ROCKINGHAM — A good question mark is looming over the Richmond Raider football program as the team enters its final two weeks before the first game of the 2023 season.
Not only have the temperatures of summer workouts and practices been hot, but the competition between two budding sophomores has also heated up as Richmond searches for its next starting quarterback.
The candidates for the role of QB1 are Evan Hodges and Domonic Tillman, both of whom are making the jump to the varsity level this fall.
Perhaps for the first time during Bryan Till’s tenure as Richmond’s head football coach, a true competition for the Raiders’ starting quarterback is taking place.
In the six previous seasons under Till, the Raiders were led by Caleb Hood (three seasons), Kellan Hood (two seasons) and Emoni McBride quarterbacked the team in 2022.
While those three players had to earn their spot, their journeys to QB1 weren’t as contested as those of Hodges and Tillman. Both current players have been vying for the starting job since spring practice in May.
“It’s very even right now,” Till said of the QB competition on Friday. “Our decision will be dependent on scrimmage and practice results, as well as live action results with more physical play. As coaches, we’re trying our best to give them equal situations and make a decision from that.
“Both guys are very good kids and teammates who are well-liked by their teammates,” he added. “Evan and Domonic both work hard and lead by example, so they aren’t separating themselves in that way. And they both grasp the offense and understand the game really well.”
Over the summer slate, Hodges (5-10, 155 pounds) and Tillman (6-1, 165 pounds) have lined up under center to split reps in practice and three 7-on-7 scrimmages.
A season ago, Hodges won the starting quarterback job for the junior varsity Raiders and Tillman was equally impressive as a wide receiver on the JV team.
“It’s been a tough dog fight,” Hodges said. “Whoever it is who gets it, it’s not going to be easy. I’ve put in a lot of time getting all of my plays and reads down. I know the QB has to be the one driving the offense.
“All the work that I’ve put in really drives me,” he added. “I did really well last year and that boosted my confidence. Being the JV quarterback helped a lot because I learned a lot and learned how to take responsibility and be a leader.”
Both Hodges and Tillman noted having to adjust to the faster speed of play that’s required with varsity. Each potential starting quarterback also acknowledged the need for mental focus and good decision-making skills under pressure.
This past spring, Tillman played in an AAU 18U 7-on-7 league with several of his Raider teammates. That’s where he got his first experience as a quarterback and has carried that success with him into preseason camp.
“It’s a tough competition because me and Evan are both competitive guys,” Tillman shared. “I feel like I have the confidence and ability to do what the coaches ask me to do. I know that I have to do my best all-around with throwing and running.
“I’ve learned a lot of leadership and a QB has to have that,” he continued. “I have to be smart when making decisions and this summer has taught me a lot about how to run the team.”
With both players putting their nose to the grindstone, Till said there is the possibility that Hodges and Tillman may split reps early in the season. Admitting that’s “not successful long term,” naming a Friday night regular before the end of non-conference play is a necessity.
Of Hodges, Till said he throws the ball very well and that he throws catchable passes at different angles. He added that Hodges reads defenses well, is more of a direct passer and has the advantage of having been the JV quarterback as a freshman.
Talking about Tillman, Till pointed to his height being a factor that allows him to throw over the top a little more effectively. Tillman’s top-end speed is also a valuable asset and his knowledge of route running should prove helpful.
“Both are just as effective in doing their job, it’s just how they handle their own body well enough to give them a chance to be successful,” Till explained.
Richmond’s offense, which is co-coordinated by Patrick Hope and Kemp McSween, will run the triple option this fall. Till believes both candidates have the necessary skill set to be successful on Friday nights.
“What determines who gets the starting job is the effectiveness of who can help us on Friday nights,” Till said. “That makes it a tough decision. And honestly, we look at the one who is going to turn the ball over less than the other guy and who can manage risk taking.”
The opportunity to be the next name on the list of Raider greats to captain the offense isn’t something Hodges or Tillman is taking lightly.
“It means a lot to me, I didn’t think I’d get to this point because I just started playing football in eighth grade,” Hodges said. “I’m thankful to be in this position, and whatever happens, I know we’ll back each other up. At the end of the day, I just want to be a great teammate.”
“It’s a big deal and I wouldn’t be in this position if my coaches didn’t believe I could do it,” Tillman said. “I’m going to back the team up no matter what happens and I want us to be competitive and evolve these next three years I’m here.”
Regardless if it’s Hodges or Tillman who toughs out the starting gig, the fact that Richmond has two sophomores battling it out bodes well for the next few years.
“Having two sophomores competing helps us tremendously, especially for the program’s future,” Till closed. “Caleb Hood started as a freshman and we know the success we had there.
“It’s always better for the team the longer the guy is behind center. That gives us more continuity. And these two could be battling for the next three years. That competition is what makes us better.”
Two scrimmages in the coming week will give the coaching staff a better look at Hodges and Tillman. On Wednesday, Richmond will host Cape Fear (9 a.m.), followed by a meeting with Pine Forest at Douglas Byrd on Friday (6 p.m.).
The Raiders open their season at home on Aug. 18 against non-conference Seventy-First High School. The Richmond Observer will publish a season preview in the coming week.
