THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, January 7, 1997 TAG: 9701070394
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA McLEROY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 30 lines
All-Tidewater quarterback Arnie Powell of Deep Creek verbally committed to East Carolina University Monday.
Powell selected ECU over Boston College, the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, the University of Delaware and Georgia.
``My parents like it, it's not too far, I like the coach (Steve Logan) and they pass the ball a lot,'' Powell said of factors in his decision. ``My first year I'll redshirt because it's hard to learn their offense.''
Starter Dan Gonzalez is entering his senior season at East Carolina and a second quarterback is heading into his junior year.
``It's open after that,'' Powell said of the quarterback role.
Running the Hornets' Wing-T offense, Powell had less opportunity to rack up yardage than quarterbacks in other offenses. As a senior, the Southeastern District Offensive Player of the Year completed 41 of 72 passes with three interceptions for 786 yards and nine touchdowns. He rushed for 279 yards. Now, Powell will work to orchestrate an offense known for throwing 40 to 50 passes per game.
``I think Arnie will do really well,'' Deep Creek coach Jerry Carter said. ``He's probably one of the more underrated quarterbacks in the area. I don't think he's even scratched the surface of his talent. He'll be an excellent college quarterback. The system they run down there, he's tailor-made for that.''