Smith takes early lead in ULM QB race
Todd Berry’s worn multiple hats ever since he came back to ULM as the head coach in 2010.
The veteran offensive coach has always coached the quarterbacks himself at ULM, and he’s adding offensive play-calling duties to the list in 2015.
What makes Berry’s new role even more interesting is who will be taking the snaps and executing those calls come fall.
Redshirt freshman Garrett Smith took the early lead to start at quarterback after a productive spring that Berry and the offensive staff couldn’t ignore.
“He’s the guy right now but that could change in fall camp,” Berry said. “After going back and looking at the film and other live-work comparisons like completion percentage and yards the productivity was out of sight with Garrett. When you have a quarterback that can create on his own that makes everyone’s job easier.”
Berry laid out the plan to move the ULM offense back to its freewheeling roots with a dual-threat quarterback prior to the start of spring practice. That approach made former quarterback Kolton Browning the 2012 Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year and helped propel the Warhawks to an 8-5 season and Independence Bowl appearance.
Smith, from Spring Branch, Texas, edged out redshirt seniors Brayle Brown Earnest ‘Chazz’ Carrington. Brown was limited during the latter part of the spring with a shoulder injury.
“Brayle was ahead and then he got banged up a little bit and missed practice and Garrett took advantage of those repetitions,” Berry said. “Between Garrett who I think is an interesting talent because he’s similar to Kolton, you’ve got two mature guys that understand the offense and have chemistry with the receivers.”
Smith went 7-for-12 for 130 yards and two touchdowns in the Maroon and White Game.
“I think it’s going to be a competitive, but friendly competition [in fall camp],” Smith told The New-Star following the spring game. “Everyone is just going to do what they do.”
Smith’s mobility is not the only trait he shares with Browning. He also has the chance to takes the reins of the offense as a redshirt freshman — just like Browning did.
Berry’s mantra at ULM — and various other stops for that matter — is the best player is always going to play. He’s never been afraid to turn the offense over to a younger guy.
It’s a process Berry not only has experience with at ULM with Browning, but also at UNLV, where he was the offensive coordinator from 2007-09.
During his run in Vegas, Berry threw the keys to the offense over to walk-on true freshman Omar Clayton, who eventually blossomed into an All-Mountain West performer.
“I’ve done this so many times and what you learn is you just have to modify things a little but so a guy doesn’t have to do too much thinking,” Berry said.
“I know what he likes from a play-calling standpoint so with me calling the plays this year and coaching the quarterbacks it’s my job to put him in the best position to be successful.”
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