Joseph returns as starter

Southern quarterback Dray Joseph spent much of his freshman year splitting time as a starter and as a backup.
Now, with the Jaguars’ season opener against Tennessee State just days away, the sophomore is now firmly entrenched at the top of head coach Stump Mitchell’s depth chart.
“I like Dray Joseph taking control of the offense,” Mitchell said after Saturday’s scrimmage.
Southern opens the 2011 season in Nashville, Tenn., facing the Tigers in the 13^th annual John Merritt Classic at LP Field, the home stadium of the NFL’s Tennessee Titans. Kickoff is 6 p.m.
It was one year ago when Joseph stepped up as a true freshman. In relief of an injured Jeremiah McGinty, he helped spark a second-half rally against Delaware State at the SWAC/MEAC Challenge. He rushed for a five-yard score and hit Rashaun Allen for a four-yard touchdown pass to help the Jaguars power past DSU 37-27 in Orlando, Fla.
The 6-foot-1, 190 pounder from Edgard, La., finished his first season with 1,117 yards and five touchdown passes in 10 games in 2010.
Joseph ascended to the starting role in the spring, taking steps to build a rapport with the receiving corps. The Jaguars also plan to use their stable of running backs to compliment the passing game.
“I think that this year everybody understands that everybody has to get the ball and I think that will make us a better team,” Joseph said.
He also had to familiarize himself with a new quarterbacks coach, Chadwick Germany, during the offseason. Germany said Joseph’s skills translate well with Southern’s offense.
“Overall, we have a lot of work to do and I have to get my guys better everyday to meet the expectations that coach Mitchell has set for the quarterbacks necessary to win football games,” Germany said.
With the bitter taste of 2010’s 2-9 campaign fresh on his mind, along with the work needed to become a starting quarterback, Joseph said he understands proving he belongs in his position — as well as leading the Jags to success — is something he must work at on a daily basis.
“It takes time,” Joseph said. “As a quarterback you get your confidence up. Confidence is everything, you go out there and ball.”
He is not worried about letting ego take over as he prepares for the season. Joseph said his family, who watched him throw touchdown passes to LaQuinton Evans and Charles Hawkins during Saturday’s Fan Day scrimmage, and faith help keep him grounded.
The future for Joseph, however, doesn’t always mean stardom. But for the 6’1 190 pound quarterback, he’s supported by his family and has spiritual guidance that he’s used since day one.
“The Bible says humble yourself in the Lord and he will give you whatever you desire,” Joseph said. “From there I just try to keep a steady head.”
You always have something to play for. Some of the guys on our team have kids and as for me I have family. “You can’t just come out and give up because we can’t go to the postseason. You have to play for the people who come out and support you.”