Aug. 24, 2000

There is no quarterback controversy at Samford. Josh Kellett is the number one guy.

But according to head coach Pete Hurt, the Bulldogs have two talented quarterbacks in Kellett, a sophomore, and redshirt freshman Thomas Brown. And both of them will play this season.

"There is no controversy here, Josh is the number one guy," said Hurt after Wednesday night's scrimmage. "But with the style of offense we play, Thomas can also come in and use his skills to help us do some things. Using two guys will help give the other some rest, and both of them are tremendous athletes that can help us win ball games."

Hurt has been pleased with Brown's retention of the system he began learning last season, and how both have quickly picked up the new wrinkles installed by offensive coordinator Joel Williams. Kellett returns to lead an offense that featured one of the best ground attacks in Division I-AA last season, where individually he accounted for nearly 800 yards rushing and more than 1,500 total yards of offense. And Brown couples excellent mobility with a strong arm, which should fit nicely into the enhanced Bulldog offense this season.

"Josh has a very good understanding of what we try to do offensively and he brings a lot of intangibles to the game that help us win," Hurt said. "He's a competitor, and he did an outstanding job as a freshman last season and continues to progress into a quality player. And Thomas is the same way, a tremendous athlete at the quarterback position that we can't keep off the field.

"This is as good a one-two punch at quarterback that we've ever had. I'm just glad that we have them both."