The Southern Methodist University signal-caller, Kevin Jennings, showcased an innovative approach to the shovel pass play on Saturday’s game versus Stanford.
During the first quarter’s midpoint, Jennings simulated a sweep handoff, subsequently tossing the ball in a backward motion to RJ Maryland, the Mustangs’ tight end. Maryland then proceeded to advance, securing a gain of 9 yards.
Prior to the play’s commencement, Maryland was positioned as the upback. Instead of engaging in a block, Maryland discreetly moved towards the field’s center, where he successfully received the subtle pass from Jennings, whose action resembled that of a point guard assisting a teammate with a perfectly timed pass.
A subsequent holding infraction in the following play disrupted the team’s offensive momentum, but it did not detract from the impressiveness of Jennings’ skillful throw.
Jennings is currently in his second year fulfilling the role of SMU’s primary quarterback. In the previous season, he guided the Mustangs to the ACC championship game during their inaugural year as conference members. Despite the Mustangs losing the league title to Clemson, they still secured a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff.
This season, the Mustangs have already faced two defeats in their initial five games. However, Jennings entered Saturday’s competition with a total of 1,411 passing yards achieved thus far, accompanied by a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 13:6.
His completion rate stood at 71.4% upon entering the game. His precision remained evident in the backward pass executed against Stanford.
