MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama quarterback Trey Fetner has carved out a short-yardage role in the Jaguars’ Wildcat package, and he enters this week’s game against Louisiana-Monroe with nine carries for 24 yards and a touchdown, all in the last three games.
Fetner first ran the Wildcat against Troy, scoring a touchdown on the first play of his college career.
Quarterback Picture
Ross Metheny and C.J. Bennett split time at quarterback over South Alabama’s first five games before the coaching staff named Metheny the starter. Bennett has not played in the last two games, while Fetner has seen limited action in short-yardage situations.
Fetner, listed at 6 feet and 220 pounds, said he supports how the position battle played out.
“I was real excited about this fall camp,” Fetner said. “I had a minor setback when I got injured, but I think it’s best for the team that C.J. and Ross competed for the starting job because we have a really good quarterback right now in Ross and C.J. is a great backup.”
Trusted on Third and Fourth Down
Fetner described his job as a short-yardage specialist.
“My role is to come in as a short-yardage guy,” he said. “My coaches trust me enough to put me in there on third-and-1 or third-and-2 and sometimes on fourth-and-1, and that gives me a great feeling. I’m really blessed and I’m thankful for the opportunity they have given me.”
He added, “My role is still in short yardage, but I’m preparing like I was the starter.”
Jones Praises Attitude
Head coach Joey Jones said Fetner fits the role both in ability and approach.
“Trey, number 1, is a great leader and probably has the best attitude of anyone on the football team,” Jones said. “He’s come in and really helped us on third-down situations. The good thing about him is he’s able to run and throw. It’s critical that you make first downs when it’s third-and-2 and third-and-1 and he’s brought a lot of that to the table.”
“I think Trey has such a good attitude about life that he’s tickled to death doing what he’s doing,” Jones said. “I’m sure he wants to be the starter, but bottom line is he wants to do what he can do to help the football team.”
High School Background
Fetner was a five-year letterwinner in football at Woodland High School and was rated a two-star prospect by Rivals.com. As a senior, he led Woodland to a 9-3 record and a berth in the Class 2A state playoffs, totaling 2,800 yards of offense and 35 touchdowns.
He also earned six letters in baseball and four in basketball at Woodland, helping both teams reach the state playoffs.
