The start of college football season is one week away and new Ball State University quarterback Kelly Page is trying to figure out how to handle the spotlight.
Page and his teammates will be thrust into the national spotlight Sept. 3 against the University of North Texas, which will be televised on ESPNU as a part of Kickoff Week.
"It'll be an adrenaline rush definitely," Page said. "You've got to get past all the TV, all the spotlight, all the crazy things and just get focused on the football game."
That game will be the first time Page takes a snap in college. He redshirted last year, learning behind Nate Davis, the Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Year. Page was groomed for the starting role by then-offensive coordinator Stan Parrish, who has since taken over as head coach.
"I had him for a whole year and I got to practice him up," Parrish said after the spring game. "He thinks he can make all the throws and he's a very good runner."
Page said the transition into the starting role is going well.
"It's a lot easier when you have a supportive team," Page said. "Everybody wants that one common goal and that's to win games and win a championship."
The Mesquite, Texas native admits that he has a lot of work to do to reach the level he wants.
"I need to work on everything," Page said. "I'm not perfect at any part of this offense."
For help, Page said he looks to senior Tanner Justice, whom he beat for the starting job. Justice backed up Davis the past two years as well.
"Me and Tanner are really good friends," Page said. "We still talk about plays on the sideline and we talk about coverages during practice. Knowing we both have each other's back is good for us."
The transition to starting quarterback isn't made easier by having to get used to a new offensive line. Left guard Michael Switzer, who Page called the line's anchor, is the only returning starter.
"The offensive line is meshing really well," Page said. "They're really bonding as a whole unit."
Page got his first game-like experience of the preseason Aug. 15, when the Cardinals held a scrimmage. He said he struggled somewhat.
"It was a learning experience," Page said. "I missed some key guys on some key plays. Hopefully I can get in there and watch film and learn from it."
One of Page's key weapons this season will be sophomore Briggs Orsbon. Last year the wide receiver led the team in catches and receiving yards. Orsbon was held out of the spring game with a nagging injury, so he hasn't had as much time to work with his new quarterback.
"You have to have a relationship," Orsbon said. "We're just trying to build that between the quarterback and the receivers right now."
The offense will also rely heavily on All-MAC running back MiQuale Lewis. The senior rushed for 1,736 yards last season and will help take the pressure off his young signal caller.
With such talented weapons returning and high expectations following the best season in school history, Page knows there is a lot of pressure on his shoulders.
"I have big shoes to fill," Page said. "Nate Davis was an amazing athlete and a great talent. We're just going to go out there and play to the best of our abilities."
Position battles: Part 2 of 5
KickersThe kicking situation for the Ball State University football team should have been settled entering this season, but Ian McGarvey's arrest in February left him suspended for spring practice and opened the door for a potential three-footed kicking monster.
THE CONTENDERSIan McGarvey, juniorKicked all of Ball State's extra points and field goals last year16-21 on field goals63-63 on extra pointsSchool record 73 consecutive extra points dating back to 2007
Jake Hogue, juniorResponsible for kickoffs last year11-19 on field goals in 200733-34 on extra points in 2007
Steven Schott, freshmanRedshirted last yearCould handle shorter kick attempts
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