A wide-open spring battle for the College’s starting quarterback job just got even more crowded. North Carolina sophomore quarterback Mike Paulus will transfer to Williamsburg and be eligible immediately this spring. A UNC athletic department spokesman confirmed the intended transfer Friday.
If the transfer is approved, Paulus, a former Gatorade State Player of the Year for New York, will have two years of eligibility remaining.
The brother of former Duke basketball guard and Syracuse quarterback Greg Paulus, the 6-5, 215 pound quarterback played in four games his redshirt freshman season, finishing with 33 yards on 4-13 passing with two interceptions. He did not see any playing time this past season.
Coming out of Syracuse, New York’s Christian Brothers High School in 2007, the website Scout.com rated Paulus a four-star recruit and the no. 11 overall quarterback in his class. Rivals.com also gave him four stars, slotted him as the fourth best pro-style passer, and the 82nd overall player.
Despite his pedigree, Paulus will likely face stiff competition in practice for the starting job. With senior R.J. Archer graduating, junior Mike Callahan, sophomores D.J. Mangas and Terrance Schmand, and true freshman Brent Caprio were all set to duke it out over the course of the spring and summer. With Paulus now in the mix, a crowded quarterback battle will likely be the focal point of the College’s offseason.
College athletic department spokesman Pete Clawson declined comment, other than to say that the transfer had not been completed.
The Tribe is set to face North Carolina this coming season, journeying to Chapel Hill Oct. 30.
