Conner Cronin had to sit out last year after transferring from University Lab to Teurlings Catholic.
During the 2011 season, Cronin watched as veteran QB D'Shaie Landor led the team to the Class 4A quarterfinals. It's obvious that Cronin (6-5 220 to 230 range) has all the tools, and he'll get a chance to use them when the Rebels' regular season gets underway next month.
Landor has moved on to the next level with the Ragin' Cajuns in Lafayette, which - as planned - leaves the starting job to Cronin.
"We're looking good and we have some good young receivers returning," said Cronin. "I've been learning a new system here, and I feel like we're all on the same page now.
"My goals are to win district, and the Dome (state finals) is always in the picture. I believe this team came beat anybody. We won district last year (three-way tie with Breaux Bridge and St. Thomas More)."
Cronin enjoys honing his skills during 7v7 competition.
"We been doing 7v7 every week with Carencro," said Cronin of the 5A runner-up Bears. "I've been throwing with (former LSU and NFL quarterback) Tommy Hodson.
"Last year at the National Underclassmen Combine (Baton Rouge), I was the number two quarterback. Brandon Fields ((St. Michael '13 prospect and Fordham commit) was first; Shane McCarley ('13 Texas product with several offers) was there. He got third, and Kendell Beckwith (East Felicana) also competed as a quarterback (now recruited as a OLB/DE)."
What does Cronin have to say about stepping into the shoes of Landor, who masterfully guided the Rebels to appearances in the '10 semis (lost to Edna Karr) and '11 quarters (lost to Lutcher)?
"D'Shaie will be good in college," said Cronin of his former teammate and current Ragin' Cajun. "He always lived up to expectations. He was the state MVP (4A) on offense."
Cronin is a sleeper at the current time, due to sitting out last year after a transfer from another city. He's interested in hearing from any program, and more than a few will come knocking this fall if Cronin moves the chains and shows he can make the throws.
He will get the opportunity to attempt all the requisite throws in TCHS (9-4 in '11) head coach Sonny Charpentier's offense.