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Friday, December 13, 2002
Roberson earns starting QB job
Associated Press
MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Kansas State quarterback Ell Roberson
didn't quite have the four-touchdown performance on Saturday that
he had in his first spring game a year ago -- but he's not
complaining.
The sophomore ended Kansas State's spring practice as the
starter by completing 11-of-22 passes for 176 yards to help the
Purple cruise to a 44-6 win over the White in the Wildcats' annual
Purple and White spring game.
"It was a little more normal this time than it was last year,"
Roberson said. "I didn't have that huge game, but I felt more
relaxed with the offense. I made a couple of bad calls, but I felt
good."
The Purple, made up of Kansas State's first team players,
started slowly before increasing a 7-3 second quarter lead with 37
unanswered points, 21 inthe last quarter. The Purple totaled 562
yards.
"I thought we were sluggish offensively," Kansas State coach
Bill Snyder said. "It took them quite some time to get going. And
there really was an absence of big plays which have been so
paramount around here."
Although Roberson has the edge in the battle to be Jonathan
Beasley's replacement, he'll get plenty of competition from three
other quarterbacks.
All four of Kansas State's quarterbacks played in the spring
game. Ricks College transfer Marc Dunn threw for two touchdowns and
118 yards for the Purple.
Dunn, the 2000 NJCAA offensive player of the year, ended a
scoring drought for both teams with a 33-yard pass to Brandon
Clark. He then connected on a 51-yard bomb to Derrick Evans in the
third quarter.
"I got more comfortable as the game went on," he said.
"Learning this offense is like learning a new language. I'm still
thinking too much. And when you think, you hesitate. I still have a
long way to go."
Jeff Schwinn completed 14-of-26 passes for the White. Senior
Jeremy Milne was 8-of-18 on the day, but threw two interceptions.
"They all got some repetitions," Snyder said. "It's going to
be very competitive going into the fall. Ell had an average start.
He made some good decisions about his play selection. I thought in
the fourth quarter he was really in the groove and on track."
Clark caught seven passes for 161 yards. Clark was sidelined
with injuries in 1999 before playing in all 14 games last seasons.
Josh Scobey rushed for 95 yards.
The first team defense held the White squad to just two field
goals and 204 yards. Defensive end Melvin Williams and Linebacker
Terry Pierce led with 10 tackles each.
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