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This is where all eyes have been since it was announced that Grant Rohach would be joining the program as a graduate transfer from Iowa State. Rohach or Jackson? It’s been a question throughout spring ball and through camp and probably won’t be resolved until the Albany game. Rohach is the experienced senior, having played for a Power-5 school he’s played against the best. Jackson was the prize recruit a year ago and is now 6-7, 245, size you don’t see every day in the MAC as far as quarterbacks go.
Projected Starter
Tyree Jackson, R-Fr., 6-7, 245 - It’s a coin toss at this point between Jackson and Rohach, but I have a real gut feeling that it’ll be Jackson who takes the reins this season. Jackson has an elite arm and can make passes of 50+ yards look effortless. His size is also an advantage, giving him better vision over the offensive line and making him tougher to tackle. For his size, Jackson can move quickly and power through defenders, making him an asset in the ground game to keep defenses honest when he has the ball in his hands. I predicted a month ago that Jackson would be the UB starter and I’m sticking to it. His ceiling is higher than any other QB that has played for UB.
Key Reserves
Grant Rohach, R-Sr,. 6-2, 218 - Rohach will be locked in a battle with Jackson until the regular season begins for the starting job. Rohach comes to UB from Iowa State where he started 4 games in 2013 and led the Cyclones to wins over West Virginia and Kansas. Rohach threw for 1,208 yards and 8 touchdowns during the 2013 season. ROhach is more of a known quantity than Jackson is with in-game experience at a Power-5 school. Rohach has similar size to former Bull Joe Licata and brings a surprising amount of mobility with him. Rohach is assignment sound and can be the player-coach on the sidelines if he doesn’t earn the starting job.
Drew Anderson, So., 6-5, 220 - Anderson is a JUCO transfer from Diablo Valley College where he threw for 3,459 yards and 33 touchdowns in one season. He transferred to Diablo Valley after walking-on to San Diego State. Anderson has a big arm and a good sized frame and has displayed good touch on deep balls throughout camp. He’ll likely be the 3rd stringer behind Jackson and Rohach.
Incoming Freshmen
Dominic Johnson, Fr., 6-5, 224 - Johnson was a late pickup for Coach Leipold after Max Bortenschlager pulled his verbal commitment and signed with Maryland. Johnson hails from Windsor, Ontario and has a great frame and has shown touch and power in his throws throughout camp. He’s a likely redshirt candidate.
Todd Larocca, Fr., 6-2, 185 - Larocca is a walk-on from WNY where he played for Bishop Kearney in Rochester. Larocca will likely redshirt this season.