Army QB Dewayne Coleman earns season-opening start

It’s Dewayne Coleman’s time.

From scout-team quarterback to season-opening starter, Coleman will lead Army’s offense against Tarleton State on August 29 at Michie Stadium.

Army coach Jeff Monken said after Saturday’s scrimmage that Coleman was the team’s No. 1 quarterback. ESPN’s Pete Thamel posted Tuesday that Coleman would start in the Black Knights’ season opener.

“He’s deserves it,” Monken said of Coleman being at the top of the depth chart. “He’s really practiced well through preseason camp. He’s got experience.”

Coleman has displayed good command of Army’s offense during two preseason scrimmages. Command, poise and leadership have always been among Coleman’s top qualities. Coleman stepped in for Bryson Daily, who was injured, and guided Army to 20-3 win over service-academy rival Air Force in his only career start last season. He didn’t turn the ball over, completed 5-of-8 passes for 48 yards and rushed for 42 yards.

Army’s preseason began with a quarterback competition between Coleman, sophomore Ethan Washington and junior Cale Hellums. Washington injured his knee in the first scrimmage. He was on crutches during Saturday’s scrimmage.

Hellums, who played in three Army runaway wins last season, is the team’s No. 2 quarterback. Senior Zach Mundell, who missed last season with a knee injury, would be next up.

Freshmen Bryson Luter, Godspowerr Nwawuihe and Blake Owen round out the quarterbacks on Army’s roster. Luter and Nwawuihe played at Army Prep last season.