It has been a long wait for Wabash College quarterback Dustin Huff.
After splitting time with Russ Harbaugh his sophomore season then serving as Harbaugh's back-up last season, the Martinsville native has been announced as Wabash's starting quarterback for the Little Giants' season-opener Saturday at Franklin.
"From his perspective, it has probably been a long wait," said Wabash coach Chris Creighton, who enters his sixth season at the Little Giant helm. "In his mind, he probably thinks he should have started here in eighth grade. But he has really handled the situation well the last two years."
Junior Brandon Neighbors, a South Spencer graduate, will serve as Huff's backup, while sophomore Richard Lehmann, a Griffith native, will be Wabash's No. 3 quarterback.
Huff, who is second on Martinsville's all-time passing list with 5,935 yards, takes over for Harbaugh, who graduated after last season. Harbaugh passed for 3,521 yards while leading the Little Giants to an 11-1 mark and a berth in the second round of the NCAA Division III playoffs.
Creighton said experience was the main factor in choosing Huff out of the pool of quarterbacks. In 2004, Huff played nine games at quarterback, earning two starts. He completed 40 of 70 passes for 515 yards and five touchdowns. In his first career start, Huff completed 12 passes for 162 yards and two touchdowns in a 46-0 win over Earlham. In his second start of the season, Huff went 10-for-17 for 95 yards in a 17-14 win over Ohio Wesleyan.
Last season, he was a perfect 9-for-9 passing as Harbaugh's backup. He threw for 149 yards and one touchdown.
"He played a bunch two years ago and last year he served as a very good backup," Creighton said. "He knows the offense and he also has great accuracy and touch with the football. He's also very mobile."
Because of the experience his last two seasons, Creighton said Huff comes into Saturday's opener with little nervousness and full of confidence. Aiding Huff's confidence even more will be knowing the plethora of receiving options he has. Wabash returns Geoff Walker, Mike Russell and Ray Green, who combined for 136 receptions for 1,975 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. The Little Giants also return an experience backfield and offensive line.
"We feel like there is not any part of the offense that we are deficient in," Creighton said. "Dustin knows he has a great receiving corps and we have a great offensive line and running game."
Saturday's kickoff at Faught Stadium is set for 1:30 p.m.
Wilson is the sports editor for the Journal Review.