ROCKINGHAM — There’s a battle for the starting quarterback job going on at Richmond.
And while the three candidates are out to show why they should be named the starter, quarterback coach Jay Jones has made it a point to remind them that they’re all teammates at the end of the day. Each player is a member of a football program that’s focused on bringing the 4A state championship back to Richmond County.
“It’s a competition, but it’s a gentlemen’s competition. Yes, I’m battling you, but I’m also your teammate — so we’re not going to be jerks to each other,” Jones explained Wednesday morning. “And they’ve been really good as far as that goes. I hear them rooting for each other when one of them makes a good pass. They get along well.”
Kaleb Douglas, Jada Edwards and Caleb Hood are the three Raiders being considered for the position that comes with, arguably, the most responsiblity on the field. Each one having very little to no varsity experience under center.
That doesn’t bother Jones, however, as he believes Richmond has a “good problem” after watching a handful of quarterbacks from other schools at the N.C. State camp two weeks ago.
“We’re not necessarily the best in the state at the quarterback position…but we’ve got three guys who we feel are good at different things,” he added. “I’ve coached all of them at some point before this. And I love every one of them.”
Douglas is the oldest of the group. The rising senior served as Leon Zeigler’s backup last season, but didn’t throw any passes in the 13 games played. He did, however, see time as a wide receiver, catching three passes for 31 yards. Douglas also carried the ball twice for 11 yards and a touchdown.
He was not available for comment after Wednesday’s practice.
Edwards, a rising junior, led the junior varsity football team to an undefeated season and a Southeastern Conference title last year. He made appearances in a few varsity games late last season, but didn’t attempt any passes. Edwards says his main focus is being consistent each time he takes the field.
“I can be good at reading the defense, throwing and running (one day), and then the next day it could be a totally different me,” Edwards said. “I’ve just got to start being consistent with it.”
Hood is the newcomer of the group, and is playing catch-up since he was unable to participate in spring practices. The rising freshman has dedicated time to watching film and studying all of the things that Douglas and Edwards were able to pick up during the spring.
Jones says Hood, who quarterbacked the Rockingham Middle School football team last year, has been improving each day. Learning how to make the read and get the ball out in a timely manner is a work in progress for Hood.
“At some points it’s been intimidating because a lot of people are bigger than me. But I’ve got to look at it as, if I make it now, in four years it’s going to be pretty easy for me,” Hood said. “I’m also trying to keep a wide base…and trying to be more of a pocket passer.”
The Raiders don’t know exactly when someone will separate themselves and a starter will be named, but they do know what they’re looking for whenever that time comes: consistency and decision making.
A good decision every now and then won’t cut it, as the team hopes to avoid as many second-and-long — or third-and-long — situations as it can this fall. Richmond, like almost every football team, wants the lead play-caller to steadily move the chains and keep the offense on schedule.
And with a number camps and 7-on-7 competitions coming up — and about a month of summer workouts left before the season officially begins — Douglas, Edwards and Hood all have plenty of opportunities to prove they can do just that.
Because it’s a “wide-open” battle at this point.
“If they can make the right decision consistently, there’s no limit on what we can do,” Jones said. “All three guys have shown they can make the right decision, but it’s who can be the most consistent.”
Reach sports editor Leon Hargrove Jr. at 910-817-2673 and follow the sports section on Twitter @RCDailySports.
Richmond Senior quarterback coach Jay Jones, left, Caleb Hood (98) and Jada Edwards (7) watches as Kaleb Douglas (10) prepares to take a snap during Wednesday morning’s practice. Douglas, Edwards and Hood are competing to be the varsity football team’s starting quarterback.