When coach Schurig recruited Jordan Brill from Elkhorn, Neb., there was no way he could have told that he would be getting a future All-MIAA honorable mention quarterback.

Brill came into Washburn with a ton of potential, but like in many cases it took time to notice his true ability. It didn’t take long, however, for the coaching staff to take notice.

Through hard work and tutelage from one of the better coaching staffs in the Midwest, Brill emerged as a true force, and quickly earned the attention of his teammates, as well as opposing defenses with his deadly passing arsenal.

In his four-year stint as an Ichabod, Brill, who upon his arrival at Washburn was a three-year letter winner in basketball, all-district honorable mention and all-state selection in football at Elkhorn High School, threw for a record-breaking 57 touchdown passes, 466 completions and 7041 passing yards.

Let’s also not forget the fact that in each of the last three years that Brill played at Washburn, there was a total of six All American selections and the team finished no lower than fifth in the tumultuous Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association Conference, arguably the toughest in the nation.

There is no question about what he brought to Washburn football; the proof is in the pudding. The defense did play a major role in the Ichabods success in each of those seasons without a doubt, but never before has Washburn seen a quarter back the likes of Brill.

Now on the eve of another season filled with expectation, Schurig has the unenviable task of replacing Brill, and feels that his successors have the ability, they are “different but they each bring a different dimension to the team’s offense.”

Jacob Iverson, the only quarterback that has game experience at Washburn, looks to be the most obvious predecessor at the position, and so far has shown the ability to propel the Ichabod offense to another great season.

“Jacob is a big kid, he’s got a strong arm, and has the ability to run the ball,” said Schurig.

In addition to Iverson, Cameron Kasel and Dane Simoneau complete the list of active QB’s on the roster for this season. Cameron is a redshirt freshman who also plays baseball and is described by coach Schurig as having a great feel for the offense.

Simoneau is more of an athlete at the position; he was redshirted last year and could possibly pose huge problems for opposing offenses with his throwing and athletic ability.

Schurig’s major concern from the position heading into this season was the leadership ability that Brill had, that intrinsic ability to stay cool under pressure, is something that develops over time.

He said that with Iverson being a sophomore who experienced a conservative amount of playing time last season, and Simoneau and Kasel being freshmen, that is a concern.

Once again coach is looking to Elkhorn, Neb., this time for Jordon’s younger brother Jared Brill, who signed with the Ichabods in the offseason.

The younger Brill will redshirt for the 2008 season.