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Sonny Riccio gets nod as UD starting quarterback 4:36 p.m., Aug. 18, 2004--University of Delaware Head Coach K.C. Keeler has named redshirt junior Sonny Riccio the starting quarterback of the Fightin’ Blue Hens football team, it was announced Wednesday afternoon. Riccio, a transfer from the University of Missouri, has been in competition with redshirt sophomore Ryan Carty for the starting job during spring workouts and pre-season practice. Keeler, as expected, named his starter the day before the team's first scheduled scrimmage, which will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 19, at Delaware Stadium. “We feel good about both quarterbacks and their ability to lead the team,” UD offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca said. “Both Sonny and Ryan have continued to improve throughout the 13 practices we've had thus far. “We feel like we can win with both of them,” Ciarrocca said, “but Sonny has a slight edge. They both can lead this offense. However, Sonny's strengths as a quarterback give us a little better opportunity to be a successful offense at this point in time.” Riccio was the No. 2 quarterback at Missouri last year, behind Heisman Trophy candidate Brad Smith. Riccio appeared in 11 games, including a 134-yard, two-touchdown day against Ball State. He also threw for a touchdown against Nebraska off of a fake field goal. In the spring game in April, Riccio was 8-of-13 for 152 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown pass. Carty appeared in eight games last year as the back-up to All-American Andy Hall. He was 8-of-17 for 114 yards, including a career-high 43 yards against Richmond. He started the spring game and completed five of seven passes for 36 yards and a touchdown. UD will open its defense of the NCAA Division I-AA national championship at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 2, against the University of New Hampshire at Delaware Stadium. To learn how to subscribe to UDaily, click here. |
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