EAST GREENSBORO – Practice has started for North Carolina A&T football as the Aggies matchup against longtime rival North Carolina Central University (NCCU) at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, the Duke's Mayo Classic, is less than a month away.
During the first day of practice, a reporter asked head coach Sam Washington who A&T's starting quarterback would be against the Eagles on Sept 3. Washington smiled and said, "That's what we'll find out by the end of camp."
Most observers think the quarterback battle in August will be between three players. Washington will tell you it's four. Of course, there is the incumbent starter Jalen Fowler. Fowler started nine games last season and threw for 1,774 yards, 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions while completing 55.7 percent of his passes.
Fowler started the season with solid starts against NCCU, Robert Morris and North Alabama. But Fowler won only one other start after Oct. 9. A&T lost three in a row after Oct. 9 to Kennesaw State, Hampton and Monmouth, in which the Aggies scored 25 points, including a shutout loss to Kennesaw. But Fowler has been in the Aggies offensive system since 2017. He did have good moments last season, including as a runner, and does have an impressive arm.
"Jalen brings a wealth of knowledge," Washington said. "He knows the offense inside and out. Protections. Adjustments. He knows the whole thing. "
Zach Yeager will also compete for the starting job. He saw some action in 2021, completing 9 of 15 passes for 57 yards. "Zach has learned so much in a short time and continues to impress with his knowledge," Washington said. Zach has excellent arm strength for his stature."
Then there is newcomer Eli Brickhandler, who the Aggies got to see over the spring. He had a solid Blue-Gold Spring Game, where he the offense on a touchdown drive by completing three big passes. He comes with the tools ready to play as a true freshman.
"Eli has the it factor that you can't describe," said Washington. "One of his biggest assets is that he can run. So you can put in plays for him to run the ball. That makes it tougher on defenses when they have to defend against the quarterback running."
The hidden gem in the quarterback room has a familiar last name to Aggie fans. Do not forget about Alston Hooker when it comes to competing for time at quarterback, according to Washington. Hooker's father is Alan Hooker, the Aggies record-breaking quarterback of the 80's. His brother, Hendon Hooker, has started at two Power Five schools -- Virginia Tech and Tennessee.
Alston has the skillset, however, to make a name for himself. His decision-making is impressive, and he has a good enough arm to win games on the FCS level.
"You can't exclude Hooker," said Washington. "You will see the football in his hands. There is so much he can do, and he's very intelligent. He has a lot of football knowledge, and some of it is probably heredity."