Chants wrap up scrimmages; QB spot still up for grabs

After the final round in the Coastal Carolina quarterback derby Wednesday, the dust cloud has not settled, no signal caller has yet to emerge as the starter.

With quar terback Jamie Childers watching the final scrim mage from the Brooks Stadium press box, both Will Richardson and Zach MacDowall had their moments Wednesday, though Richardson put up the gaudier stat line.

Richardson completed 16 of 25 passes for 186 yards and two touchdowns. MacDowall, who started the scrimmage, threw only six passes but completed three of them for 54 yards and a touch down.

After three weeks of training camp and four scrimmages, CCU coach David Bennett has not named a starting quarterback for the Aug. 30 opener at State College, Pa.

Bennett did not name a starting quarterback for last season's opener at Delaware State until the morning of the game. However, Bennett said he would like to name his starter early next week. Bennett said the coaching staff will receive more film before making a decision. He also said to make nothing of MacDowall's fewer throwing opportunities.

Richardson was decisive with his offerings and appears to have a bit more velocity on his throws in camp.

``I added a year under my belt,'' Richardson said. ``It was what I didn't have last year; a whole lot of consistent playing time. I just think that helped me out with making quicker reads and faster decisions.''

MacDowall didn't have many chances to show off his strong arm, but he did connect on a 47-yard touchdown pass to Paul Nicholas.

Mr. Red Zone

In back-to-back scrimmages, Keith Graham has soared above defenders to reel in touchdown grabs.

Graham had just one catch Wednesday, but it was a majestic showing as he jumped too early but was still able to hang in the air to haul in a Chris Presley 5-yard fade route.

Graham said he is working on releases and his ability to identify coverage in hopes of mastering thoseto become an impact fresh man player.

Graham is just one of many receiving targets the Chants have. Brandon Whitely and Nicholas also caught touchdowns Wednes day, and Trent Usher, Jamar Anderson and Jon Greene are also at the position. Anderson watched practice Tuesday after collapsing in Monday's practice.

``There is no Jerome Simpson in the group,'' said Bennett in reference to last year's top receiver who now with the Cincinnati Beng als. ``Some of them have potential but they don't have experience. It's going to be a committee.''

Last but not least

Although Richardson and MacDowall figure to receive the majority of playing time at Penn State, third-string quarterback Chris Presley has impressed Bennett with his work while filling in for Childers.

The long, lean 6-foot-5 Presley was recruited as an athlete but has shown an accurate arm to go along with his spry legs. Presley threw for a touchdown, completed 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards and gained 35 yards on 14 carries. With the depth at receiver and quarterback, Presley could be headed for a redshirt year.

Final cuts

Although the Chants have brought 90 players to camp, only 75 will be on the charter flight to Penn State. Bennett said the team will bring 35 offensive players, 35 defensive and five specialists.