2007 Outlook: Quarterback

Since 2004, the quarterback position has been the barometer by which Shippensburg’s success has been measured and 2007 will be no different. Over the last two seasons, the Red Raiders have played five different quarterbacks, three of which started at least one game.

During that time, the quarterbacks have combined to throw 28 interceptions and just 11 touchdowns in the team’s 13 losses compared to 12 touchdowns and only four interceptions in its nine wins.

With the departure of three-year starter Tony Gomez last season, who finished his career with a record of 20-13 as a starter and ranked sixth in school history with 3,431 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, the door is open for someone new to step in and take control of the offense this season.

The favorite to win the starting position is second-year veteran and senior Gabe Maiocco who transferred to Shippensburg from Kutztown prior to last season. Although he has just one season with the Red Raiders, Maiocco played in 10 games for the Golden Bears in 2003 and 2004.

In 10 games last season, Maiocco threw completed 63-of-161 pass attempts for 861 yards and five touchdowns, four of which came in his final three games of the season. Substituting for an injured Gomez against California (Pa.) on October 28, Maiocco made his first start in 18 career games which includes his time at Kutztown. He completed 12-of-37 passes for 164 yards, all of which were career-highs, and had one touchdown.

While Maiocco enters the season as the starter, he is expected to receive strong competition from red-shirt sophomores Chad DiFebbo and Brian Sherbine.

"Maiocco is the starter right now, but I have seen improvement in both DiFebbo and Sherbine," Rees said. "We will just wait and see where camp takes us."

DiFebbo is the only one of the two that has any game experience, appearing in four games last season and completing 3-of-10 passes for 68 yards and a touchdown. His most notable performance came against Edinboro in week 10 when he went 2-for-7 with 54 yards passing, including a 23-yard touchdown to Tim Devanney for his first career touchdown.

Sherbine does not have any game experience, but has spent the last two seasons as the quarterback on the scout team. According to the coaching staff, he also did very well in spring practice.

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