In 2012, DePauw quarterbacks Drew Seaman, junior, and Justin Murray, sophomore, shared playing time under center.
With Bill Lynch as the new head coach, Tiger football fans wonder if the split playing time between both quarterbacks is going to change. Murray started for DePauw on Saturday and played the entire game against Sewanee: University of the South. The game ended in a 10-7 score, a close loss for DePauw.
"We played [Murray] and [Seaman] back and forth all preseason. They had equal reps in practice," Lynch said. "The two of them are good quarterbacks, both talented and both competitive."
Competition for a starting position can sometimes be a dicey situation, but it can also be a great way to bring out the best qualities and performance an athlete has to offer. It can create a friendly competition between teammates, hopefully resulting in what is ultimately best for the team.
"It is hard to say how we picked Justin to be the game opener because there is no obvious difference between [Murray] and [Seaman]," Lynch said. "We just felt that going into the opener, [Murray], would be our best option", he continued.
Seaman said he believes the competition makes the team better.
"We both are talented quarterbacks with different strengths, and so it has been a good battle as we each try to play to our strengths," Seaman said.
Murray agrees and stated, "[We] are good friends and we both knew getting into this season we would be battling for the starting job." It seems as though the common goal of success for their team trumps any hard feelings.
Lynch has has been trying to fuel competition and excitement for this upcoming football season, and Seaman notices a difference.
"He and the coaching staff bring an extensive knowledge of the game that we haven't had in recent seasons," Seaman said. "Everyday the coaching staff is filled with positive energy and excitement, and their mood is contagious."