As the USD Coyotes gear up for practice later this summer, the focus will be on finding a new quarterback to succeed Aidan Bouman, who has left an indelible mark on the program. Coach Travis Johansen is aware that the quarterback conversation will dominate discussions until the season begins.
Bouman was a standout player, breaking numerous records and leading the Coyotes to the playoffs for three consecutive seasons. His influence extended beyond the field, and replacing such a charismatic leader will be a significant challenge.
Currently, there are three candidates vying for the starting position. They include:
- Nevan Cremascoli, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound senior who served as Bouman”s backup for the past two years and started three games at Northern Illinois in 2023.
- Austyn Modrzewski, a 6-foot-5 redshirt freshman from Colorado.
- Jackson Proctor, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound senior transfer who played at Northern Illinois last season after previously starting at Dartmouth.
The first opportunity for these players to showcase their skills will come during spring practice, although Johansen emphasized that a starter will not be named immediately. He noted that the Coyotes aim to remain a national championship contender, regardless of personnel changes, and therefore want to ensure they select the right quarterback for the job.
“It”s a full-on competition, it really is,” Johansen remarked, having led USD to a 10-5 record in his inaugural season. “This spring will focus on evaluating quarterbacks, and we will create situations for them to demonstrate their capabilities. This process will extend into the fall as well.”
Each candidate brings unique strengths to the table. Cremascoli participated in 12 games last season, adding value as a running quarterback alongside Bouman”s more traditional style, accumulating 133 rushing yards and a touchdown while throwing for two more. However, his playing time was limited last year, and prior to that, he had a solid foundation at Northern Illinois where he started three games as a true freshman.
Modrzewski, known for his impressive high school career, redshirted last season but was highly regarded as a recruit. He earned Colorado”s Gatorade Player of the Year honors twice, accumulating over 12,000 passing yards and setting a record with 57 touchdown passes in his senior year alone.
Proctor”s experience could be a key factor in the competition. After leading Dartmouth to an 8-2 record as their starter, he transferred to Northern Illinois, though he did not see action last season.
“Austyn is an athletic talent with significant arm strength, but he lacks college experience,” Johansen explained. “Cremascoli has extensive knowledge of the offense but might not have the elite physical traits. Jackson has shown he can be productive at a high level. It will be interesting to see how they perform on the field.”
While Proctor”s proven track record may provide him a slight advantage, Johansen also highlighted the importance of not over-relying on a single player. The Coyotes have a strong backfield, a solid offensive line, and a talented receiving corps, meaning the quarterback”s role will be to effectively manage the game and make smart decisions rather than carry the team single-handedly.
“You”d love to have an Aidan Bouman every year, but that”s not realistic,” Johansen concluded. “All these candidates have the potential to carve out their own leadership roles, and they will need to gain the trust of their teammates.”
