Kiffin expects QB competition to linger until fall

BOCA RATON — Ideally, Florida Atlantic coach Lane Kiffin would prefer to have a starting quarterback selected by the end of spring practice.

In reality, he knows the chances of that happening are slim. Kiffin said Thursday he expects the competition between Chris Robison and De’Andre Johnson to continue until fall camp.

“It would be ideal to always have a guy,” Kiffin said. “I don’t know that that’s going to happen with them being pretty close right now, and also you’re going to have in the fall, a lot of times you kind of have more scrimmages at that point where you get to see things happen more, and more practices so you get to see them in more situations.”

Kiffin said it is too early to evaluate either of the competitors because the Owls are only a third of the way through the spring. Neither Johnson or Robison have emerged as a favorite.

Both quarterbacks have yet to start a college game. Last year’s starter, Jason Driskel, decided to quit playing football so he could focus on furthering his academic career. Backup Daniel Parr transferred to Duquesne in the offseason once Kiffin made it clear Robison and Johnson were the favorites to win the competition.

Last year Johnson, who signed with Florida State out of high school, was sidelined after the second game of the season once blood clots were discovered in his arm. He is no longer on blood-thining medication and has been impressive during the spring. He has, however, struggled with accuracy at times. Most of that has to do with Johnson, a junior, being inactive for nearly six months.

“De’Andre’s had some really good time periods where you kind of see him come alive in the team setting where it’s not drill work,” Kiffin said.

A sophomore, Robison was suspended for the opening day of practice for a violation of team rules. He returned the following practice, and the suspension was likely a motivational tool by Kiffin.

Robison was dismissed from Oklahoma last year after twice violating team rules. Kiffin has compared him to Heisman Trophy winner and first-round NFL draft pick Johnny Manziel, because of his ability to improvise in the pocket.

Although Kiffin loves the gambling nature of both quarterbacks, he wants them to use the spring as a chance to improve their decision-making.

“Both can run and make big throws,” Kiffin said. “Got to do a better job taking care of the ball, through.”

What has hurt their growth thus far has been injuries to key receivers. Sophomore Willie Wright, last year’s leading receiver, is limited with an undisclosed injury. DeAndre McNeal is also battling minor pain while tight end Harrison Bryant is still recovering from a fractured ankle from last season.

Kiffin said the constant shuffling of the receivers has affected the quarterbacks’ ability to get adjusted to their targets.

“You can still get a good read, but it is tough for them to be extremely accurate when you’ve got so many different guys coming in and out, and hobbled and not 100 percent,” Kiffin said.