Who Will Be LSU's Next Quarterback?

Jarrett Lee or Andrew Hatch?

With the dismissal of former LSU quarterback Ryan Perrilloux, who was destined to be the starting quarterback in the 2008-2009 football season for the LSU Tigers, the position of starting quarterback is now wide open. Perrilloux was dismissed from the LSU football team on May 2, 2008 for violating team rules by Head Coach Les Miles. With Perrilloux out of the picture, who will earn the coveted spot of starting quarterback?

There are two front runners vying for the position of starting quarterback for the LSU Tigers. Both are young, energetic and have been impressing Coach Les Miles since the beginning of spring practice. It's been a question on every Tiger fan's mind since the news of Perrilloux's exit of the team earlier this year. Who are these two young and talented players?

The first candidate is Andrew Hatch, a junior who transferred from Harvard University in the summer of 2007. Hatch is originally from Henderson, Nevada.

Hatch saw action in one game during the 2007 football season, playing in the 44-0 win over Middle Tennessee. He completed 1 of 2 passes and carried for 27 yards in the game. After a shoulder injuryduring the 2007 season, Hatch was issued a medical redshirt for the remainder of the season and will be considered a sophomore when the new season begins.

Hatch played his freshman year at Harvard for the Junior Varsity team where he played in the Yale Bowl. He scored a touchdown and threw a touchdown pass during the game.

Hatch's most desirable trait is that he is quick on his feet and can pass or run the ball with only a moment's notice. His ability to assess the situation and act upon it quickly will surely be a skill that will count when it comes down to the final decision to be made by Head Coach Les Miles. He also knows the Gary Crowton offense plays like a permanent imprint in his mind. This is another advantage Hatch has in filling the starting quarterback position.