SAN ANGELO, TX — For all of the returning starters the Angelo State football team has in 2024, the one spot of uncertainty for the Rams is at quarterback.
ASU must find a replacement for Gerald Gardner, a second-team all-conference player who started all 10 games last year and threw for 2,129 yards and 17 touchdowns.
The Rams have no shortage of options.
When asked about his QB situation, ASU head coach Jeff Girsch mentioned four names, but there are two clear frontrunners heading into the Rams’ season opener Aug. 29 at Fort Hays State.
Braeden Fuller, a sophomore from Floresville who saw limited action last season, is competing for the starting job with Kaeden Smith, a freshman from Manvel.
Both are seeing equal time with the first- and second-team offenses, Girsch said.
“I anticipate there’s a good chance of seeing both those guys in (the first game),” Girsch said.
Angelo State Rams Gerald Gardner
(Credit: Angelosports.com)
Sophomore Chad Pharies was the returner with the most playing time at QB last season. He was used primarily in a running role and had 49 carries for 249 yards and six TDs.
“Chad was right there with them all the way through, but he had a minor injury, so he’s the one not getting the reps right now,” Girsch said. “But he’s a guy that’s in the fold for sure.”
Girsch went out of his way to mention a fourth QB, former San Angelo Central star Tyler Hill, a freshman who has caught coaches’ attention at practice.
“He’s done some unbelievable things for us too, so he’s coming,” Girsch said. “He’s got four years of eligibility. He’s a guy that we’ve got to find a way to get on the field and help us out.”
Tyler Hill bombs a touchdown to Ben Imler against Abilene Wylie for the game winner. (San Angelo LIVE! Credit: Images by Laray)
Girsch said he expected the competition to be between his sophomores, Fuller and Pharies. However, the injury to Pharies and the quicker-than-expected emergence of Smith changed the situation.
“We knew how good he could be, but he’s getting here probably a year earlier than we thought as far as development,” Girsch said. “But he’s a young man who has put himself right in the running to be a guy in the quarterback room.”
Kaeden Smith
Fuller (6-3, 180) and Smith (6-1, 185) have comparable frames. Fuller is a couple inches taller, while Smith is a bit faster.
Their playing styles are fairly similar, Girsch said.
“Both can really spin the football. They can throw it, and both are playmakers, too. When the pocket breaks down, both are good at getting outside the pocket and extending plays,” Girsch said.
Braeden Fuller
Whoever is running the offense will have a talented group around him.
The Rams return numerous wide receivers from last season, led by Zorhan Rideaux (35 catches, 600 yards, 4 TDs) and Kyle Bradford (21-513, 3 TDs).
Running back Brayden Wilcox, who had 510 rushing yards and caught 35 passes, also returns.
The Rams have a strong offensive line that will be led by Jake Long, who is transferring back to ASU from Duke. Long was the Lone Star Conference Lineman of the Year in 2022. He'll be joined up front by Noah Plsek, the 2023 LSC Lineman of the Year.
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