Baylor School quarterback Nick Tiano throws during a passing scrimmage Saturday at the Dalton Community Center.DALTON, Ga. – A quarterback battle is under way at Baylor, and it’s the last thing coach Phil Massey envisioned as the Red Raiders went through spring practice.
The 2011 Division II-AA state runners-up were looking to replace graduated Matthew Oellerich, and the likely candidate appeared to be rising sophomore Nick Tiano, a 6-foot-4, 200-pound slinger. But a positive uncertainty arose with the arrival from Ottawa, Canada, of Michael O’Connor, a 6-foot-5, 210-pounder with similar skills.
“Michael has that typical quarterback frame that you see in college – the pocket passer with a rocket arm. We’ve seen it in 7-on-7 drills just among ourselves,” Red Raiders running back Houston Clements said. “Everybody knows already what Nick can do. We’ve seen it in games. He’s just a competitor and a good leader.”
Competition is a dream come true for Massey, especially at the quarterback position, which figured to be almost as inexperienced as the team’s offensive line where there is only one returning starter.
“We expect both to progress through the 7-on-7s and then battle once camp starts,” he said of the two QBs. “That’s what you love as a coach, and it could be exciting with the level of competition between the two.”