(Albion College/Dave Trumpie photo) Albion College freshman quarterback Spencer Krauss throws a pass during the Britons’ 20-0 MIAA victory over Olivet on Oct. 3.
By Brian Calloway
Daily Telegram Sports Editor
ALBION, Mich. – Spencer Krauss saw his opportunity and took advantage.
With the Albion College football team struggling offensively during its first two games, the redshirt freshman quarterback was called on to give the Britons a spark. Krauss (Clinton High School) did just that, helping Albion score its first touchdown of the season in the final quarter of a 20-10 loss to Thiel (Pa.) in Week 2. Since then he has been the starter for the Britons.
“I got a shot in the second game of the season, and they threw me in and I did well,” said Krauss, who sat out in 2008 while rehabilitating from a knee surgery he had in the fall of 2007. “It was my first opportunity to play Division III football and I was real excited when they told me I was going in. I knew it was an opportunity that if I did well, I’d have a chance to see more playing time.”
In three starts this season, Krauss has led Albion to a 1-2 record. He helped the Britons knock off Olivet 20-0 for their first victory of the season earlier this month. Krauss has completed 57 of 110 passes for 530 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in four games this fall for Albion (1-4, 1-1 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association). The Britons have averaged 13 points in Krauss’ starts.
| Who: Albion (1-4, 1-1 MIAA) at Adrian (3-2, 1-0 MIAA) |
| When/Where: 1 p.m., Performance Stadium |
| Last Meeting: Adrian won 28-6 in 2008. |
| All-time series: Albion leads 52-26-1 |
| Last week: Adrian is coming off its bye week, while Albion suffered a 14-6 loss to Hope last Saturday |
After sitting out last season, Krauss faced an uphill climb in his quest to become the starter. Returning quarterbacks Tom Fusee and Alex Harris both started games for the Britons last season and already had a handle of the offense.
“We’ve got a lot of good quarterbacks around and I knew it was going to be tough to try to earn a spot,” Krauss said. “… We had three quarterbacks fighting for the same spot. (With me sitting out last year) it showed real early and I struggled. I think the coaches decided that if I played it was going to be a gradual process. It’s been a heck of a learning experience and I’ve learned a lot over the past month.”
Albion coach Craig Rundle has been impressed with Krauss and believes he is making improvements every week.
“He’s got a strong arm, a big-time arm, which is good,” Rundle said. “He is still working on his mechanics and being more patient in the pocket. He has good awareness, especially for a guy that has played as little as he has. He wasn’t a drop back passer in high school and he has been getting used to that.
“ … I think he’s gotten better each week. Basically he’s a freshman quarterback and has only played three games. He’s getting better each week in terms of understanding the offense and reading defenses.”
Krauss knows he will have to continue to make improvements, especially heading into Saturday’s MIAA contest against Adrian College.
“Obviously we need to improve tremendously this week to have a shot against the very physical and diverse Adrian defense,” Krauss said. “I’m really excited (for the game). Adrian is a great school and has great facilities. It’s going to be exciting and I hope we can put on a good show for everyone.”
