Published May 07, 2008 10:40 pm - MOULTRIE — When the members of the Colquitt County High offensive unit get a bit frustrated learning the new system this spring, they don’t need to feel alone.
Packers quarterback coach Robert Craft has had to learn it too.
QBs get taste of new offense
MOULTRIE — When the members of the Colquitt County High offensive unit get a bit frustrated learning the new system this spring, they don’t need to feel alone.
Packers quarterback coach Robert Craft has had to learn it too.
After coaching the quarterbacks for three seasons under Tim Cokely, Craft has been retained by new coach Rush Propst.
And while the offense the Packers will run this year is similar to the one used by Cokely in 2006, there has been a learning curve by both the coaches and the players.
“I’ve had to treat myself like I was a player,” Craft said following Wednesday’s third day of spring practice. “I just had to get right into it.
“It’s like I was a freshman in college with a new playbook. It’s the same thing.”
And now Craft is teaching the Packers three quarterbacks — John Michael Harrison, Quin Roberson and Tyler Brown — the ins and outs of the offense that helped lead Propst and Hoover (Ala.) High to five state championships between 2000 and 2005.
Craft says the offense is one that the players — especially the quarterbacks — should enjoy.
They’ll be in the shotgun, no-huddle, with plenty of chances to make plays.
“They like it,” Craft said. “It’s a fun offense. The skill people couldn’t ask for a better offense to be in.
“And they are responding real well.”
Harrison returns to the position he started 10 games at last year. Roberson got some playing time late in the season and displayed some exception running ability.
“They both got a lot of experience last year,” Craft said. “John Michael and Quin are both good at both running the ball and throwing the ball.”
Brown was a ninth-grader last year and played well.
“He’s gotten a lot bigger,” Craft said. “And a lot of the players have mentioned how much stronger his arm is.