Written by Chris O’Dell
Senior Zac Ross led the Bisons with 65 receptions last season at wide receiver. Now the 5-foot-6-inch transfer from Oklahoma State is taking on a new role in the Bison offense.
Ross is now the team’s quarterback, taking over under center after junior Josh Powell and redshirt freshman Chaz Rogers. Ross said his switch to the quarterback position has had a lot to do with setbacks the Bisons have endured throughout the season.
“I think a lot of it had to do with injuries that have happened throughout the year,” Ross said. “We have evolved to running more based on the injuries at wide receiver. So I think it’s a combination of a lot of things.”
Ross, who is now in his final season for the Bison football team, transferred to Harding from the Big 12 South’s Oklahoma State University. He redshirted in 2005, his first season as a Cowboy, and was on the active roster the following season. The former Cowboy said playing in the Gulf South Conference isn’t too different from playing at Oklahoma State.
“The main differences are the size of the defensive linemen and offensive line and the speed of the skill players,” Ross said. “The game is a lot faster, but D-II in the GSC is pretty similar.”
After transferring to Harding, Ross contributed to the team almost immediately. In 2007, Ross played in all 10 games and started in two of those. He ended the season with 49 receptions for 512 yards and four touchdowns. Ross also helped return punts and kicks during the season.
In the 2008 season, Ross started all 11 games for the Bisons and was part of an outstanding receiving core that included himself and All-GSC wideout Kurt Adams. Together, the Bisons boasted one of the top passing attacks in the conference. Part of that success came from having a Harlon Hill finalist at quarterback in David Knighton. However, Ross said he doesn’t think the team has had trouble stepping up with the graduation of Knighton.
“I don’t think it’s been tough,” Ross said. “Josh, Zach and Chaz have done a good job this year, and we have a different type of offense now than we did with David.”
After beginning the season with transfer Josh Powell starting under center, the Bisons switched to redshirt freshman Chaz Rogers during a 26-16 win over Southern Arkansas. Rogers started the next game against Ouachita Baptist at quarterback before Zac Ross eventually took over as the team’s quarterback.
With a great deal of speed, Ross is a threat to run from under center and had 63 yards rushing with one touchdown in a 21-7 upset victory over Ouachita Baptist. Ross also completed eight of his 11 passes during the game.
During a home game against conference rival Valdosta State last week, Ross started the game at quarterback and nearly led his team to another upset victory in the GSC. Ross rushed for 151 yards and a touchdown while also going 12 for 22 for 155 yards and a touchdown pass. The Bisons lost the game by a score of 23-17 after leading the game by 10 points after one quarter. Ross said those are the kind of games the Bisons must finish off during the remainder of the season.
“I think we have done good this year,” Ross said. “We had some chances to be sitting really well in the conference but let some chances slip away. I think the team is making huge steps in the direction Coach Huck wants it to go.”
