Former FBS quarterbacks finding sanctuary with the Bearkats

By Tyler Mayforth

Sam Houston State is becoming a haven for cast-off FBS quarterbacks.

Three years ago, Rhett Bomar left Oklahoma in search of more playing time. Bomar wasn’t pleased with the Sooners and demanded more snaps than Bob Stoops would allow.

The quarterback shopped his talents to several FCS schools and ended up at SHSU. Bomar became the Bearkats’ all-time passing leader after throwing for 5,564 yards and 37 touchdowns in his two-year stint.

He graduated last season and was picked up by New York Giants with the 151st pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. Bomar was drafted in the 5th round.

SHSU was left with a gaping hole as soon as Bomar left the school.

“We didn’t have a quarterback with a whole lot of collegiate experience, so we started looking around,” Bearkat head coach Todd Whitten said. “We had a feeling we’d get (a transfer), but we planned on going into the season with whoever proved themselves.”

SHSU didn’t have to wait too long, as Blake Joseph wanted to transfer from the University of Houston. Joseph looked 69 miles up IH-45 and decided to play for the Bearkats.

He joined SHSU in August, just in time for preseason camp. Joseph won the starting position over Bryan Randolph, who had been at the school for three seasons.

“(Joseph) obviously proved himself to be the better quarterback once he got there,” Texas State head coach Brad Wright said. “I don’t claim to know much about Sam’s program, but Coach Whitten wouldn’t take a chance on a quarterback if he wasn’t sure about him first.”

While Joseph hasn’t made the Bearkats forget about Bomar, he’s trying his hardest.

Joseph has appeared in nine games for SHSU in 2009, passing for 2,220 yards and 13 touchdowns. His biggest game was Nov. 7 against McNeese State where he passed for 300 yards and four touchdowns.

“Blake’s done a good job for us this year,” Whitten said. “He knew what we needed out of him and he’s put us in position to win some games.”

When Joseph drops back to pass, his main weapon is Jason Madkins. The senior wide receiver has reeled in 47 passes for 970 yards and eight touchdowns.

Madkins caught two scoring strikes against the Cowboys, Northwestern State and Southeastern Louisiana. He has six touchdown catches in six Southland Conference games.

If Joseph hands the ball off, he puts it into the chest of Chris Poullard. Joseph had James Aston, a former Texas State player, as his star running back but Aston tore his ACL against the Demons.

Poullard has done a commendable job for the Bearkats in Aston’s absence, rushing for 218 yards and three touchdowns.

“Poullard is a slasher compared to Aston,” Wright said. “He’s going to keep our defense on their toes throughout the whole game.”

SHSU is young on defense. The Bearkats started five true freshmen against Central Arkansas, but limited the Bears to 14 points.

Kenneth Jenkins leads SHSU with 75 total tackles (46 solo), while Will Henry has chipped in 67 (34 solo, 9.5 tackles for a loss).

The Bearkats run their defense out of the 4-2-5 and have tormented opposing quarterbacks. SHSU has 14 sacks and nine interceptions in 2009.

“We may be young, but they are learning with each game,” Whitten said of his defense. “I was really impressed with them against Central Arkansas and they can only get better.”

Know The Foe:

• This week: Sam Houston State

• Head Coach: Todd Whitten (fifth season)

• 2009 Record: 5-5, 3-3 SLC. The Bearkats are coming off a 17-14 win against Central Arkansas.

• Key Returning Starters: WR Jason Madkins, DE Chris Jones.

• Did you know? — SHSU has landed several transfers at quarterback from FBS-level schools. Rhett Bomar played for the Bearkats from 2007-08, but previous played at Oklahoma. SHSU’s quarterback this season is Blake Joseph, a transfer from the University of Houston.