GRAMBLING — What had been a two-man battle to become Grambling State's starting quarterback heated up with the temperatures over the weekend as a third contender showed flashes of potential.

 

During preseason camp, freshman D.J. Williams, son of head coach Doug Williams, and sophomore Frank Rivers have been battling for the starting role. And in a scrimmage played last Saturday, true freshman Jonathan Williams of Tampa fought his way into the mix, too.

 

"I was real pleased with the quarterback play," Doug Williams said. "D.J. shook off some jitters from earlier last the week (when) he didn't play real well. He had a better day Friday and (Saturday) I think he played with a lot of confidence. Frank is coming. Frank missed the spring, and that didn't help Frank, but I think he's coming along.

 

“It's hard right now to say who'll be that starter on opening day against Alcorn. I'm waiting for someone to step up and make the job theirs'. I'm not a two quarterback kind of coach. I want someone to take over back there.”

 

During the scrimmage D.J. Williams connected with Mario Lewis for a 25-yard scoring reception. D.J. Williams lofted a deep pass to Louis, who found a crease in the defensive secondary in the middle of the field. Louis snagged the ball midstride and raced into the end zone.

 

"It was a read where you go from top to bottom," D.J. Williams said. "I saw the safety squat, and I just threw it and let Mario go get it. I know Mario is a playmaker for us, and Coach (Doug Williams) told me, 'If the safety squats, throw it up to Mario and Mario will go get it.' "

 

Rivers didn't lead a scoring drive, and had an interception by safety Stephen McCord, who returned it for a touchdown during the red zone period.

 

The Tigers were off Monday, the first day of fall semester classes, and will return to practice on Tuesday.

 

“We'll watch the quarterbacks hard all week,” Doug Williams said. “We have a game rehearsal scrimmage Friday, and that will probably go a long way in determining who the starter will be, because after that we'll have to start breaking down and getting ready for Alcorn State.

 

GSU opens the season at 6 p.m. on Sept. 3 against Alcorn State in the Port City Classic at Independence Stadium in Shreveport.