BOISE, Idaho - The two-headed quarterback, as coach Rick Minter tabbed Monday's rotation of Chad Plummer and Deontey Kenner, could well become the norm for the University of Cincinnati football team in 1998.
''We will continue to look at this for next year, but whatever the roles are will be determined in spring ball,'' said Minter. ''Chad could play quarterback and receiver. And I might use him some at tailback too.''
That's just fine with Plummer, a junior, and Kenner, a freshman. ''I love the way it's working out,'' said Plummer, UC's starting QB for most of the past three years.
The duo was a smash hit in Monday's 35-19 rout of Utah State. Plummer played the entire first series at quarterback, and then the two alternated at QB on most every offensive play. Plummer played wide receiver Monday when Kenner was at quarterback, as UC tried the platoon system for the first time this year.
UC used postseason practices to try to juice its passing game, which ranked 106th among 112 Division I-A teams. Minter's only regret is that he didn't try the platoon sooner, but reminded that Kenner is just a year removed from high school ball.
Plummer did it all - running, passing, catching.
(Idaho Statesman photo)
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And now, Plummer is already being called ''Slash'' in honor of Kordell Stewart, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback who played multiple positions early in his career. ''I like it,'' Plummer said of the dual role. ''And Deontey played like he's been there.''
Plummer earned game MVP honors for UC Monday. He completed 5-of-9 passes for 62 yards and a TD, rushed 15 times for 53 yards and another TD, and caught four passes for 64 yards.
Kenner, in his first extended action at quarterback, completed 10-of-16 passes for 124 yards and a TD. Neither he nor Plummer was intercepted.
''If this system is working, why get rid of it?'' Kenner said. ''Chad's a senior and he deserves to play, but either way I've got a couple of years left.''
The two get along famously, too.
''Deontey's a real close friend. He's like my little brother,'' Plummer said. ''Whatever's best for the team, we'll do it.''
HUMANITARIAN BOWL: UC 35, UTAH STATE 19 Dec. 30, 1997
Jackson's 2-INT day makes travel worthwhile Dec. 30, 1997
