Troy preparing for both Middle Tennessee quarterbacks

The preparation for Middle Tennessee has begun, but which quarterback the Blue Raiders will play against Troy Aug. 28 is still a mystery.

But the way Trojan head coach Larry Blakeney sees it, fifth-year senior Joe Craddock and sophomore Dwight Dasher are very similar.

“You can think Dwight’s a better runner, but the other one made a big play with his feet against us last year,” Blakeney said. “It’s a good problem to have two experienced quarterbacks who have played in some big arenas.

“They can really throw the football. They keep talking about Dasher not being able to throw it, but when we look at cutups, he’s hitting a bunch of passes.”

MTSU coach Rick Stockstill told the Daily News Journal in Murfreesboro that the starter will be a game-time decision as both have split reps with the first team offense.

Both started six games last year. Craddock led the Sun Belt in passing efficiency. Dasher was MTSU’s leading rusher. Against Memphis last year, Dasher threw for 230 yards and ran for 180 in a win.

Both are also about the same height — Craddock is listed at 5-foot-11, 197 pounds and Dasher 5-foot-10, 202.

“They’re both a double threat,” Blakeney said. “If you don’t contain them, either one of them can beat you.”

Redshirt decisions could be made soon: As preparation for MTSU has begun, so have formations of the scout team, which will feature players who redshirt or have no shot at playing in the regular rotation unless injuries happen.

Junior college transfer Mario Addison has definitely proven that he’s a legit college defensive end, but snaps are hard to come by with equally talented Cameron Sheffield and Brandon Lang, both juniors and senior Kenny Mainor.

“The thing I don’t want to do is hold him out for half a season then start playing him,” Blakeney said. “He certainly has explosive ability. I’m not a big redshirt guy, but I’d like to get the best two years out of a guy for him and for the team.”

Freshman running back T.J. Mitchell is a definite redshirt and offensive lineman Kyle Wilborn likely is as well. Freshman receiver Chip Reeves will play, but JUCO transfer Tebiarus Gill, who has battled injuries, is on the scout team at the moment.

Linebackers Jacoby Thomas and Kanorris Davis are also on the scout team as they are physically there, but still trying to grasp the mental aspect. Defensive tackle James Searcy could play early.

Still waiting word: Blakeney said the appeal for freshman receiver Josh Jarboe’s eligibility is in the hands of the NCAA. He took two classes at Oklahoma this summer and was accepted admission this fall before transferring to Troy.

“We’re trying to teach him the offense,” Blakeney said. “We’re not relying on the waiver. It’s a great thing if they allow him to play this year.”

The bigger concern is that of freshman running back Chris Anderson, who put himself in a position to play, but the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native is being held out of practice while the NCAA reviews his transcript.

“He’s a guy we need,” Blakeney said. “He’s been here, he’s worked hard and he’s eligible if they accept the same thing that they’ve accepted from hundreds of other kids down in South Florida.”

Grades for safety Michael Ricks, a JUCO transfer, still have not come in yet and he has not practiced, defensive coordinator Jeremy Rowell said.