Marshman answers the call
Stankavage injury opens the door for backup QB
Rice quarterbacks coach Robbie Picazo knows a little something about the importance of second-team quarterbacks, having backed up Andrew Luck during their days at Stanford.
“That’s the thing about being the backup quarterback,” Picazo said. “I heard from somebody that it’s the second-most important position on the team. The first-most important is the starting quarterback; secondmost is the backup because you’re always one play away.”
For the Owls, that one play came in the second quarter last Saturday against UAB when starter Shawn Stankavage injured an ankle — he will miss the remainder of the season although he has the potential for another year of eligibility because of the injury.
So on Saturday against Florida International (4-2, 2-0 Conference USA), Rice (1-6, 0-3) will start redshirt freshman Evan Marshman as the Owls try to end a sixgame losing streak.
After beating out Jackson Tyner for the backup job, Marshman was being groomed to play in specific packages as the coaches sought solutions for the Owls’ anemic offense. But Marshman wound up playing much of what turned out to be a 42-0 loss to the Blazers. He finished 6-of-16 passing for 57 yards.
“Evan’s just so consistent, it’s hard to say he’s doing anything different,” Picazo said. “Since we’ve gotten here, he’s attacked everything with such energy and passion; done everything the way we’ve asked, done everything right.”
Marshman was sacked and stripped of the ball early-against UAB. When he returned to the sideline, coaches were impressed that he didn’t hang his head but instead asked what they saw so he could do better on the next offensive series.
It is that attitude and his overall consistency that elevated him above Tyner and true freshman Wiley Green on the depth chart.
“One of my main goals was to come out with energy and intensity and go full speed with every play and every rep,” Marshman said of his approach. “I think by Saturday … we’ll be able to tighten up all the loose ends and go out there and do well.”
Coaches gush about Marshman’s work ethic. They said his preparation remains the same regardless of where he sits on the depth chart.
But for the young quarterback, there is an added confidence in terms of embracing a greater leadership role.
“I think gives me a little bit more opportunity to be vocal,” Marshman said. “As a third string, it’s kind of hard to be the guy people are looking to.”
In addition to Stankavage, Rice will be without left tackle Uzoma Osuji, who will miss his second consecutive game with an ankle injury. Running back Emmanuel Esukpa (concussion) has been limited in practice, and receiver Brendan Harmon will be sidelined with a knee injury.
Picazo remains confident that the Owls have enough weapons to produce points.
“The biggest thing is consistency and carrying over what we do on the practice field,” Picazo said.