Junior Tyler Thompson is primed to take over as Marshall County’s starting quarterback this fall. (Post Photo by Chris Siers)
By CHRIS SIERS
csiers@bedfordcountypost.com
When two-year starter Silas Teat graduated from Marshall County last year, there was no doubt who would be the heir apparent to lead the Tigers’ offense moving forward.
Junior Tyler Thompson bided his time over the past two years and is primed to lead Marshall County this season.
I’ve just been learning the past two years behind Silas, watching him, learning how to read defenses and where zones open up at,” Thompson said.
“I think it’s good I sat behind him because I know a lot more than I did coming into this year.”
Teat threw for over 4,000 yards in his career with the Tigers and completed 59 touchdown passes.
Thompson hopes to carry on the legacy of successful quarterbacks for Marshall County this season.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited about him. He’s not started at the varsity level yet, but he would have started for a majority of high school teams last year. We’re tickled to death he’s our starter. We knew as soon as last year was over, who it was going to be. It’s been cool to build the offense around his skill set,” Tiger coach Thomas Osteen said.
Thompson steps into the role with a loaded arsenal of downfield weapons this season.
Although Marshall County graduated one of the top receivers in Jayden Randolph from a season ago, the Tigers return senior Aja Joes, Marcus O’Neal, Jamahl Gentry and Kel Hightower this season.
Jones is the top returning receiver from a season ago, totaling over 700 yards and 12 touchdowns. As a freshman last year, Hightower caught 19 passes for 257 yards and seven touchdowns.
“They’re good playmakers. You don’t have to do much but distribute the ball to them. They can do big things with the ball in their hands.” Thompson said.
While Thompson has put in the work with specialized quarterback coaches and working with Teat in the offseason, he says it’s not quite hit him yet as he prepares to be QB 1 this season.
“It hasn’t hit me too much yet, but I’m pretty excited for it to start,” Thompson said.
“I’m very excited. We’ve got a lot of good athletes. I think we’re going to be very good this year.”
Marshall County is set to begin the 2024 season on August 23 against Columbia at Preston Hopkins Field.
