MOBILE, Ala. — Ross Metheny graduated from the University of Virginia two weeks ago. The next day, he started the trip to Mobile, where the quarterback has enrolled in South Alabama’s graduate program and joined the Jaguars ahead of fall practice.
Metheny earned his sociology degree in three years. Because he is transferring to pursue a master’s degree, he is eligible to play immediately under NCAA rules and has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Background at Virginia
The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Metheny played two seasons at Virginia, where he ran a pro-style offense. He completed 15 of 19 passes for 207 yards and three touchdowns.
His most productive game came as a redshirt freshman in 2010 against Florida State, when he went 7-of-9 for 68 yards and a touchdown.
Settling In
Metheny has a little more than two weeks before South Alabama opens fall practice, giving him a short window to make an impression on head coach Joey Jones and offensive coordinator Robert Matthews.
“Just a couple of Fridays ago I graduated from college, which in itself is a big accomplishment,” Metheny said. “Then the next day I started my journey down here. I finally got the first week under my belt.”
He has spent his first days working out with his new teammates with strength and conditioning coach Schwind and taking part in 7-on-7 sessions.
“It hasn’t been as tough (a transition) as you would think,” Metheny said. “I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by good people and they’ve helped me make the steps I needed to make along the way.”
A Head Start on the Playbook
Metheny began learning the Jaguars’ offense before he left Charlottesville. Matthews sent him the playbook on a hard drive, and Metheny studied it through the spring and summer.
With no classes this month, he said he spends three to four hours a day at the football building watching film, studying and asking questions.
He said he has a good grasp of the offense now and needs to practice it.
Building a Program
South Alabama is preparing for its first season of Division I Football Bowl Subdivision play, and Metheny said that was part of the appeal.
“Me coming down here, it wasn’t about me,” Metheny said. “It was about this program and the people who are already here and if I can help them win games in any way possible, that’s what it’s all about.”
“We’re setting the bar for what South Alabama football is going to be,” he added. “That’s a neat opportunity and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Jones: Playing Time Is There to Earn
Jones said Metheny’s role will depend on how quickly he learns the offense. The staff will begin narrowing quarterback repetitions to the top two players within about two weeks of the start of practice.
“He’s a very intelligent young man, there’s no doubt about that,” Jones said. “One thing about our guys, they know they have to compete for any position on the field and they understand when it gets to game week we’ve got to really narrow things down, so whoever wants to play better get out there and do something early.”
Jones said the opportunity is real.
“We wouldn’t have brought him in here if we didn’t think he could (play),” Jones said. “He’s a tall guy and he can run and throw and he’s intelligent. We’ll just have to see how fast he can pick up on things.”
