Titans, Seeking Extra Offense, to Try Sheriff at Quarterback for Tulsa Game

Cal State Fullerton Coach Gene Murphy, searching for some offense from someone other than running back Rick Calhoun, announced Monday that junior Rich Sheriff will replace Ronnie Barber as the Titans’ starting quarterback in Thursday’s nationally televised game at Tulsa.

Sheriff, who sat out last season after transferring from the University of Hawaii, will become the third quarterback to start in Fullerton’s five games. Sophomore Tony Dill began the season as the No. 1 quarterback but was replaced by Barber after two games.

Since becoming the starter three weeks ago against Idaho State, Barber has completed 23 of 50 passes for 330 yards and 3 touchdowns and has thrown 6 interceptions. Barber started in last Saturday’s 40-23 loss to Nevada Las Vegas but was replaced by redshirt freshman Carlos Siragusa late in the third quarter.

“We thought it was time to make a change because (Barber) wasn’t doing some of the things required to move the team,” Murphy said.

Calhoun, fourth in the nation in all-purpose running, has been Fullerton’s offense so far. He has 634 yards in 119 carries with 7 touchdowns.

Barber will back up Sheriff Thursday when Fullerton (1-4) meets Tulsa (3-2), Murphy said. The game will be televised on ESPN. Sheriff’s only playing time this season was a brief appearance in the Titans’ season-opening 49-3 loss to Nevada Reno, in which he completed 2 of 3 passes for 14 yards.