MISSOULA — The Montana Grizzlies are using spring drills to tackle many of the questions surrounding the football team heading into the 2019 season. But they already know the answer at one vital spot.
Dalton Sneed is back as the unquestioned starting quarterback. The senior made a strong impression in his first year as a starter, accounting for 28 touchdowns and showing the ability to make an impact on the ground and through the air. He threw for 2,723 yards and rushed for 675 yards in 2018.
The former UNLV and junior college transfer has also become the leader Griz players turn to in a short amount of time.
“I think anytime you have a returning starter at quarterback it gives you an advantage over a team that doesn’t have that,” said coach Bobby Hauck. “And then you couple that with he’s a good player. It just gives us a chance to move faster through the installation of our offense. It gives us more play-making ability.”
“It’s a lot more comfortable for, I’d say, everybody who was involved last year,” said Sneed. “So definitely more comfortable. We’re flowing a little bit better earlier, better chemistry with the receivers and whatnot. Lot easier to check the defense. Trusting the offensive line. So it’s been good.”
Hauck added it’s not imperative for a team’s quarterback to also be one of the main leaders, but it is helpful when everyone can rely on the position. The Grizzlies clearly rely on Sneed for leadership and big plays.
Sneed and the Grizzlies will kick off their second spring scrimmage at about 3 p.m. Friday afternoon in Washington-Grizzly Stadium.
