Andrew Body facing QB competition at Alabama State

Andrew Body was one of the most high profile transfers in the SWAC during the offseason leaving Texas Southern for Alabama State. The dynamic quarterback is naturally expected to start for the Hornets but he’s already faced competition in fall camp. According to the Montgomery Advertiser, Eastern Illinois transfer Jonah O’Brien has been more than holding his own in practice.

“Jonah has done a great job coming in with the right mindset and he’s here to compete to be a starter,” head coach Eddie Robinson told reporter Jerry Humphrey. “I told him I didn’t bring him in to be a backup and I want him to compete to get reps and be the best guy. Whether its him, Body or Zach Sims, however it works out we just want to win football games.”

Jonah O’Brien has had an adventurous career as a signal caller the last few years. He began his career at Eastern Illinois before transferring to Colorado State for two seasons. O’Brien then returned back to Eastern Illinois, for his redshirt sophomore year in 2022. He started the first eight games that season before suffering a season ending injury. At the time he was one of the top 25 passers in the country for completion percentage at 64 percent.

Both quarterbacks showing well in practice

Humphrey made the following observation during the first week of practice, “Both quarterbacks displayed great control over the offense and made some key throws during drills against the defense. At the moment, Body is the clear favorite to start Week 1. However, just like we saw last season, this will be a battle that will play out the entirety of the season,” Humphrey wrote .

Robinson has not been shy about playing multiple quarterbacks through the season. Last season Dematrius Davis and Damon Stewart both saw playing time throughout the season. In 2022 Davis split time with Myles Crawley, who is now the incumbent at Grambling and the preseason SWAC Player of the Year. Davis transferred from Alabama State in the off season.

Andrew Body last played a full season in 2022 while at Texas Southern. He completed 146 passes on 260 attempts, with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions.

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