Stanley working to become dual threat for Rattlers

Quarterback Ryan Stanley is inching closer to his goal of becoming a full-fledged dual-threat quarterback.
Photo by Mike Ewen

By St. Clair Murraine
Outlook staff writer

By his own admission, the 26,044 fans who cheered every time Ryan Stanley scrambled out of the pocket didn’t even see the best he could do with his legs.

 
It’s work in progress, the FAMU freshman quarterback said after leading the Rattlers to a 31-14 homecoming victory over Hampton University this past Saturday at Bragg Stadium.

 
Being a dual-threat quarterback is something that he’d been working since a year ago at Flanagan High School. Given his progress in leading FAMU to two victories in its last three games, it safe to say he is making progress.

 
“I’m definitely pleased with my progress,” Stanley said, following what clearly was his most impressive performance since taking over from starter Kenny Coleman. “The sky is the limit. I’ll never settle for less (and) I wouldn’t settle for where I’m at. I’m looking forward to next week and getting another win.”

 
Stanley didn’t waste any time in putting together his first solid drive. And it was with a bit of surprise, as he found offensive lineman Louben Polinice with a 14-yard pass for the game’s first touchdown with 11:53 left in the quarter. That completed an 8-play drive that featured just one running play over 80 yards.

 
Stanley covered 46 yards on just two passes, punishing the Pirates’ secondary.

 
He didn’t throw a single interception the entire afternoon, prompting coach Alex Wood to say that he has “posed some threats” for the Pirates.

 
His rushing didn’t generate much – just 20 yards on eight attempts. But they were enough to keep the Pirates guessing. He finished the day completing 18 of 31 passes for 212 yards.

 
What he did was mostly instinctive, Stanley said.

 
“I just play football the way I’m coached,” he said. “If it’s not there, I just try to use my legs; don’t try to force anything, which I feel a lot of quarterbacks do. They feel like they have to make a play.”