See who is set to replace 4-star Jake Merklinger as Calvary Day's quarterback

As a freshman at Calvary Day, James Mobley IV got a chance to watch and learn from one of the best high school quarterbacks in Savannah history as the backup to Jake Merklinger, now a freshman playing at Tennessee.

Now Mobley will get his chance as QB1 for a star-studded Calvary Day squad that made a run to the Class 3A state semifinals last season, where the Cavs gave eventual state-champion Cedar Grove all it could handle in a 49-42 setback.

It will be a different look behind center as Merklinger, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound four-star recruit and four-year starter is now established in Knoxville, Tennessee. Mobley will bring a different look to the Cavalier offense as the 5-foot-8, 165-pound left-handed sophomore takes the reins.

"Practices have been great so far," said Mobley, who is also a standout outfielder/pitcher on the Cavalier baseball team. "We're working well together and I'm getting closer with my teammates and we're getting ready to make a deep playoff run. I'm a dual-threat quarterback, I like to run and pass. If you give me a cushion, I can take off and run with it, but if you press I'm going to get the ball to my receivers and let them make plays."

Mobley has one of the best receiver groups in the country led by seniors Thomas Blackshear (committed to Georgia) and Doopah Coleman (with offers from a plethora of Power Five programs). Both are looking to bounce back from junior seasons set back by injuries.

"They are both such great players," Mobley said. "We've been working on our timing a lot at practices and on our own on the weekends. They are hard workers and I'm learning a lot about the offense and about how they run their routes."

Coleman said he will make his commitment soon and has narrowed his college choices to a top six that includes Ohio State, UGA, Alabama, FSU, Tennessee and LSU. He said he's looking forward to his senior season with Mobley behind center.

"He's got an accurate arm and can air it out," Coleman said. "And he's got the speed to get out of the pocket and make a play. He wants to make it seem like Jake (Merklinger) never left."

Calvary Day Coach Mark Stroud has been impressed with the way Mobley has carried himself over the summer.

"We've been to a couple passing leagues and he's done well in practices — he's had a great summer," Stroud said. "I've seen a dramatic change in his confidence level. He's got a calm demeanor and doesn't get too high or too low, and he's learning how to be a leader."

Mobley said he has been working closely with Calvary Day offensive coordinator Jason Cameron, who has helped him with his fundamentals along with the mental side of things like progressions and learning defenses in film study.

Mobley said he watches the NFL closely and looks up to current and former standout quarterbacks like Russell Wilson, C.J. Stroud, Lamar Jackson and Michael Vick. But he said younger players have had the biggest influence on his development.

"I grew up playing with (New Hampstead senior) Ra'Shawn Truell and we're really close, and I've also got the close connection with Jake (Merklinger)," said Mobley, who carries a 3.7 GPA. "I learned a lot about football from Jake, but the most important thing I learned from him was how to treat people and be a better leader. He's just a great person to be around."

Dennis Knight covers sports for the Savannah Morning News. Contact him at Dknight@savannahnow.com. Twitter: @DennisKnightSMN

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: See who is set to replace 4-star Jake Merklinger as Calvary Day's quarterback