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His Turn: Senior David Byrd ready for debut as starting QB
By Jim O'Hara
Hawks (0-0) at #20 Webber International
(0-1)
Saturday, Sept. 10 • 1:30 pm • Babson Park,
Fla.
ROME – Four years ago, David Byrd finally got the opportunity to become the starting quarterback as a senior at Whitewater High in Fayetteville in 2007 after being a back-up in his first three years.
All he did was lead the team to a 9-3 record and the school’s first-ever playoff win in which Byrd ran for three touchdowns.
On Saturday, Byrd is hoping to experience déjà vu when the Shorter University senior, who has been on the sidelines for the past three years, gets his first collegiate start under center when the Hawks kick-off their new season against No. 20-ranked Webber International in Babson Park, Fla.
“I’m kind of used to it,” the 6-foot, 200-pound Byrd said. “I finally get my shot and I’m motivated to do well, help the team have a winning season and get back to the playoffs.”
“He’s a high-character individual,” Shorter head coach Phil Jones said of Byrd. “He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do. He’s paid his dues.”
Byrd is a prime example of an athlete that has paid his dues – and then some.
In his first three seasons with Shorter, Byrd found himself backing up the now-graduated Ben Williams, who closed out his career in 2010 as the program’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdown passes while also ranking No. 2 in career rushing yards, carries and touchdowns.
While the durable Williams entrenched himself as Shorter’s starting quarterback since 2008, Byrd settled for his role as a player with the “limited playing time” label.
All told, he has seen action in just 11 games – five of those coming last year – and has carried the ball 25 times for 91 yards and a touchdown, 63 of those yards being recorded in 2009. Passing-wise, Byrd has attempted six throws with one completion and has been picked off once.
“David knows and runs the offense well,” Jones said. “In a lot of ways he’s like Ben – he’s physical and doesn’t mind collisions. I think he’ll do well.”
Byrd admits that he will be put under the microscope as a first-time starter.
“I know there’s some pressure on me to do well,” he said. “We have almost the entire line back, both fullbacks return and our wingbacks have all played before. I’m the new guy who doesn’t have the experience. But they’ve all been very supportive of me and were supportive before I got the start.”
“He practices in a way that he’s already been under pressure,” Jones explained. “But he’s been calm and secure. I think the other players have a lot of faith in him and he’s a great leader who now has the opportunity to step in.”
In turn, Byrd has faith in his teammates and in the two quarterbacks who will back him up this season – junior Cory Thacker, who is Shorter’s punter, and true freshman Eric Dodson, the Hawks’ highly-touted recruit who was a standout at Thomas County Central.
“We all have a good relationship,” said Byrd. “Cory and I are good friends and Eric is learning fast.”
“I feel good about all three of them,” Jones said. “All of them continue to progress and we’re fortunate to have all of them.”
Yet it will be Byrd who will stand over center when the Hawks line up against Webber, an opportunity he has truly earned.
“I respect him for what he’s done for Shorter football and I think the team feels the same way,” Jones said. “He’s been a true Hawk and he’s been a vital part of our program. He’s not about David. He’s about the team.”
Said Byrd: “I’m excited to be getting out there. Anything the team needs I’m willing to do.”
