Lambert Named Starting Quarterback

Grayson Lambert was named the starting quarterback for the season opener Saturday in Athens against The University of Louisiana at Monroe Warhawks.

Lambert arrived on campus this summer after playing at The University of Virginia since graduating from Wayne County High School in Jesup, Georgia.

Lambert started 9 games for Virginia last season, completed 59% of his passes for 1632 yards, 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He carried the ball 35 times for a net loss of 6 yards. The Cavaliers finished 3-6 in the games Lambert started.

Coach Mark Richt made the following statement to media following today's practice.

“Lambert is going to start the game, there may be others that get in the game, but he’s the starter. It’s been a very, very close competition and it’s still being contested. But at this point, we felt it was wise to name the starter and get him the reps with the No. 1 unit.”

Richt said he continues to have faith in all three quarterbacks.

“They all can get us in the right plays, they all can get us in the right protections and they all can function well and help us win,” Richt said. “That’s what made it so tough.”

Asked what separated Lambert from the pack, Richt responded, “It was just a cumulative grade so to speak, a cumulative performance.”

Richt said offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer told the quarterbacks before Monday’s two-hour practice.

“Coach Schottenheimer and I were pretty sure on Saturday. This morning, we talked about it one last time,” Richt said.

Richt said this decision was one of the toughest, personnel-wise, of his career.

“It really has been,” Richt said. “It’s a big deal because it’s a big position, and it’s one where normally you don’t roll guys in and out. Every other position you do that, but quarterbacks tend not to do that. It was a tough decision because they’re all extremely hard workers, they’re smart and they’re talented. They’ve all done well in our opinion.”