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Once thought to be a certain starter at quarterback this season for Winona State University’s football team, Ross faces competition from a transfer.
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Winona State University's Amir Ross practices passes on Aug. 15 at Maxwell Field in Winona. (Photo by Fred Schulze/Winona Daily News) |
Instead of being angry or upset, Ross embraced the challenge. Being pushed on a daily basis, Ross said, will make him better in the end.
“I’m a competitive person,” Ross said following Monday’s morning practice. “It makes me want to compete that much more. It makes me focus a lot more. It’s going to make me and the team better.”
Showing he truly took the idea of competition in stride, Ross was quick to help Greg Preston learn and understand the offense during spring drills.
Preston, a former starter at Division I-AA Tennessee-Martin, returned the favor with tips learned during his time on the field.
Both have had nothing but compliments for the other. That said, each wants to be the starter for the Warriors come the season opener Aug. 30 at Michigan Tech.
“It commands respect and I feel I’m a born leader,” Ross said. “I come out here and work hard with these guys every day. It’s would be a great opportunity.”
Ross was the No. 2 quarterback last season, backing up three-year starter Drew Aber.
Listed at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, Ross got into eight games a year ago as a redshirt freshman, completing 14 of 27 passes for 135 yards and a touchdown.
He went into the offseason almost certain to take over the reins of the Warriors’ offense. Preston came to WSU at semester break, creating an open competition.
“I think (Ross) understands that on this team, we’re built around competition,” said senior tackle Nick Urban, a preseason All-American. “The only way to get better is through competition. You need someone behind you to push you and make you better.
“He embraced it very well. I was impressed by the way he handled it. He continues to do it with great character.”
Tom Sawyer, in his 13th season coaching the Warriors, also was impressed with the way Ross dealt with the challenge.
“He was Greg’s best teacher in the spring and that’s the character we try to build with these guys,” Sawyer said. “The reason Greg can play in our offense today is because of what Amir did in the spring. But it’s made Amir better, too. That’s what competition does.”
Either way, the Warriors seem to be in capable hands. Ross has grown up in the offense, while Preston started as a redshirt freshman on a conference championship team at Tennessee-Martin.
Sawyer said the two are similar. They are big, strong quarterbacks with great arms. Both look to pass first, but Ross adds a dimension with his ability to run.
In April’s annual spring game, Ross scored on a 9-yard run and rushed six times for 25 yards. He also completed 13 of 23 passes for 108 yards and an interception.
“He’s a good athlete who can run, throw and do anything we need,” Sawyer said. “He adds that dimension that we haven’t had in a while. If he gets on the loose, he may take it 60 (yards) on you. We’re excited about that.”
Ross, too, is excited for the season. He knows this week likely will be make-or-break in the quarterback battle and knows what he needs to do to give himself the best chance to start.
“It’s probably going to be about who turns the ball over less,” he said. “It’s knowing alignment and assignment so you can play faster and play with a lot of confidence. That’s what it comes down to.”
