple drives in The Citadel game, took us down for a touchdown. He got into the Samford game and moved the ball, but didn’t get us into the end zone. He made a couple mistakes that young guys do – and we’re willing to live with that.

"We are going to need both of these guys through this whole process. We still have six teams left to play and they are all very fine football teams. So, we are going to compete this week and make a decision. If it’s close, the senior will start, but the freshman will play.”

- Stan Olson