Presley still out; Jackson could start at QB
Coach Jerry Moore hasn’t said that Jamal Jackson will get his first start at quarterback for Appalachian State on Saturday, but it’s looking as if that might be the case.
Presley, who didn’t practice last week and had his arm in a sling after injuring his right shoulder against Wofford, didn’t practice today either. He was on the sidelines in a t-shirt and shorts.
“He’s got a bruised shoulder,” Moore said.
Moore said that he is skeptical if Presley will be able to practice Tuesday, and wasn’t sure what his status will be later in the week.
“The thing about him is that he’s got 2½ years of experience, and the rest he’s gotten might be pretty good for him, really,” Moore said. “If the role was reversed and he didn’t have much experience it would be a different deal. If he says Thursday or Friday, ‘I can go,’ I’d be good with that.”
But Moore said if Presley plays, he will return to practice in some form – even if only to take some snaps.
If he isn’t cleared to practice, the Mountaineers will go with Jackson. If Presley is back, the Mountaineers still might go with Jackson.
“I have a lot of confidence in Jamal,” Moore said. “He had a great spring. He played well against Virginia Tech and he’s played well in other ballgames. He can handle it.”
Jackson, a 6-3, 205-pound sophomore from Atlanta, has played in three games this season. He has completed 5 of 14 passes for 126 yards and one touchdown, and has throw one interception. Jackson also has 16 carries for 80 rushing yards, and has rushed for a team-leading four touchdowns.
Jackson played in nine games last season. He completed 7 of 14 passes for 144 yards with one touchdown and one interception, and he rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries.