Meet the RMU football quarterbacks who could take the reins for 2022

Corbin LaFrance drops back for a pass against Kennesaw State. Photo credit: Tyler Gallo

Michael Deemer
December 7, 2021

With the George Martin era coming to an end at Robert Morris, it is out with the old in with the new for RMU football.

Bernard Clark has a tough decision on his hands leading up to the 2022 season on who he will name the starting quarterback. Let’s take a look at some of the possible candidates.

RMU FOOTBALL RETURNERS

Cole Bouvé (So.)

The Corpus Christi, Texas native has not seen any playing time in his collegiate career in two years. I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

He is listed as a quarterback on the roster but was a wideout at Flour Bluff High School in Corpus Christi. I wouldn’t be surprised if Clark could use Bouvé on the field, but not the starting quarterback, possibly used in the slot.

Anthony Chiccitt (So.)

Unlike Bouvé, Chiccitt did see some snaps, most recently as this year vs. North Alabama in 2021. In that 42-31 loss, the sophomore went 2-4 for 19 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 19 yards on top of that.

A small sample size, but there is a lot of promise. It is clear he can run too, which Martin lacked, and seems to be a norm in the Big South.

We all saw Hampton’s Jett Duffey’s five rushing touchdowns at the Joe. It would be a sight to see if Chiccitt could do a fraction of that in his last two years of eligibility.

AJ Darr (So.)

The third sophomore to grace the list has also not seen action in a Colonial uniform. Darr has the arm strength and the talent but is still very raw and could be an intriguing piece for the Colonials.

Steve DePaul (So.)

DePaul is also another inexperienced sophomore. The only time DePaul got on the stat sheet was a 1 yard gain at North Carolina A&T, also appearing in garbage time against Central Michigan.

According to 24/7 Sports, he is listed as a dual-threat quarterback. It will be interesting how Clark will use these mobile QBs returning. The Norristown, Pennsylvania native redshirted his freshman year with two years remaining of eligibility.

Corbin LaFrance (Fr.)

LaFrance made his collegiate debut under center against Kennesaw State as well. He had a completion for two yards followed by an interception.

He’s the youngest of the returning quarterbacks on the roster, as he was a true freshman in 2021. Clark also used the Carlton Kell High School (GA) alum at defense, having two tackles to his credit.

FRESH FACES

Zach Tanner

Tanner committed to RMU from Auburndale High School on Nov. 2.

Another mobile quarterback with a very quick release. I believe Clark is waiting to use his talent early but it’s also too early to say. It will be interesting to see how Tanner will adjust and how Clark will use him too.

TRANSFERS

As fun as it would be to see Bo Nix or Adrian Martinez in Moon Township, that is extremely unlikely.

https://twitter.com/TylerAGallo/status/1466470918683828231?s=20

If RMU decides to go that route, there are several guys at schools close by that could slot in.

Bryce Veasley is transferring from Duquesne and could be an interesting pickup. He played sparingly with the Dukes and knows the area.

Another interesting one is Zach Gibson, who was under center for Akron the past few seasons and played pretty well. A bit of a long shot, but there is some intrigue there.

RMU has had success nabbing transfers in the past. The last two quarterbacks to start a game before Martin, Jimmy Walker and Caleb Lewis, were transfers from bigger schools, San Diego State and LSU, respectively.

While signing day still looms in February and transfers need to make their final decision, there is a long way to go for Coach Clark to ‘get his guy’ for 2022.