Freedom

By Brendan Galella
Published August 31, 2007

Multiple Choice

According to a list given out by coach Marquel Blackwell to his quarterbacks, how many steps does a quarterback have to go through in 30 seconds to be effective on each play?

A) 10 B) 15 C) 20 D) 25

Answer: C. Among the responsibilities Blackwell feels necessary are deciphering calls from the bench, communicating calls to teammates, reading the defense, making sure the team is in proper formation and delivering a crisp pass with the right velocity. Blackwell spent four seasons as South Florida's quarterback and set nearly every career record at the school.

True-False

Blackwell is the only former USF player on staff.

Answer: False. Entering his first season as coach, Blackwell's entire staff consists of former Bulls. The 27-year-old is looking for coaches who can relate to young players and have experience to properly assess the game. "We're trying to build a system and build things the right way," Blackwell said. "The best way to go about it is to have guys who know how to do things the right way and who have been through it before."

Yes or No

Will Blackwell rely heavily on his passing game?

Answer: No. The graduation of prolific passer Andrew Carr has left Blackwell uncertain where the bulk of his offense will come from. "We could have a 1,000- to 1,500-yard back and a 1,000-yard receiver; it all just depends on how we come together as a team," Blackwell said.The Patriots have quarterback Chris Bonti, who has made strides in the offseason but lacks game experience.

Essay

Middleton coach Harry Hubbard on Freedom:

"They're one of the newer teams in the area and now they have a brand new coach. They fared well last year, finishing (6-5) and once Blackwell is able to get his stamp on the program I think they'll become one of the teams to beat in the area."

Blackwell on the Patriots:

"We need depth, I can tell you that. We're young and that's what you expect with a young team. We just have to get used to it and I think it's a good thing that we're young. There's a lot of improvement to be made and our kids are willing to put in the work to improve."

Extra Credit

Blackwell said he will try to mimic the way USF coach Jim Leavitt evaluates and motivates players and designs plays. ... Eventually, Blackwell hopes Freedom will send numerous players to play for USF. ... Blackwell will be keeping close tabs all year on Bonti. "Of course my expectations are very high for quarterbacks," he said. "We struggled a little bit at that position this offseason, but I'm excited to see what we're going to do."

Brendan Galella, Times correspondent

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[Last modified August 29, 2007, 15:17:37]