WILLIAMSBURG — There are a few similarities between William & Mary starting quarterback Tyler Hughes and Tribe quarterback coach Bryan Randall. Start with being new to their respective positions.
Hughes, a 6-foot, 200-pound junior from Marietta, Georgia, sat patiently the past three seasons behind four-year starter Darius Wilson. He did so gracefully.
“I knew deep down I needed to be in the backseat for a bit and learn to drive,” Hughes said, even though he came to W&M with a resume that included more than 7,000 yards passing and 70 touchdowns his final two seasons at Marietta High. “Waiting to start was more blessing than anxiety.”
Randall, a three-year starter as quarterback two decades ago at Virginia Tech, where he was ACC Player of the Year as a senior, knew he’d coach someday. But, through 13 years of minor league professional (mostly indoor) football, then seven more in management at the Newport News Shipyard, he, too, patiently awaited his turn.
“I didn’t know when the right time would come, but I knew I would coach,” Randall said. “I feel this is the right time and I’m loving it.”
So, here they are, a former dual-threat quarterback and his protegee, also a dual-threat, sharing the moment. Early returns are promising as the Tribe (2-3) hosts North Carolina A&T (1-4) at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday in a Coastal Athletic Association game at Zable Stadium.
Hughes, who’s completed 77 of 126 passes for 959 yards and nine touchdowns, is second in the CAA in passing efficiency. His 64 carries for 250 yards and three touchdowns nearly ties him atop the Tribe rushing charts with Rashad Raymond (71 carries, 261 yards, three TDs).
“One of the good things is I can relate to his being a dual-threat quarterback,” said Randall, who threw for 1,965 yards with 19 touchdowns, and ran for 466 yards in leading Virginia Tech to the 2004 ACC title as a senior. “I want him to be able to stand in the pocket and throw, but it’s a gift to have both.
“You want to be able to use that (rushing) superpower.”
William & Mary quarterback Tyler Hughes has waited his turn to start for the Tribe. (William & Mary/Courtesy)
Hughes, who had started only one game prior to this season, has posted good numbers the past two weeks.
In the 34-7 win over Charleston Southern, he passed for 296 yards and four touchdowns, and ran for 51 yards. He followed with 233 yards passing and one touchdown, while running for 63 yards and two TDs, in a tough 31-24 loss at nationally ranked Villanova.
Working with Randall has boosted his confidence.
“Meetings with him are great,” Hughes said. “There isn’t a lot he hasn’t seen from defenses, so I feel prepared.
“He has a high football IQ and truly knows what it means to be a quarterback.”
Randall’s ability to impart that knowledge is not only because of his lengthy playing experience. His late father, Edgar Randall, coached 38 years, including stints as head women’s and men’s basketball coach at Division II West Virginia State.
“That’s why I always felt coaching was in me,” said Randall, a Bruton High graduate. “Growing up I saw how he communicated, handled different personalities, disciplined players and emphasized academics.
“It prepared me to lead and, along with playing a long time, I know what it takes for a quarterback to grow and lead. I want to help slow the game down for Tyler when it comes to decision-making, reading defenses, clock management and situation management.”
That’s a work in progress. While he is pleased overall with Hughes’ play, Randall says he’s missed the occasional run-pass-option read, coverage or check-down.
Randall can relate, though, because he’s faced his own learning curve getting up to speed in a W&M offense, now speedier under new coordinator Winston October.
“Coach October loves to go fast, so we’re running a lot more up-tempo plays and getting the ball out quickly,” Hughes said.
Impressively, the up-tempo Tribe have turned the ball over only once — an interception on the first series of the season — tying them for fewest nationally in the Football Championship Subdivision.
“Tyler can take pride in being efficient,” Randall said. “I’m really excited about his potential.
“There are looks and game awareness he can only get with reps, but I feel he’s an all-conference quarterback. The sky is the limit.”
Randall talks about himself similarly as a new coach.
“I’m like a young pup, eager to learn and taking it all in like a sponge,” he said. “Coaching is right down my avenue and I have high expectations for myself.”
