Quarterback battles figure to heat up this fall at Florida Memorial and STU

Everybody is looking.

Florida Memorial and St. Thomas – NAIA rivals – are both staging a quarterback battle that will likely continue into the fall.

Meanwhile, Nova Southeastern University is looking for a new women’s basketball coach. Barry University is looking for national titles in men’s and women’s tennis; and former FIU star Corey Stevenson is no doubt looking for an opportunity in pro basketball.

Here are your five takeaways:

1. TWO-WAY QB BATTLE

The Florida Memorial University Lions, who recently concluded spring drills, will take a heated quarterback battle into the fall.

David Buggs began last season as the starter, but he lasted just six games before he suffered a severe ankle sprain. In those six games, he completed 51.8 percent of his passes with three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Tedric Wilcox, who took over for Buggs, completed 61.7 percent of his passes for 14 TDs and just two picks.

As a team, FMU went 4-6 last season in its first season under coach Mike Jones, who believes his squad made “great strides” this spring.

Jones praised Lions players such as running back Nygel Osborne; wide receiver Jalen Holly; offensive lineman Jeffrey Bonica; defensive lineman Keyshawn Williams; linebackers Jonthan Powers and Zayvion McCluster; and defensive back Vartrell Batten.

“On offense, we want to be fast and explosive,” Jones said. “On defense, we want to be physical, pursuing the ball with all 11 guys, causing turnovers. Those are non-negotiables.”

2. FIVE-WAY QB BATTLE

The St. Thomas University Bobcats are trying out five true freshman quarterbacks this spring: Camden Hartzell; Mason Williams; Kaiden Brabham; Colin Dunmore; and Carson Stewart.

Of those five, Hartzell is the only South Florida kid – a four-year starter at Calvary Christian, according to Davis.

Williams is the son of a former NFL left tackle. Brabham (6-5, 205) and Dunmore (6-5, 250) are the tallest of the group. Dunmore, Davis said, “can run like Cam Newton.”

Stewart is a “good processor with a quick release,” Davis said.

Davis said all five will get evaluated and coached, getting meaningful reps this spring and into the fall.

3. COACHING SEARCH

The NSU Sharks are looking for a women’s basketball coach after Heather Macy left to take the job at Georgia Southern.

In her one season at NSU, the Sharks went 28-5 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II national playoffs.

Now she’s moving up to the Division I level.

4. DYNASTY CONTINUES

Barry’s women’s tennis team (17-2) is ranked No. 1 in the nation (NCAA Division II). Barry’s men’s team (16-0) is ranked second.

Look for the Bucs to compete for two national titles May 19-24 in Surprise, Arizona.

5. MVP STEVENSON

Former FIU men’s basketball star Corey Stevenson scored 22 points and grabbed six rebounds recently in the Reese’s Collegiate All-Star Game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

The West won, 110-93, but Stevenson was named the East’s MVP.

Stevenson, the first FIU player to get selected for the Reese’s game, shot 9-of-15 from the floor, including 4-of-6 on 3-pointers. His 22 points were a game high.

A 6-6 wing, Stevenson – who turns 22 next month – is coming off a terrific senior season for FIU. He averaged 18.0 points and 6.4 rebounds, making second-team All-Conference USA.