2019 Southeastern Football Position Report No. 9: Quarterbacks

HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana football team heads into the 2019 season with high hopes, due in large part to the increased comfort the Lions have with the culture and expectations being developed by head coach Frank Scelfo and his coaching staff.

Scelfo has consistently praised his team’s willingness to buy in to the program’s mission. Perhaps no player best embodies SLU’s improved outlook than quarterback Chason Virgil.

The Mesquite, Texas native’s talent was evident in his debut campaign in Hammond, when he led the Southland with 3,034 passing yards. However, Scelfo’s optimism regarding the Lion offense is buoyed by Virgil’s growth off the field.

“Chason’s embraced a leadership role for us,” Scelfo commented at Saturday’s Media Day. “We need Chason to be steady for us when we inevitably go through tough times. He’s shown the ability throughout the offseason to command the huddle and lead us in the right direction.”

Southeastern offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Greg Stevens echoes Scelfo’s sentiments.

“Chason’s much more consistent and has learned and grown from last year’s experience,” Stevens said. “We feel we can put more on his shoulders because of his growth and the familiarity he has with our receivers, tight ends and running backs.”

Southeastern has improved depth behind Virgil, as junior Cole Kelley joined the program in the spring after spending his first two collegiate seasons at Arkansas. Kelley’s fellow newcomers Mason Schucker and Jordan Loving have both made progress during fall camp.

“We feel very good about where Cole’s at and we expect him to continue to improve,” Stevens commented. “He’ll be ready to play if we need him. Mason and Jordan have made the most of their reps. Mason has a lot of talent and continues to get better. Jordan’s been a nice addition to our team. He plays smart and is a good competitor.

“Our main objective is to be consistent and take care of the football,” Stevens added. “If Chason can play with the consistency we expect and make the right decisions, we’re going to have a very good offense.”

The opening game of the 2019 season is just days away, as No. 6 Jacksonville State visits Strawberry Stadium on Thursday at 7 p.m. Next Thursday’s game against the Gamecocks will also be Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day at Strawberry Stadium. All SLU faculty and staff can receive two complimentary tickets by presenting their Southeastern faculty/staff ID.

To avoid ticket lines, faculty and staff are encouraged to pick up their tickets prior to game day at the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office, which is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Friday. On game day, tickets may be picked up at the ticket booths in Friendship Circle or Strawberry Stadium.

SEASON TICKETS
For season ticket information, please contact the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office at (985) 549-5466 or visit www.LionSports.net/tickets. The Lions open their home schedule versus No. 6 Jacksonville State on Aug. 29, before welcoming Southland Conference foes Lamar (Sept. 21), UIW (Oct. 12), Stephen F. Austin (Nov. 2) and Nicholls (Nov. 21).

2019 PROMOTIONS
For full details on promotions surrounding the Southeastern Louisiana football team’s 2019 home schedule visit www.LionSports.net/FootballPromos.

INSIDE SOUTHEASTERN FOOTBALL WITH FRANK SCELFO
Inside Southeastern Football With Frank Scelfo will debut on Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. at Tope La Catering in downtown Hammond. Hosted by Scelfo, the Lions’ second-year head coach, and Allen Waddell, the hour-long show will air weekly from Tope La Catering, located at 113 East Thomas Street. The season’s first show will air on Tuesday due to Labor Day. The season’s remaining shows will be held each Monday through Nov. 18 with a 7 p.m. start for each. The show will air on the Southeastern Sports Radio Network (KSLU-FM (90.9), Kajun 107.1 FM, The Highway 104.7 FM and The Boss 103.7 FM/1400 AM). Fans can also listen live at www.LionSports.net/listenlive and via the Radio FX and TuneIn Radio apps. A live video stream of the show will be available at www.youtube.com/sluathletics.

SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on Southeastern Football, follow @SLUFootball and @Coach_Scelfo on Twitter, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and subscribe to the SLUathletics YouTube channel.

TOUCHDOWN CLUB/S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the football program are encouraged to join the Touchdown Club. Lion football alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners.

All membership fees and donations to both the Touchdown Club and S Club (football) are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern football program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.

CLEAR BAG POLICY
Southeastern Athletics instituted a clear bag policy for all ticketed events, effective with the start of the 2018 football season. For more information on the clear bag policy, visit www.LionSports.net/clear.