Rams' receivers to throw passes

Regular quarterbacks Dunston, Williams hobbled with injuries

By: By John Dell | JOURNAL REPORTER
Published: November 18, 2009

Winston-Salem State will have a new quarterback for Saturday's season finale at Norfolk State.

Jean Julmiste, a junior-college transfer who has played receiver most of the season, is the probable starter. Slot back Omar Kizzie, the Rams' leading receiver and a former high-school quarterback, also is expected to see time at the position. They will replace starter Jarrett Dunston, who suffered a concussion in last week's loss to N.C. Central, and backup Branden Williams, who injured an ankle.

Coach Kermit Blount, a star quarterback for the Rams in the 1970s, joked that he didn't have any eligibility left, adding: "I would be good for about a half a play."

The Rams (1-9) have had their problems this season, and losing their top two quarterbacks put the icing on a burned cake.

"We were talking about that earlier with the staff, about what else can go wrong," Blount said. "I guess the only thing that would be worse is if the motors in our busses that take us to Norfolk drop out or something.

"It's been a tough year, but I have to take my hat off to these kids who come out fighting each and every week."

Julmiste, a 6-2, 195-pounder from Mirimar, Fla., and Dodge City Community College, saw his most extensive action at quarterback last week and completed 2 of 4 passes for 26 yards, raising his season totals to 3 of 6 for 32 yards. He also has four catches for 60 yards.

Kizzie, a 5-10, 195-pound redshirt junior from Richmond, Va., was recruited as a quarterback but was moved to wide receiver as a freshman in 2006. He's in the midst of his best season (26 catches, 261 yards, two touchdowns, 10 ypc).

"He's a very good athlete and is also our backup punter," Blount said. "Omar's very capable, and he's smart, so we think either Jean or him can handle things for us."

Blount said there's a chance that Williams could be well enough to play but that he won't know until Thursday or Friday. Blount said he doesn't think there's much chance that Dunston, a senior, will practice or play.

"You don't want to mess around with those types of injuries," Blount said.

Also injured against N.C. Central was starting left tackle Julian Gray (knee). Blount said he didn't know if Gray, the most experienced starting offensive lineman, could play Saturday.

jdell@wsjournal.com.

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