Football: Titans Still Putting Puzzle Together

Having been an offensive coordinator at the top level of college football at the University of South Florida, first-year San Marino football coach Mike Hobbie has seen his share of types of offenses.

Perhaps it is for that reason that Hobbie has yet to select a quarterback as the Titans are just weeks away from opening their season against visiting Eagle Rock High on Sept. 8.

Quarterback Situation

As it stands, three are vying for the starting job. Senior Garrett Glazier and juniors Matt Wofford and Bradley Haslam are all taking snaps in practice.

“It’s probably our most competitive position that we have,” Hobbie said. “We’re fortunate that we’ve got three guys and each one brings something different to the table. We’re trying some offenses around some abilities and also (trying) to match up our other talent.”

Wofford and Haslam spoke about the prospects of getting the nod.

“The competition is good,” Wofford said. “I like competition because we work harder.”

Wofford spoke of what he thinks Hobbie is looking for in a starter.

“He’s looking for consistency in the passing game and he’s also looking for a quarterback that can run,” Wofford said.

Wofford was a varsity linebacker as a sophomore and Haslam was the junior varsity quarterback. Wofford played quarterback two seasons ago on the freshman team.

“It has been fun doing all the drills together,” Haslam said. “We push each other to get better.”

Glazier was the varsity backup last season. He completed 14 of 36 passes for 183 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions.

Wofford was second on the team in tackles last season with 82.

Do Still a Question Mark?

One factor that could play a key role in the Titans’ success this season is the availability of tailback Kwame Do.

Last season Do suffered a season-ending torn anterior cruciate ligament in the second week. He had already rushed for 413 yards on 33 carries and scored four touchdowns.

Do did not practice Wednesday due to soreness in his knee and ankle, but said he expects to be ready Thursday.

Hobbie is hoping Do will get healthy soon, but is making plans in case he doesn’t.

“He was out of practice because he tweaked his ankle. I don’t know any more than that,” Hobbie said. “He tried to go, but couldn’t go past warm-ups. One day in pads and he’s down already.”

Q&A with Kwame Do

Q: How long has it taken you to come back from your injury? 

A: It took me like four months of rehab and then I waited a couple of months to get a brace. Now I’m back at it. 

Q: How long did it take before you were back at full strength?

A: I was running at full strength not until the first week of the summer. 

Q: What was it like missing the other seasons (he also plays basketball and baseball)?

A: It was kind of weird because I played all of them in the summer and then I had just two weeks of football. It kind of bummed me out. All my plans went down the drain. 

Q: Are you still nursing an injury right now?

A: Yea. I have another one, but I should be fine. I should be back for (Thursday’s) practice. 

Q: What do you have?

A: Just soreness in my ankle and in my knee. 

Q: Do you feel like you’ll be 100 percent once the season starts?

A: I should be 100 percent by the first game.

Q: Have you have any discomfort?

A: No, not really.

Q: What do you think about your team this season?

A: We look pretty good, but nothing is set in stone yet and you never know what is going to happen.