Colin McEniry’s Transition to Quarterback: A Test of Leadership and Adaptability

Colin McEniry did not anticipate his final football season at Marmion would unfold as it has. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 185 pounds, the senior receiver was the CCL/ESCC Red’s offensive player of the year last fall and received recruiting interest from the Ivy, Patriot, and Pioneer leagues. These schools wanted his game film from the first three weeks of the current season.

Yet, four days before the first game, sophomore Andrew Saltijeral, the projected starting quarterback, suffered a noncontact preseason injury. The team had to adapt quickly. McEniry found the situation daunting when asked to switch positions and lead the offense. His only experience as a quarterback had been during childhood flag football. In youth leagues, he had been a receiving tight end.

McEniry took snaps during early summer workouts after Marmion’s previous starting quarterback transferred. Coaches were uncertain if Saltijeral was ready. Eventually, they decided he was before the injury occurred. Despite the challenge of playing out of position, especially as McEniry was also a starting linebacker, he was seen as the best option.

“It’s about putting your best athlete and smartest player at QB,” Marmion coach Adam Guerra said. “He understands the entire offense.”

While adjusting to this new role, McEniry had concerns about his future in college football. The recruiting coaches sought game films to proceed with offers. Coach Guerra reassured him that stepping up in this role demonstrated leadership and commitment.

The transition had its hurdles. “My first full practice, it felt overwhelming,” McEniry shared. “During a 7-on-7 offensive period, I hardly completed any passes initially.” Nonetheless, improvement followed, as he completed 14 of 24 passes, showing promise in subsequent games, including a key performance against Lincoln Park.

McEniry’s leadership extends beyond football. He has served as a starter in basketball since his sophomore year, excelling in defense and rebounding. “I’m not a top scorer but solid on defense and very vocal,” he noted about his basketball game.

Despite mixed results on the field, McEniry remains determined. Against Racine Lutheran, the team lost narrowly 23-21, but they secured a 34-14 victory over Lincoln Park. His evolving quarterback skills were evident as he threw a touchdown and ran for another during the Lincoln Park game.

Coach Guerra praised McEniry’s leadership, noting, “Colin is the ultimate team player. He had an impressive performance last Friday, and we build on that success.”

McEniry acknowledged areas for growth, specifically the need to manage his timing better. “I’m rushing throws where there’s time. Our line is strong, giving me more time in the pocket.” He aims to minimize turnovers as the season progresses.

The change to the CCL Purple division presents a tougher schedule, but McEniry believes his team can excel. “We can surprise many, even with me in this new role, not as a receiver,” he concluded.