Poljan leads quarterback race early in spring practice
While former Central Michigan quarterback Cooper Rush prepares for the NFL Draft, head coach John Bonamego is taking on a new challenge — finding a new quarterback.
As the Spring Game on April 22 approaches, several quarterbacks including a transfer student will battle to become the leader of the offense this fall.
Sophomore Tony Poljan has emerged as the leading candidate, Bonamego said. He is taking first team snaps in practice.
"(Poljan) has picked up the offense really well," Bonamego said. "He's got a unique skill set, he can throw and run. I am pleased with how quickly he has learned everything."
Bonamego also praised Poljan for his ability to process information fast.
"That position has to process a lot of information and make a lot of decisions really quickly," he said. "Tony's done a really good job of that."
The 6-foot-7 signal caller will take on the task of learning a new offensive system this spring. CMU is deploying a stretch offensethis fall with the addition of former Northern Michigan head coach Chris Ostrowksy, the new offensive coordinator.
Poljan was ranked as the No. 17 best recruit in the state of Michigan by the Detroit Free Press after prepping at Lansing Catholic High School in 2015.
At Lansing Catholic, Poljan threw for 6,090 passing yards and 58 touchdowns and also rushed for 3,118 yards.
Poljan is followed by junior Tommy Lazzaro and freshman Austin Hergott. Coaches and players were not able to discuss Shane Morris, the graduate transfer from the University of Michigan.
Lazzaro and Hergott are a step behind Poljan, according to Bonamego.
"(Poljan) has really separated himself," Bonamego said. "The battle is now who will get the (second) spot. (Lazzaro) has a bit of an edge right now because he's been around longer. This is the first opportunity that Austin (Hergott) has gotten to throw significant routes to his receivers."
Morris is expected to shake up the quarterback race when he arrives in Mount Pleasant. On Jan. 21, he announced his transfer on Twitter.
Morris was a four-star recruit coming out of high school, according to ESPN. Central Michigan gave Morris an offer before he graduated, but ESPN stated Morris chose Michigan. He also rejected offers from CMU, Alabama, Michigan State and Cincinnati.
The left-handed quarterback failed to make a significant impact on Michigan's football team. He was beat out by Wilton Speight and John O'Korn last season.
At Michigan, Morris completed 47 passes for 434 yards and five interceptions. Morris has not thrown a touchdown pass in a game since high school.
Former CMU quarterback Dan LeFevour was brought onto the coaching staff as a quality-control coach.
LeFevour was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Since then, he has spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals, Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Indianapolis Colts.
Bonamego said it is valuable for LeFevour to contribute to quarterback discussions because of his professional experience. During practice, LeFevour also helps the quarterbacks in their development and progression.
"I think (Poljan) learns a lot from (LeFevour)," Bonamego said. "Anytime you can be around somebody who has done it and is battle tested, that benefits you."
