Backup passers Lamb, Johnson present viable option behind Rush
As Cooper Rush continues to torch opposing defenses and keep his team’s Mid-American Conference title hopes alive, he is setting an example for a pair of future Chippewa passers.
Junior Ryan Lamb and freshman Jake Johnson are CMU’s backup quarterbacks this season. The two players have different playing styles, but share one collective mind.
“We just want to do whatever we can to help this team win,” Lamb said. “Whether it is in practice or on the sidelines, we all have the same idea.”
Lamb is a junior college transfer student from California, who originally came to CMU to play under former head coach Dan Enos.
He has two years of eligibility remaining after transferring from Palomar College in San Marcos, California and threw for 1,443 yards and eight touchdowns in 10 games in 2013. Lamb has played one snap this year and would likely be the player under center if Rush is unable to be on the field.
Johnson is a native of Mid-Michigan. While at DeWitt High School, he helped the Panthers advance to the Division 3 State Finals in 2013 and the semifinals in 2012.
Johnson threw for 3,945 yards on 262-of-439 passing with 52 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his career. What is most unique about the freshman is his ability to move around outside the pocket and pick up yardage with his legs.
As a backup, Lamb said he and the other quarterbacks have to keep their energy level up, in case they are called on at a moment's notice.
“You have to stay excited,” Lamb said. “We’ve been able to learn so much from Cooper, just watching him excel out on the field. We know that if our time comes, we’ll have to step in and do the things we have been coached to do.”
Johnson, meanwhile, is still getting used to the speed of play and the commitment participation in Division I college football requires.
“Coach Watts helps me a lot,” Johnson said. “There is so much to learn. We just come here and compete every day in practice. If we get our shot, we’ll be ready.”
Head Coach John Bonamego has kept tweaks to CMU’s passing scheme minimal, making life easier on the reserves.
“He keeps things pretty basic and similar to what we ran last year,” Lamb said. “(Bonamego) does a good job at implementing stuff to our benefit.”
Freshman Dakota Kupp is the fourth Chippewa listed as a quarterback. Redshirt freshman Zach Oakley was listed as a quarterback last year, but has since transitioned into a defensive back.
Playing quarterback requires a great deal of preparation and an acute attention to detail. Yet, the CMU backup quarterbacks say they understand the importance of staying loose through the season.
“We got a real good bond,” Johnson said. “Off the field, we’re goofy just like everyone else trying to have fun. On the field, we compete with each other and make each other better every day.”
Rush said he is impressed with the work ethic and mentality of his backups.
“Ryan comes in every day trying to learn and get better,” Rush said. “Jake’s the young guy so his head is swirling a little bit. That’s normal. He’s working hard too. He’ll be alright.”
If Rush had to miss a game, he said he knows he can count on Lamb or Johnson to direct CMU’s offense.
“They are out here practicing every day, too,” Rush said. “They could handle things.”
“They’d be just fine.”
