BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Samford Athletics is continuing the Student-Athlete Spotlight series, presented by Coca-Cola, which, this week, will highlight redshirt freshman quarterback Quincy Crittendon.
 
Crittendon came to Samford from Decatur, Alabama. He said the relationship he formed with head coach Chris Hatcher and the fact that his older brother, Lamont, played for Hatcher at Murray State, all contributed to him deciding to come to Samford.
 
"During the recruiting process, just talking, having that communication and relationship, building that relationship (was big)," Crittendon said. "My personal relationship with Coach Hatch helped and of course, my brother being in my ear, telling me his experiences with him, I think that all just bonded together and helped me make the right decision."
 
Crittendon redshirted during the 2021 season, and he entered fall camp in 2022 low on the depth chart at quarterback. However, an injury to Nik Scalzo, who was competing with eventual starter Michael Hiers for the starting job, moved Crittendon into the No. 2 spot. Crittendon talked about his mindset entering fall camp.
 
"Initially, it was just take it all in," Crittendon said. "But to be thrown into that backup spot, I really didn't know if I would play or anything, but I just wanted to get better, work on myself, kind of mirror Mike because he was going to be the starter. So, I was trying to be as much like him as possible."
 
Crittendon talked a little about his mindset each week and how he prepares as if he was the starter to make sure he is ready when his number is called.
 
"Back in high school, I was the backup my sophomore year and ever since then I've been practicing like the starter because that's what I wanted to be," Crittendon said. "So, just having that previous experience and then bringing it to college and just elevating it even more, it helped a lot. And going into the season at practice, the extra reps, the shadow reps, watching Mike do everything that he does, it just all helped me get to the point where I am now."
 
Crittendon's number was called in the second overtime of the regular-season finale against Mercer. After Hiers was injured on the final play of the first overtime, Crittendon stepped in with the Bulldogs playing for an outright Southern Conference title and undefeated SoCon season. Crittendon scored the game-winning touchdown in that second overtime, lifting the Bulldogs to the dramatic 50-44 victory. He talked about his mindset coming into that situation.
 
"I was definitely nervous, but I just prayed and just kept my mind straight, trying to not let the moment get too big for me," Crittendon said. "Then once I caught the snap, all the nerves left, and the rest is history."
 
One of the first players to congratulate Crittendon after he scored was Hiers. Crittendon talked a little about the relationship the two quarterbacks share.
 
"The relationship started to build back in the spring," Crittendon said. "So, throughout the season, me and Mike just got closer and closer, just teaching each other little things. Especially when he went down, Mike was there in my ear the whole game, telling me what he had seen and what we should look at, just always being the mentor that I needed."
 
The Bulldogs then hosted a second-round FCS Playoff game against Southeastern Louisiana last Saturday. During the week leading up to the game, it was unknown if Hiers would be able to play or not, but Crittendon said he prepared for the game like the starter just as he had all season.
 
"Going into it, I didn't think I would play as much," Crittendon said. "But I knew that throughout the week, practicing would be crucial and just to stay ready. Mike just kept telling me, we both have to be ready no matter what happens. And I just took his word for it and practiced like I would be playing."
 
Hiers did start the game but had to come out of the contest during the first drive of the game and Crittendon stepped in again. Crittendon played the rest of the game, throwing for 314 yards and four touchdowns, and rushing for another 94 yards and a touchdown. The game went into overtime tied at 42-42. After the Samford defense forced a fumble to end Southeastern Louisiana's drive, Crittendon scored the game-winning touchdown in another dramatic finish to give the Bulldogs the 48-42 win.
 
"I was thinking field goal, but we kept moving the ball, got closer and closer," Crittendon said. "I got the call, and I just waited patiently for the blocks, everyone knew their assignments and if it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be sitting here now."
 
Crittendon and the Bulldogs will play at defending national champion North Dakota State Friday evening at 6 p.m. on ESPN2. Crittendon talked about travelling across the country to play one of the top FCS programs in the nation.
 
"It's definitely going to be a great experience, flying out there, being with the guys," Crittendon said. "I'll just be taking it all in."
 
For those who can't make it to Fargo, the athletics department will host a watch party in the Pete Hanna Center, beginning at 5:30 p.m.



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