SPRINGDALE — Robert Teague admits he was a little surprised when he first heard the news.
Already an accomplished quarterback in his own right last season as a junior at Elkins, Teague still wasn't sure if that was enough to be considered among the top signal-callers in the state.
Then came the call.
"I didn't expect to get called up here," Teague said. "But they called me in late June and it's a real honor and I look forward to the challenge."
The call Teague received came from the AAO Top Gun University. And whether or not he expected it, he's now up against 22 other top quarterbacks from across the state competing to see who can finish as the best among the best.
For Teague, it's an opportunity to showcase his talents on the bigger stage, and it's a chance he doesn't plan to waste.
"My main goal is to win the event," Teague said. "If not that, my goal is to at least finish in the top five."
Teague started all nine games for the Elks in 2009 as junior, passing for 624 yards and seven touchdowns in a more run-oriented offense. And while Elkins will still be expected to rely on the ground attack in 2010, the skills learned this weekend by Teague at Top Gun should be beneficial to the Elks' success.
"Hopefully all the kids who show up there will do well and will benefit," Elkins coach Aaron Clark said. "One thing Robert does really well is he moves really well and I'm hoping he'll do well with throwing on the run."
The Top Gun campers spent Friday morning on the challenge course in Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium. The quarterbacks were tested in on-the-move accuracy and stationary accuracy Friday, just two of the many on-the-field tests which will be part of the Top Gun Challenge, which will be open to the public starting at 7 p.m. today.
While Teague struggled a bit with the stationary practice session, he responded with an impressive performance in his practice go-round at the moving targets.
"Mostly I just need to work on my release," Teague said. "That and just staying calm, mostly, are the main things."
With a goal in mind to not only compete at the Top Gun University, but to also win, Teague said there's no time to sit back and be in awe of the situation. And while being chosen for the Top Gun is an honor, Teague is beginning to feel like he belongs.
"There's no intimidation feeling here," Teague said.
"We all belong here and I just want to go out and do the best I can."
At A Glance
AAO Top Gun University
WHEN: Today, open to the public from 7-9 p.m.
WHERE: Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium, Springdale High
WHAT: Quarterback challenge featuring some of the top high school quarterbacks in Arkansas
NOTABLE: Some of the past Top Gun participants include Mitch Mustain, Kodi Burns, Ashton Glaser, Kiehl Frazier and Brandon Allen.
TICKETS: Admission is $5.