Quarterback job up for grabs
Casey Dick returned to practice Sunday night, but he still may not be the starter when Arkansas travels to Mississippi State on Saturday. Dick will be competing with his younger brother, redshirt freshman Nathan Dick, for the starting job this week in practice, Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino announced in a press conference this afternoon.
Casey Dick
Casey Dick, who suffered a concussion against South Carolina Nov. 8, was held out of practice last week. His younger brother took the majority of the snaps in practice and it seems like he's impressing his coaches. Even with Casey back in action at practice Sunday, the siblings split repetitions.
Petrino said the opening of the starting job was partly because of Casey's concussion and his performance of late.
"Kind of a combination," Petrino said Monday afternoon. "We want to make sure that Casey is back healthy. We do like the way Nathan played when he came in. It wasn’t Casey’s best game of the year against South Carolina. He certainly had some mistakes prior to getting hit in the head. And also we want to make sure that Mississippi State has to prepare for both of them."
Nathan Dick
Casey Dick has thrown for a career high 2,389 yards, but has also tossed just 11 touchdowns compared to 14 interceptions this season.
Petrino said he felt "confident" in both bros, no matter who gets the nod Saturday. He also wouldn't rule out rotating the siblings in and out during the game Saturday.
"I don’t anticipate doing that," Petrino said. "But who knows?"
Make sure and read the Northwest Arkansas Times for more tomorrow. Special thanks to Razorbacks beat writer Nate Allen for tossing a few quotes our way.
– Brandon Marcello
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At 4-6, Petrino has the luxury of mixing it up. Its a good time to put some reps into others who may have a chance at the starting job next year.
I am sure however, that whoever comes out of the late season and into spring ball looking good will have their hands full trying to wrestle the top spot on the depth chart from Ryan Mallet.
You're right ua87. Whomever wins this battle, needs a head start on Mallett to compete for the job next year. Let's not forget the two who could still play into the mix in Greenwood and Youngblood. Great kids to have competing.
If Nathan started Im worried he would throw an interception for a touchdown. He might force a pass at a critical point in the game and be intercepted setting up an opponemts score or cost us points. He might not be able to throw the ball away and take a sack setting up long yardage downs or take us out of scoring range. I appreciate what Casey has given and done in his 4 years. He has shown a lot of dedication and character. But we need to begin grooming a backup QB for next year. Unfortunately, Casey is our most experienced chance to get us to a bowl this week. To that end it really is one game at a time now.
Totally agree with you guys, though having followed Mallett in high school, I think Wilson, Dick and Youngblood are going to be competing for a backup position.
Mallett is just an incredible talent and very gifted. I also believe that having Mallett on board has generated and will continue to pique a lot of interest with skill position players.
With the incoming class and existing players, these guys will be playing BCS ball by Mallett's junior year.