Not sure if this has been posted yet.

http://www.star-telegram.com/college_spo...32315.html

Former walk-on quarterback now healthy and in the mix for UNT
By TROY PHILLIPS
tphillips@star-telegram.com

DENTON — If there was ever a time Nathan Tune felt needed at North Texas, it’s now.

Tune, a junior, and freshman Riley Dodge enter today’s first spring practice at 3 p.m. as the Mean Green’s top two quarterbacks despite little game experience between them.

It’s a notable ascension for Tune, a former walk-on from Celina in 2006 who was on the brink off giving up football in December.

Dodge, who suffered a concussion early last season as a true freshman receiver, regained that year of eligibility and is starting with a clean slate at quarterback.

If the season started today, Dodge would be the likely starter, but not having Tune behind him would have left UNT with a depth disaster after 2008 starter Giovanni Vizza left the program in January.

"I was definitely considering [leaving]," said Tune, the reasons being lack of playing time and a medical condition, celiac disease. "Once I heard about Giovanni, I had too much invested with the guys on the team and couldn’t leave them extra short-handed. I had to stick it out and felt a conviction not to abandon the guys and to try to turn things around."

Last year, Tune lost 20 pounds before his diagnosis. Celiac disease leaves the body unable to digest or process wheat gluten, often resulting in malnourishment.

Wheat carbohydrate is replaced with rice, potato or other carbs in a celiac diet. Tune fell from 205 to 185 pounds, but is back up to 195.

"It’s genetic, and I’d had it my whole life," Tune said. "Until now, it had never bothered me. It was a pretty rough few months. I wasn’t absorbing any nutrients."

His strength returning, Tune is as close as ever to the top of UNT’s quarterback depth chart, at least a solid No. 2 without debate.

"He came to the conclusion and I came to the conclusion that this team needs him," UNT coach Todd Dodge said. "I don’t know exactly what Nathan’s decision would have been [had Vizza stayed], but under the circumstances, he definitely saw that he couldn’t leave."

Riley Dodge and Tune enter spring with knowledge of UNT’s offense and a replenished group of receivers. Transfers Jamaal Jackson and Mike Outlaw should add greatly to the mix.

Dodge is a dual run-pass threat; Tune is a tall, relatively veteran presence.

"I’m excited to get under center again and try to lead this team," Riley Dodge said.

"I want to take care of my health and try to make the guys around me better. Nate and I will push each other. I know a lot of people doubt me, my ability and my size, but I love adversity and proving people wrong."

Incoming freshman Derek Thompson of Glen Rose will add more depth in August.

Walk-on Chase Baine, a receiver last season who played quarterback at Lake Dallas High, has moved back to quarterback. The ever-lean Dodge is beginning to gain and maintain weight.

"I’m glad [Tune] stayed," said Dodge, now around 195 pounds. "It gives us more arms. We’re pretty good friends. I didn’t want him to leave. He makes us better. Whoever gets the nod, we’ll back each other up."

(03-05-2009 12:42 AM)CardinalBlackTrojan Wrote:  Not sure if this has been posted yet.

http://www.star-telegram.com/college_spo...32315.html

Former walk-on quarterback now healthy and in the mix for UNT
By TROY PHILLIPS
tphillips@star-telegram.com

DENTON — If there was ever a time Nathan Tune felt needed at North Texas, it’s now.

Tune, a junior, and freshman Riley Dodge enter today’s first spring practice at 3 p.m. as the Mean Green’s top two quarterbacks despite little game experience between them.

It’s a notable ascension for Tune, a former walk-on from Celina in 2006 who was on the brink off giving up football in December.

Dodge, who suffered a concussion early last season as a true freshman receiver, regained that year of eligibility and is starting with a clean slate at quarterback.

If the season started today, Dodge would be the likely starter, but not having Tune behind him would have left UNT with a depth disaster after 2008 starter Giovanni Vizza left the program in January.

"I was definitely considering [leaving]," said Tune, the reasons being lack of playing time and a medical condition, celiac disease. "Once I heard about Giovanni, I had too much invested with the guys on the team and couldn’t leave them extra short-handed. I had to stick it out and felt a conviction not to abandon the guys and to try to turn things around."

Last year, Tune lost 20 pounds before his diagnosis. Celiac disease leaves the body unable to digest or process wheat gluten, often resulting in malnourishment.

Wheat carbohydrate is replaced with rice, potato or other carbs in a celiac diet. Tune fell from 205 to 185 pounds, but is back up to 195.

"It’s genetic, and I’d had it my whole life," Tune said. "Until now, it had never bothered me. It was a pretty rough few months. I wasn’t absorbing any nutrients."

His strength returning, Tune is as close as ever to the top of UNT’s quarterback depth chart, at least a solid No. 2 without debate.

"He came to the conclusion and I came to the conclusion that this team needs him," UNT coach Todd Dodge said. "I don’t know exactly what Nathan’s decision would have been [had Vizza stayed], but under the circumstances, he definitely saw that he couldn’t leave."

Riley Dodge and Tune enter spring with knowledge of UNT’s offense and a replenished group of receivers. Transfers Jamaal Jackson and Mike Outlaw should add greatly to the mix.

Dodge is a dual run-pass threat; Tune is a tall, relatively veteran presence.

"I’m excited to get under center again and try to lead this team," Riley Dodge said.

"I want to take care of my health and try to make the guys around me better. Nate and I will push each other. I know a lot of people doubt me, my ability and my size, but I love adversity and proving people wrong."

Incoming freshman Derek Thompson of Glen Rose will add more depth in August.

Walk-on Chase Baine, a receiver last season who played quarterback at Lake Dallas High, has moved back to quarterback. The ever-lean Dodge is beginning to gain and maintain weight.

"I’m glad [Tune] stayed," said Dodge, now around 195 pounds. "It gives us more arms. We’re pretty good friends. I didn’t want him to leave. He makes us better. Whoever gets the nod, we’ll back each other up."

I saw some videos of Riley Dodge a few years back and to me, he seemed like an exact clone of Omar Haugabook. When he doesn't find open receivers, he tucks it in and runs with conviction. We'll see if he can produce. I hadn't heard about Tune until know, this could be good for UNT. I hope these guys go at least 5-7 like FIU last year so we can finally rid the sunbelt of the "super bottom feeder syndrome."

One interesting common denominator with the NT QB's is this.
All NT QB's have won High School state championships at their respective high schools. Riley has 2, Tune has 1, Baine has 1, new
QB recruit Derek Thompson 6-4, 200, has one also.Each QB has their own talents, and each QB came from Spread Offense systems.
Riley is the favorite to earn the starting position. Riley knows every aspect of Dodgeball, knows every defensive set, and has a natural
"sixth" sense, all very good QB's have. Riley is a terriffic athlete that
happens to play QB. Riley, can play several positions and excell at each.
Riley is a very accurate passer, but, his passing skills are just one of many talents he brings to the team. Besides his passing skills and leadership skills, Riley is a very dangerious running QB that has tremendious speed, acceleration, quickness, and the "sixth" sense of knowing when to tuck the ball and run. I think his running abilities will
be the first aspect SBC fans will learn about Riley. The kid has got some
major league wheels and will be fun to watch the next 4 years.