Coach Rick Minter will unveil his quarterback of the future when the University of Cincinnati plays in the Humanitarian Bowl on Dec. 29.
Deontey Kenner, a freshman from Hopkinsville, Ky., will get some snaps in a reserve role vs. Utah State, Minter said Thursday. Junior Chad Plummer, the quarterback of the present, remains No. 1 but also will play wide receiver, Minter said.
''One of the major benefits of playing one more game is to peek into the future a little bit, and let Deontey play,'' Minter said. ''How much he plays will be determined by how the game's going.'' The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Kenner has been the No. 2 quarterback all season. He made five relief appearances, completing 5-of-8 passes for 84 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
The 6-3, 230-pound Plummer completed only 46 percent of his passes this year (87-for-190, for 1,178 yards), and threw for six touchdowns and 10 interceptions. But he was UC's second-leading rusher with 606 yards.
Kenner is considered a potentially better drop-back passer, but Plummer will remain the No. 1 quarterback entering 1998, Minter said.
Minter is not as certain at tailback. Starter Daryl Royal and backup Robert Cooper, who both lost some fumbles late in the season, could see some of their carries given to No. 3 tailback Orlando Smith, Minter said.
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