By Kaila Burns-Heffner.

The 2014 football season brought a scout team quarterback to center stage after Deshaun Watson went down with an injury in the first quarter against Georgia Tech and Cole Stoudt came in the game to throw two pick sixes. That third string scout quarterback is redshirt junior Nick Schuessler, who has been taking all of the first team reps this spring while Watson continues to recover from ACL surgery.

Schuessler appeared briefly in games in both the 2013 and 2014 season, but it was his emergence in a desperate time that brought many fans to his attention. Schuessler was 4-4 for 19 yards passing in his short time on the field and was given a few more opportunities to take snaps after that.

“I just wanted to do whatever was going to be able to help the team and last year I felt like they needed me on the sideline for signaling, so I kind of accepted that role,” he said. “I’ve always prepared like I was the starter from day one mentally, knowing the system and knowing what to do.”

The coaches have mentioned that Schuessler has been the MVP of spring practice and that he has noticeably stepped up to fill in the starting role for the spring sessions. Coming from a third string player to the leader of the first team is a big jump, but the coaches have claimed that Schuessler has been having some great practices this spring.

Schuessler has noticed a difference in himself and his confidence level as well since the spring practices have started and he credits that to being surrounded by and able to practice with his talented teammates.

“It’s been good for me. It’s been a big confidence boost being able to get out there with some of the great receivers in that first group. They can make plays for you,” said Schuessler. “Just for me, going out there and getting to prove to everybody that I can play if my number is called and if they need me. I just think it’s been great for me to get out there.”

Although Schuessler feels like he has improved a lot and has gained the respect and attention of his teammates and coaches, he knows that there is still much room for improvement.

“My challenge is just being more urgent, because I’m so laid back that I think sometimes they (the coaches) think that I’m not pushing everybody. I think for me, this spring, I’ve taken a big step in that direction in trying to push myself,” he said.

With young quarterback talent on the rise and the anticipation of the return of Watson, Schuessler knows he has to keep improving in order to remain with the first team.

“Every time I’m out on the field, I want to play like I’m that guy. I know for them too, they know when they’re out there they want to be the first-team guy too,” said Schuessler  “It’s a healthy competition, there’s no malice or jealousy.

“We’re all each other’s biggest fans.”