2021 SLU Football Preseason Position Report No. 6: Quarterbacks

Position: Quarterbacks
Position Coach: Greg Stevens (Sixth season at SLU)
Returners: Cephus Johnson III (6-5, 220, Jr.), Cole Kelley (6-7, 260, Sr.)*
Newcomers: Eli Sawyer (6-2, 215, Fr.)**, Bauer Sharp (6-5, 220, Fr.), Jacob Switzer (6-3, 200, Fr.), Grant Tisdale (6-0, 215, Fr.)
* – All-Southland Conference
** – Did not see action in 2020 season

HAMMOND, La. – Both the present and the future are bright at the quarterback position for the Southeastern Louisiana University football team heading into the 2021 season.

Back for his second year as a starter is senior Cole Kelley, the reigning Walter Payton Award winner. In his debut season as a starter, the Lafayette, Louisiana native threw for 2,662 yards and accounted for 27 touchdowns, topping 300 yards or more in all seven games during the spring.

Kelley’s primary backup is Cephus Johnson III, who is in his second season with the Lions. The quarterback room is rounded out by the freshmen quartet of Eli Sawyer, Bauer Sharp, Grant Tisdale and Jacob Switzer.

“Every successful quarterback room I’ve been a part of had a few things in common,” Southeastern head coach Frank Scelfo said. “First, the camaraderie between the players in the room and second, having multiple guys who are capable of playing, so they push each other to be better. We have both right now, so we feel good where we are from Cole all the way through our depth chart.”

Kelley made big strides from the 2019 season in which he backed up then-senior Chason Virgil. SLU offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Greg Stevens believes Kelley can make another leap during his final season in Hammond.

“There’s always things you can work on to improve and Cole has been working hard at the things we’ve asked him to do,” Stevens commented. “His footwork and balance in the pocket have both improved and we’re hopeful that he’ll have an even better season this fall.”

In his debut season with the Lions, Johnson was used in a multitude of ways. The Mobile, Alabama native lined up in a variety of positions to make use of his unique athleticism.

“Cephus is probably one of the most talented athletes we have on our team,” Stevens commented. “He’s really grown as a quarterback, as far as being comfortable in the pocket, making the right reads and going through his progressions. Cephus is a big asset for us and we’re expecting good things from him this fall.”

Stevens believes the Lions will be in good hands under center moving forward, as a talented group of young players have the opportunity to learn from the top quarterback in FCS.

“Cole has taken a leadership role not only in the quarterback room, but for our offense as a whole,” Stevens said. “He does a great job with our young guys, helping them learn the offense and get better.”

Southeastern will return to the practice field on Wednesday at 3:50 p.m. The No. 15/17 Lions open the 2021 season at home, hosting North Alabama at 6 p.m. in Strawberry Stadium on Sept. 4.

2021 Southeastern Football Preseason Practice Schedule
Aug. 25 – 3:50 p.m.
Aug. 26 – 3:50 p.m.
Aug. 27 – 9 a.m.
Aug. 28 – 9 a.m.

TICKETS
For ticket information, contact the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office at (985) 549-5466 or visit www.LionSports.net. Southeastern will continue offering mobile ticketing as the primary source for securing tickets for the 2021-22 season. All tickets will be available via e-mail or text message in a PDF format for fans to download on their phone or print at home. Tickets can also be downloaded to Apple Wallet.

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