Julius Vaughn likely won’t be the Alexander Bulldogs’ starting quarterback this coming season. However, that does not mean he cannot practice at the position sometimes.
The senior-to-be is expected to be one of Alexander’s primary slot receivers heading into the next season. With receivers such as Pepe Vasquez and Uli Briones set to depart the program due to graduation in May, the Bulldogs need to find someone to replace their production. And Vaughn seems like the candidate to do so. But the current junior has not been practicing at receiver much during spring ball. Instead, he has been practicing at quarterback.
There is a method to Alexander head coach Edwin Garcia’s madness when it comes to Vaughn practicing at quarterback while he is projected to be a receiver. It is for the betterment of the team.
“It's going to help us overall,” Garcia said.
Vaughn has been repping at quarterback for two reasons. The first is because expected starter Jeremy Gabrillo hasn’t participated in spring ball that much due to him being part of the baseball program. The second is because of injuries as several primary signal callers battling for the backup position have been sidelined. So, to ensure Alexander can have quality spring practices, Garcia felt it was necessary for Vaughn to work out at quarterback.
Now, this isn’t the first time Vaughn has practiced at quarterback. He does have some varsity snaps at signal caller under his belt, which is why Garcia was comfortable with the junior working out at the position this spring.
“Right now, at quarterback, he’s No. 3 on the depth chart,” Garcia said. “It is a blessing to have him available. He does have varsity reps at quarterback. So, that’s why we knew he could do it.”
Although Vaughn would prefer to practice a little more at receiver, he doesn’t mind participating at quarterback. He sees it as beneficial for him as a player.
Signal callers need to know every offensive play like the back of their hand. So, since Vaughn has gained the knowledge of every single minute detail within Alexander’s playbook, he is now like an on-field coach for the Bulldogs. So, if his teammates need any help concerning details of a play, Vaughn is there to help.
“I’ve always thought being a quarterback has its benefits, especially being a receiver,” Vaughn said. “If somebody needs to know a route, I know the route for everybody. I know what even what the linemen need to do.”
Vaughn does not care where he plays. He can play receiver, quarterback, running back or even a defensive position, it does not matter to him. All he wants to do is play. And he sees himself practicing at quarterback as a chance to create more value for himself.
“I do whatever the coaches need me to do. Whatever spot,” Vaugh said. “I think it’s better for me to be where I am at – to play both spots. You never know what’s going to happen. You have to be ready.
“I just want to play. That’s why I am out here for.”
With Vaughn practicing as a signal caller, he will likely be the team’s emergency gunslinger if the top two quarterbacks go down with injuries at any point this coming season.
Vaughn will not be Alexander’s starting quarterback this coming season. He will likely be the team’s starting slot receiver, though. However, that does not mean he cannot practice under center this spring.
Vaughn just wants to help the team any way he can. That is why he is practicing at quarterback this spring. Vaughn repping at signal caller is to ensure his team does not waste its spring practices. The junior practicing is for the betterment of the program.
Vaughn just wants to be a contributor this coming year. He does not have any specific goals set yet. However, he wants to help the team win and win often this season. And with his unselfish attitude, his teammates and coaches expect him to have a strong senior year.
“He’s a very unselfish player,” Garcia said. “I think he is going to have a tremendous year.”
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