Mosier named Rams' starting QB

Since seventh grade, Chris Mosier always imagined himself as the starting quarterback for the Portales Rams.

Now, he can stop imagining.

On Monday, Rams head coach Andy Correll announced the junior will lead the Rams offense for the rest of the 2006 season.

“(Chris) has a good strong arm, he’s a strong runner, pretty elusive,” Correll said after the Monday afternoon practice session. “He will make plays out of nothing sometimes and that’s one aspect I like about him. He can make something happen if we have a little breakdown.”

Growing up in Portales, the junior signal caller has been looking forward to this for quite a while.

“I’ve always wanted to be quarterback,” Mosier said. “That was my dream to start at quarterback for Portales.”

Mosier beat out senior Richard Cage for the starting job.

Both Mosier and Cage got significant playing time in the Rams season opening loss to Las Vegas-Robertson Friday night. Cage started the game, and completed 2 out of 7 passes for 18 yards, while Mosier went 4 for 6 for 59 yards. The Rams managed 197 yards of total offense, including 120 yards on the ground.

“I felt like I did really good, I could have done better. I really felt like I was in control of the offense when I was out there,” Mosier continued, “I’m a better runner than I am a passer.”

Friday night’s game stats back him up. In addition to their passing stats, Cage ran the ball three times for 11 yards, while Mosier gained 23 yards on ten carries.

The first year Rams head coach acknowledged it’s a little odd to go into the first game of the season without a starter named, in fact he’s never done it.

“This is honestly the first time I’ve ever gone into the first game split, it’s just because they were so tight, they’re neck and neck. Chris does some things well, Richard does some things well,” Correll said.

In addition to his new role as the backup quarterback, Cage will also be utilized as a receiver, and it was this versatility that helped Correll make his decision.

“Richard can fill in another spot a lot easier than Chris could. They both have good qualities, but I think Richard can make us a pretty good receiver, and still be backup quarterback.”

Mosier will get his first test as the Rams starter 7 p.m. Friday night at Greyhound Stadium for the Rams’ home opener against Muleshoe.