Ramsey, Tronti Adding Depth To Quarterback Position
Jordan Wells / TheHoosier.com
While redshirt senior Richard Lagow remains the incumbent starting quarterback for IU, his understudies have also drawn attention during preseason camp.
The backup spot remains a tight race between redshirt freshman Peyton Ramsey and true freshman Nick Tronti, and the staff is continuing to evaluate the No. 2 position battle. Both Lagow and quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan like what they've seen so far.
"They're both doing really well," Lagow said. "Really proud of both of their work ethics and attitudes they have every single day. We've got a good quarterback room with a good attitude right now."
Both Ramsey and Tronti have taken snaps with the second-team offense during fall practices.
With Ramsey, Lagow has been most impressed by the Cincinnati (Ohio) Elder High product's consistency.
"You get the same thing from that kid every day," Lagow said. "There's a lot to be said about that."
Ramsey was recognized for helping with the Hoosiers' preparation last season, earning scout team player of the week honors for Florida International, Michigan State, Maryland, Michigan and Purdue. He concluded his first year in Bloomington with the program's offensive scout team player of the year award.
"He comes across as a older, mature guy," Lagow said. "Really, he's still got for years left as well."
Tronti won Florida's Mr. Football after passing for 3,328 yards and 34 touchdowns during his senior season at Ponte Vedra (Fla.) High. Aside from wearing the No. 12, he also has shown similar mobility like former IU quarterback Zander Diamont had.
"I think Nick has done an awesome job," Lagow said. "For being a true freshman, he's doing awesome. Far, far, far better than my true freshman year, that's for sure. With Nick especially, he needs to just stay hungry. He's so young, he's got so much time left to stay hungry and keep doing what he's doing. I think the sky's the limit for him."
Sheridan said the expectation of all of IU's quarterbacks is to prepare like they are they starter, whether they are or not. He's seen that work ethic in Ramsey and Tronti and is excited about their potential.
"Those guys are competing, they're taking advantage of their reps, and they’re excited about that opportunity," Sheridan said. “I know they enjoy playing and certainly we know that in the sport of football, you better be ready."
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