COLUMN: Local quarterback Alex Niznak impresses at spring game
Ryan Zuke/Senior Reporter
What a difference a year can make.
Last spring, redshirt freshman quarterback Alex Niznak did not have a firm understanding of the Central Michigan football offense and head coach Dan Enos said it showed.
But this spring, he looked like a completely different quarterback.
In Saturday’s spring game, the Ithaca native threw an interception in his first pass, but responded by tossing three touchdown passes.
His most impressive was a 65-yard strike to wide receiver Titus Davis. It was a great example of how he has developed as a quarterback.
He admitted it was a busted play and Davis was supposed to cut back, but just decided to go. Niznak made the read and delivered an accurate pass.
Albeit it was not as competitive as a real game, but still, he looked comfortable and did not get deterred after a rough start.
Although there is a small chance he sees much playing time next season with senior Ryan Radcliff projected to be the starter, he could prove to be a viable option further in the future.
If Niznak can continue to show signs of improvement, I think he can become a fan favorite at CMU.
He went to Ithaca high school, roughly 26 miles from Mount Pleasant, and has already received a lot of support from locals.
He won a state championship with Ithaca in 2010 and was named the area’s offensive player of the year by the Lansing State Journal and the Morning Sun.
There were numerous Ithaca jersey’s in attendance at the spring game as well as a few signs of support.
The kid is still young and has a lot of time to develop. He may not have an immediate impact, but he is the kind of guy this program needs — a local player at a key position.
We will see if the improvement can continue next fall.
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4 Comments
He sounds like our starter! Let’s play him now.
We have seen our senior throw 30 ints already.
To Hurricane – did you see him play in the MHSAA football championships? I did. And when I heard he signed with CMU, I was ECSTATIC! This kid is good…VERY good!
CMU Alum ’78 –
I agree the kid is “…VERY good.” But he’s “…VERY good” running the spread option offense which Dan Enos refuses to use at CMU until the team is rallying from behind late in a game.
CMU won three championships in four years running the spread and its recruiting classes from both 2008 and 2009 were ranked tops in the MAC. Yet, Enos arrived with an “absolutist” mentality about completely rebuilding the program?!
Two consecutive 3-9 seaons and a collection of Enos recruited players on police blotters is the result of Enos’ rebuilding effort.
CMU Alum ’78 –
I agree the kid is “…VERY good.” But he’s “…VERY good” running the spread option offense which Dan Enos refuses to use at CMU until the team is rallying from behind late in a game.
CMU won three championships in four years running the spread and its recruiting classes from both 2008 and 2009 were ranked tops in the MAC. Yet, Enos arrived with an “absolutist” mentality about completely rebuilding the program?!
Two consecutive 3-9 seaons and a collection of Enos recruited players on police blotters is the result of Enos’ rebuilding effort.