Football: McGuire takes turn as starter

Joshua Parrott • jparrott@theadvertiser.com • November 3, 2010

For the first time since Dec. 3, 2008 — a span of 20 games — UL’s football team will start someone other than Chris Masson at quarterback.

 

With Masson sidelined this week (and possibly longer) due to an injured medial collateral ligament in his left knee, fellow junior Brad McGuire is set to start Saturday at Ole Miss (3-5).

McGuire, used in short-yardage and goal-line situations for the past two years, stepped in last week after Masson got hurt on his team’s first offensive possession in a 38-31 loss at Ohio and had a career game. He passed for 384 yards with two touchdowns and one interception and rushed for 33 yards despite getting sacked six times and spraining the thumb on his throwing hand in the second quarter.

"The team rallies around him more than just a regular backup," UL coach Rickey Bustle said. "He’s been out there in the fires and took his licks. I thought he threw it extremely well (last week), got out of some trouble against the pass rush and made some plays."

Going into last week, McGuire had attempted only four passes this season while rushing for four scores in two games. In fact, he had only 402 career passing yards prior to the Ohio game.

Now he’s preparing for his second collegiate start — and first since leading the Ragin’ Cajuns (2-6) to a comeback win over Arkansas State in 2008 in placed of an injured Michael Desormeaux.

"I’m not really sure what’s going on with Chris’ knee, but I’m going to be ready to play no matter what happens," McGuire said. "I’ve just got to prepare like a starter, like I have been doing."

McGuire has patiently waited for the opportunity to start again.

After being the primary backup as a redshirt freshman behind Desormeaux in 2008, McGuire competed with Masson for the starting job last season. In preseason camp the coaches picked Masson, who started all 12 games last year. McGuire, meanwhile, led the team with seven rushing touchdowns.

During spring drills the 6-foot-2, 225-pound McGuire moved to H-back because of widespread injuries, a move that allowed sophomore Blaine Gautier to work as the No. 2 quarterback. McGuire continued to throw over the summer but remained at H-back in preseason camp before suffering a foot injury that forced him to miss the season’s first five games.

When McGuire returned to action, he was back at quarterback. In short, it’s been quite an up-and-down journey for him since arriving on campus from Gulf Breeze, Fla.

"Really I’ve just kept the mindset that God has a plan for you and to keep working hard and be a good leader for your teammates," McGuire said. "I’ve just tried to work hard and do the right things since I’ve been here, and whatever is supposed to happen is going to happen. That’s the reason that I’m in the position that I am right now to be able to step in and lead this team."

Junior defensive end Christopher Tucker expressed his confidence in McGuire leading the team.

"I’m very confident because I feel like we have two No. 1 quarterbacks," Tucker said. "Brad brings a lot to the table and so does Chris. I feel like our chances are still the same with Brad at quarterback. He’s a good leader, and I will follow him to victory."

Bustle was equally encouraged with McGuire running the offense.

"He brings great leadership to the table," Bustle said. "Of all the positions that he has played since he’s been here he has tried to bring leadership to that position and work as hard as he could. He’s back where he wants to be.

"Our kids will rally around him as they have in the past. He brings that mental toughness that we all talk about on the football field. He’s going to do things by running the football and not just standing there and getting hit. I have great confidence in him."