Central Michigan University Athletics
Vickers Will Guide Chippewa Offense
8/24/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 24, 2001
MOUNT PLEASANT - Sophomore Derrick Vickers has fought off all challengers and will be the starting quarterback for Central Michigan University when it opens the season at home on Thursday, Aug. 30, against Eastern Kentucky.
Kickoff in Kelly/Shorts Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m.
The 5-11, 190-pound Vickers, a product of Monsignor Pace High in Miami, Fla., started the final five games of the 2000 season and threw for 1,059 yards and seven touchdowns.
"Derrick is playing the way we expect him to play now," CMU head coach Mike DeBord said. "He dropped off a little in the middle of fall drills but has bounced back. The key for Derrick is to keep focused and not get too tight."
Vickers completed 83-of-183 passes as a redshirt freshman last fall.
Junior Derek Gorney (Clinton Township/Chippewa Valley) will serve as the No. 2 signal-caller. He's seen limited action in the past, completing just one-of-three passes last season. Gorney will also serve as the holder on place-kicks.
"Derek is focused and committed," DeBord said. `He gives us great leadership and I couldn't be happier with his progress and role on this football team."
The real battle at quarterback is for the third job where a pair of redshirt freshmen in Grant Arnoldink (Holland/West Ottawa) and Jeff Perry (Apple Valley, Cal./Silverado) are vying for the role.
Arnoldink is a 6-4, 230-pound walk-on while Perry is a 6-1, 200-pounder on scholarship. "Perry is more mobile and can throw on the run," DeBord said. "Arnoldink is more of a drop back passer. It'll be interesting to see how these two develop."
Additional Notes:
The CMU athletics department has a "Fire Up Festival" planned prior to the EKU game. One of the features is a $250 package that includes 20 game tickets and a 10' x 10' tent. Call 989-774-2472 for more info.
Other events on tap for the "Fire Up Festival" are: The Island (located just north of the stadium), featuring interactive games, inflatables for kids, free game tickets for kids under 12, prizes and food stands, a hot air balloon launch, weather permitting, live music, and the Chippewa Walk with head coach Mike DeBord and the football team accompanied by fans, the CMU Marching Band, cheerleaders and the dance team (from the Comfort Inn to Kelly/Shorts Stadium at 5:30 p.m.).
