With all of the additions to the Chippewas' quarterback room, it was a foregone conclusion that someone was on their way out.
After adding a trio of transfers in the offseason, Central Michigan experienced its first loss at the quarterback position on Tuesday, when redshirt sophomore George Pearson announced his intention to transfer.
In his two seasons with the Chippewas, he played in only one game. In his lone appearance, a 51-13 loss to Toledo, Pearson was 12 of 24 for 91 yards and threw a touchdown to former Chippewa Jack Combs, who transferred following the seasons to Iowa. Pearson missed all of last season after suffering a knee injury in fall camp.
With Pearson gone, the Chippewas now have six quarterbacks on roster: Senior David Moore, junior Ty Brock, sophomore John Keller and freshmen Daniel Richardson, Tyler Shearer and Tyler Pape. Moore is suspended for the first five games of the season due to testing positive for a banned substance and Keller is ineligible to play due to NCAA transfer requirements per coach Jim McElwain.
So who starts week one?
McElwain named Richardson the starter in an interview with reporters in May, however Brock announced his commitment to the Chippewas soon after. The other two active options, Shearer and Pape, are inexperienced and won't join the team until the fall, leaving them a step behind. Pape, a true freshman, seems primed for a redshirt.
Both Brock and Richardson bring interesting tools to the table. Richardson has the potential to be a star, which makes it tempting to go with him under center right away. After all, you can't unlock his potential if he spends his season on the bench.
However, Brock is on the opposite side of the spectrum. He's an experienced starter and a leader who can bring a locker room together. Brock put up good numbers in his freshman season but struggled with injuries during his sophomore season. With these injuries in mind, the question with Brock is just how far he can take this team. How high is his ceiling?
Ultimately, the decision will be made based on what McElwain wants to get out of his team during the 2020 season. If he wants to drop everything and rely on experience, he'll pick Brock and evaluate Moore's status when he is able to return. However, he may decide to focus this season on evaluating what he has in Richardson and give him the reins to the offense.
It's a decision that is much more complex than just one man or another. It's a decision that can make or break the Chippewas' chances at a second straight Mid-American Conference West Division title.
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