SPRINGDALE — The search to find a quarterback will be the focal point of Shiloh Christian’s spring football workouts.
The Saints, who finished 4-6 last fall in their first season in the 5A-West Conference, will have no shortage of candidates with as many as four vying to take the reins under new offensive coordinator Austin Tucker.
At A Glance
Shiloh Christian Saints
Date Opponent Time
Sept. 2 vs. Siloam Springs# TBD
Sept. 13 Broken Bow, Okla. 7 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Greenwood 7 p.m.
Sept. 27 Morrilton* 7 p.m.
Oct. 4 at Vilonia* 7 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Huntsville* 7 p.m.
Oct. 18 Harrison* 7 p.m.
Oct. 25 Greenbrier* 7 p.m.
Nov. 1 at Clarksville* 7 p.m.
Nov. 8 at Alma* 7 p.m.
'#' - Denotes Hootens Kickoff Classic
'*' - Denotes 5A-West Conference game
Rising seniors Daniel Shimer and Dillon Sharp, along with rising juniors Ben Olsen and Colton Spoon will all take reps under center, Saints coach Josh Floyd said.
“We’ll have a few guys battling for sure,” Floyd said. “We’re going to give them all a shot. I’m sure sure if we’ll have a quarterback at the end of spring.”
Shimer was projected to be the starter last fall, but an ankle injury sidelined him for most of the season. When he returned, he played primarily at running back and on defense.
“The thing about Daniel is that, if we use him at running back, we can probably use him more on defense,” Floyd said.
The Saints return a host of skill position players, including rising senior Chris Cox and Chandler Smith at running back. Smith gives the Saints plenty of speed and the rising junior recently won the 5A-West 100 meters title,
Floyd said Cox’s versatility is a boost to the Saints’ offense.
“Chandler finished strong last season,” Floyd said. “We want Chris in the backfield and can use him splitting out as a receiver. Both of them give us a multi-dimensional threat.”
The Saints must replace veteran receiver Ryan Michaelis, who caught more than 100 career passes. Rising senior Kyle Plunkett returns to give the team a deep threat, and Jarred Moore and Matthew Solomon will be keys in the passing game.
Tucker takes over at offensive coordinator from Rod Washington. Tucker was a former Saints quarterback. The Saints also added John Durmon to the coaching staff. Durmon was formerly the assistant strength and conditioning coach at Arkansas.
“Austin is going to do a great job for us,” Floyd said. “He knows the system and he played in it.”
Also Adam Caine was recently promoted to assistant head coach, Floyd said.
The Saints will start today and continue through May 23 with the spring game.