CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A season after do-it-all quarterback DaRante Hunter was kicked off the team due to a "violation of school policy," one would think the quarterback position would be one of the University of Charleston coach Tony DeMeo's main concerns.
Instead, it was the first thing he talked about when asked what stood out thus far in practices.
"Our two young freshman quarterbacks [Ellis McGhee and Malon Johnson] have been outstanding. It's been a surprise that they picked up the offense so quickly," DeMeo said. "Blaine Wilson and Dorian Curry have been great as well."
Wilson has been tabbed by DeMeo as the starter for the Golden Eagles. The junior from Richwood, Ohio, was Hunter's backup last season and is in his third year under DeMeo. Despite having enormous cleats to fill, DeMeo says Wilson has been very solid and brings experience and a diverse skill set to the position.
"I think he's a big strong kid, about 6-foot-2, 225 pounds. He throws well and knows the offense pretty well because he was the backup last year and a redshirt the year before," said DeMeo. "He brings a lot to the table. Good speed and a strong arm."
DeMeo didn't stop at the quarterback spot in praising his team, pointing out almost every unit on both sides of the ball, even mentioning senior kicker Wes Sherrill, who booted a 60-yard punt in a scrimmage game.
But the defense is what has caught DeMeo's eye the most.
"The defense looks very, very fast and they've done a good job. Josh Bruce from St. Albans has looked really good on the defensive line," DeMeo said. "As far as our linebackers, we lost three seniors last year and replaced them with three seniors so they've done very well. Secondary wise, Chris Woomer, Markel Vaughn, Rickey Strother and Nick Watts have all done a good job back there, so the defense looks pretty good and that's where we lost most of our people."
The Golden Eagles return nine starters on offense from last year's squad, even with the departure of Hunter. The entire offensive line comes back intact as well as wide receiver Andre Higgins, who caught 35 passes and had nine touchdowns last year. Higgins will be joined by fellow three-year starter Justin Nelson at wideout, giving Wilson a couple of options on the outside along with a backfield loaded with solid running backs.
The returning experience, along with last season's 9-2 mark, helped UC garner a No. 3 ranking in the West Virginia Conference coaches preseason poll.
DeMeo could not care less about the ranking.
"I don't go much by preseason polls," said DeMeo. "You can't really tell. When I fill mine out I take about a minute and a half. I don't put much stock in them one way or the other. Even in the national polls, everyone typically just goes by who did what last year anyway."
Reach Ryan Pritt at 304-348-1749