Ole Miss fans got the sizzle this spring, but Pete Golding is still holding back the steak: the QB2 battle.
Trinidad Chambliss winning his legal battle was a celebration in Oxford in itself, but the obvious follow-up question of who will be the backup QB is one that is asked at least once every time Golding steps behind the podium in front of the media.
Pete Golding on QB 2 competition
So far, the staff is still testing the waters with Walker Howard and Auburn transfer Deuce Knight.
Per Golding, Howard is the veteran guy who knows his ball and snaps, and could be the most obvious answer to Chambliss's QB2 were it not for Knight putting up a tough competition.
"Walker Howard, who’s been in the system, right. That went out of the system again, and then came back, who understands exactly what we’re trying to accomplish. Really smart, understands what the defense is trying to do and what to get into, what to get out of and where to go with the football. So it’s really nice to have a veteran guy in there that’s been in this system, you know, to help with Trinidad from a leadership standpoint for the young guys," Golding said Tuesday.
Knight, on the other hand, is continuously getting better with is snaps to prove he's worthy of the spot.
"I think Deuce has continued to flash. Obviously a real problem in plus-one runs with his size and speed and they’re doing a good job offensively creating some of those issues. So, had some big runs today. I think he’s getting better at delivering the football and making good decisions, which will continue to come with time," Golding added.
Knight and Howard are the top-most names in QB2 competition, but that doesn't sideline AJ Maddox from being the wildcard who steals that spot at all.
"You see the flashes of AJ, and then it’s the consistency of playing the position snap in and snap out."
"So the evaluation of that position sometimes is a little tough based on who’s at O-line, to be honest with you. So, I think they’re all in. I think Joe does a great job with that group, but I’d say they’ve all flashed. They’re all continuing to get better, which they need to," Golding concluded.
Golding tossed a few bones to the Rebel Nation but wouldn’t offer a shred of evidence as to who’s leading the pack this summer. And that's something everyone will want to know more and more of as August nears.
Knowing Golding, the decision will most likely come out right before the season kicks off.
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