What is ASU's back-up plan at quarterback?

Everyone who follows Appalachian State football - and many who don't - know about spectacular quarterback Armanti Edwards. But what if something happens to Edwards?

The team is working on solidifying its backup situation, and a freshman, DeAndre Presley from Tampa, made his presence felt in 11-
on-11 drills Saturday in Boone.

Taking over for the offense's second drive, he led an 80-yard march to a score that included his 27-yard burst on an option keeper. He completed the series with a 42-yard scoring pass to Clay McKnight.

The Mountaineers would love for Presley to make the backup role his own, but they have a backup to the backup. Should Presley eventually proves he's not ready, wide receiver CoCo Hillary, who has many of the same skills as Edwards, could slip comfortably into the role, according to quarterbacks coach Scott Satterfield.

Appalachian State, which opens its regular season Aug. 30 at LSU, has closed preseason practices to the public because of ongoing construction to Kidd Brewer Stadium. A FanFest scrimmage, though, will be held Saturday to give fans a look at the squad.

- Stan Olson