Sasser likes Methodist's offense
By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on June 12, 2014 1:48 PM
rcoggins@newsargus.com
FAYETTEVILLE -- A thinking man's quarterback, Jacob Sasser is ready to flourish in a passing attack at the next level.
He should get his chance at Methodist University.
The recent Rosewood High graduate signed a grant package with the Division III program and hopes to lead the Monarchs to a second consecutive Conference USA South championship this fall.
"I like the small campus, it's almost like Rosewood in a college setting," Sasser said. "It's a really good school, the coaching staff is amazing and they're family oriented, too. I'm excited. It will be fun.
"It's not going to be easy."
During his junior and senior seasons at Rosewood, Sasser had to be more cerebral on the field. He would read defenses on each play and report back to head coach Robert Britt what he saw.
Britt, at that point, would decide -- along his coaches up top -- which plays would benefit the Eagles. More often than not, Sasser handed off to his backs who used their speed to either bounce outside or cut back up the middle.
Sasser threw most of the time to keep opposing defenses from crowding the line of scrimmage. The right-hander completed 50-plus passes for nearly 600 yards and three touchdowns in 2013. He also logged five rushing TDs.
One of two quarterbacks who has committed to Methodist, the six-foot, 160-pounder is anxious to flex his muscles in the Monarchs' option offense.
"It shouldn't be too big of a challenge because I pick up on things pretty easy," Sasser said. "I will study it and make sure I know it. I'm a person who dedicates myself 100 percent and will give it my all. I'm going to have to be a leader, which I know I can be.
"I need to show that I have the ability and work harder than I've ever worked before."
But Sasser isn't overconfident.
He realizes that his footwork must improve and he's got to trust his linemen when he's in the pocket. Plus, Sasser's decision making on the field is crucial.
"I'll have to take some hits," Sasser surmised.
Methodist finished 8-2 last season and shared the USA South championship with Maryville (Tenn.). The Monarchs have won eight or more games in a single season on just three occasions -- they logged a 9-1 worksheet in 1997 and ended up 8-2 in 2005 that included the program's first-ever USA South crown.
Head coach CJ Goss had 12 players earn all-USA South honors last season. Former record-setting quarterback Max Reber finished as Division III's total offensive leader in 2013.
"I think Methodist is a great choice for Jacob," Britt said. "They have a quality program that competes for a conference championship regularly. Jacob was recruited as a quarterback (so) he should bring depth to the position and be able to compete for a starting job early on.
"We're very proud of Jacob."