Who’s going to replace Cooper Rush as the starting QB for the Central Michigan Chippewas? The two fighting for the job are, Tony Poljan, a redshirt freshman, and Shane Morris, a fifth-year senior transfer from Michigan. As of now, there’s no clear-cut option for the teams opening game against Rhode Island.
John Bonamego has a tough decision to make when it comes to his starting quarterback. He can either go with the inexperienced Poljan or take the college seasoned Morris. It’s a move that will certainly define the Chippewas season.
If I were to bet as to who gets the starting job, I’d say Morris. The only factor into this decision is that he’s got a few more years under him, and has been a part of a strong Michigan team. The experience factor isn’t on Poljan’s side. Although, he does have the leg up when it comes to familiarity with the Central Michigan style of offense.
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Whomever takes the starting QB role will have big shoes to fill. Cooper Rush was a fantastic quarterback for the Chippewas throughout his tenure at the school. He threw for 3,000 yards during his Sophomore, Junior, and Senior seasons, accumulating 75 touchdowns in the process.
Rush started 11 games as a freshman, which is similar to the path Poljan would take if he is indeed named the starter. Bonamego wasn’t the coach during Rush’s inaugural season, but it shouldn’t surprise Central Michigan fans if a similar move was made this upcoming year.
Logic would indicate Morris is the ideal choice for the starting job. But while he’s got a little more seasoning to him, that hasn’t resulted in much in-game action. One could argue that Poljan is just as equipped to handle the starting role as Morris is.
The ideal scenario is to start Morris for this year, or at least half of it, to give Poljan enough time to claim his spot atop the depth chart. Poljan is younger and should be the Chippewas starter for the foreseeable future. Give the job to Morris at the start of the season, but don’t be surprised if he’s second in line by the end of it.