Mister Consistency off the bench: No More!!
Eric Starling
Sunday April 29, 2007
It hasn’t been two weeks, but we have the answer to our question. On Wednesday of this week, Coach Ron Selesky and the Alabama Steeldogs pulled off a trade with the Lubbock Renegades sending Robert Kent to Lubbock in exchange for Justin Midgett. With the announcement of the trade, Coach Selesky confirmed that rookie Mitch Tanney would now be the starting QB for Alabama.
Tanney is no stranger to being called Mr. Consistent. As stated in the Steeldogs media guide, during Mitch’s final year at Monmouth, he was second in the nation in passing efficiency with a 74.4 percent completion rate and 2,469 passing yards. He finished the season with 33 touchdowns and even though he is not known for his scrambling ability, he garnered 5 rushing touchdowns during his senior campaign.
This year, in the backup role, Tanney has completed 76.9 percent of his passes while connecting with receivers for 7 touchdowns and no interceptions. On Friday evening, I was able to speak with Mitch as he prepared for the Tulsa game and asked him three questions.
Q: When the coaching staff came to you and gave you the news that Robert (Kent) had been traded and you were the new starter, what were your first thoughts?
A: I was first surprised, but then the excitement took over. This is a great opportunity for me and I just want to make the most of it in every way. I am thankful to the coaching staff for giving me this opportunity and now I must prove to them that they made the right decision. Kent was a great teammate and I wish him the best of luck in Lubbock.
Q: Understanding that winning is the first and foremost priority each week, what would you say your number one goal is in your first game as the leader under center?
A: The most important goal for me is to remain consistent from one week to the next. The coaches and the team need to know that what they get in one game is exactly what they can expect in the next. Being consistent in this league is what separates the good from the great.
Q: Lastly, transitioning from one quarterback to another is not always easy, but in the games where you have come in to lead, you have been able to spread the ball around between receivers fairly well. Are there any receivers that have really been easier to connect with or to get timing routes down with in your experience?
A: I’ve had this question many times and many ways in my playing days and what you are really asking is do you have a favorite receiver. My job is to know when they are open and to get the ball to any of them at that point. If I do that, they are going to catch it because that is their job. I have a great relationship with all of the receivers on the team and I just want to make sure I put the ball where it is suppose to be, knowing they will catch it and make the play after the catch.
After speaking with Tanney, I can’t wait to see how Mitch and the boys from Alabama respond to the passing defense of the Tulsa Talons. The Steeldogs will be looking for their third straight win before returning to Alabama.
