SMOOTH OPERATOR
Foran QB Jack Cushman has Lions off to 8-0 start, in SS playoff hunt
MILFORD — The real measure of a quarterback is how he responds when the plan falls apart and chaos ensues.
For Foran quarterback Jack Cushman, when the game seems to be out of control, he is able to lock in and make big plays.
“He’s a smooth character. He will avoid a rush, he will throw sidearm, he’s a playmaker. He kind of reminds me of a Brett Favre-type player. He improvises very, very well. He has a natural feel for it,” Foran coach Tom Drew said. “It’s one of those things you don’t teach as a coach. There is a progression for Jack and then it is time to make a play and that is what makes him special. It’s very slow in his head. When it’s chaotic, ideally you want a quarterback who is like ‘I got this’ and that is rare. They can slow it down in their head and make the right play and Jack has the ability to do that.”
Cushman is having a breakout season for Foran, which is 8-0, its best start since 2015 when the Lions started 6-1. Cushman has thrown for 2,001 yards through eight games with 23 touchdown passes and five interceptions. Foran is rated third in the Class SS playoff ratings entering its game Thursday with Amity (3-6) at 6 p.m. The Lions end their regular-season against Law (7-1) on Thanksgiving Day. The top eight teams earn playoff berths. Foran likely needs one win to secure its spot.
“We want to make the playoffs,” Cushman said. “Class SS is really tough but hopefully we finish the season strong and get in. After that, our mindset changes to winning a state champi
onship but we have two games to focus on before that.”
Starting as a junior last season, Cushman threw nine touchdown passes, but also had nine interceptions.
So, how was Cushman able to go from a so-so junior year to being one of the state’s best quarterbacks through eight weeks of his senior season?
“My reads were the biggest game changer,” Cushman said. “Last year, it was hard because I was a firstyear starter, but now I know the routes, I know the combinations and I know where to put the ball. Last year, I would go to my main target a lot but this year, if he’s not open I know where else I can go with the ball.”
Drew agrees with that assessment.
“Jack has a comfortability in what he is seeing from a defense’s perspective. He is better with his progressions, which any second-year quarterback is, but he is anticipating things more,” Drew said. “He is coming off the field and talking to us about what he is seeing and what will work. He’s taking a lot more ownership of our offense which is the biggest difference between years one and two. He tells us what he is comfortable with each game week. He tells us what he notices on film.
He’s become a smarter football player.”
Cushman said he owes much of his success to a stout offensive line.
“The offensive line, I know they will give me two or three seconds every play in the pocket. That’s just enough time for me to make my reads, make my progression and throw it,” Cushman said. “The run game is averaging 100 yards a game running and that’s because of the big boys up front. We all appreciate them.”
Drew said while the offensive line has been great, the success of the team has been a group effort, spearheaded by Cushman.
“The big guys up front have been huge for Jack’s confidence, but collectively as an offense, Jack is comfortable with everybody. Every single guy on our offense has a part in our success,” Drew said. “Jack is very confident in himself and kids follow him because of his confidence. He’s not a rah-rah or speech guy but he is very confident in himself and the kid respond to that because that’s what you look for in a leader is confidence.”