This preseason, University of Charleston quarterback Mason Olszewski needed to worry only about the competition on the other side of the field, not a competition for a starting job.
After a season where sixth-year senior Jeremy Johnson took that role and led the Golden Eagles to the NCAA Division II playoffs, the job is now Olszewski's. He'll lead UC into Saturday's game at Notre Dame College in South Euclid, Ohio. Charleston head coach Pat Kirkland said that title of leader is one that came naturally to his redshirt sophomore signal-caller.
"Definitely, from a leadership standpoint, he's really taken over," Kirkland said. "It's nothing we really forced on him. He kind of just grasped the role and is by far the leader on our offense."
Olszewski and Johnson battled for the No. 1 QB job last preseason and both played in Charleston's 2015 season opener versus NDC. Olszewski threw for 130 yards and three touchdowns in that game. But as the season progressed, Johnson took a firmer grasp on the starting job.
With Johnson's graduation, the starting job was Olszewski's to lose, and he didn't. Kirkland said Olszewski won over everyone, especially his teammates, during the spring and took that trust into the offseason and then into August practices.
"He earned it with his play in the spring," Kirkland said. "I think players saw that and coming back in the fall with camp, I don't think it was anything he said. The guys just looked to him for guidance and leadership."
That leadership doesn't come in the form of fiery speeches or rousing words. Olszewski said it comes by example.
"I'm not a very loud guy," he said. "I'm more of a follow-me guy. I work my butt off and hope you follow me and work your butt off as well."
Kirkland agrees that his quarterback isn't a guy who says much, but his words have meaning when they are spoken. And he has faith in Olszewski in crucial situations. That was the case last season, too.
UC rested Johnson in a midseason game versus Fairmont State, which gave Olszewski the starting nod. He led the Golden Eagles to a 38-31 win over an improved Falcons team, completing 14 of 23 passes for 263 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. He finished the season with 475 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions on 33-of-61 passing.
Olszewski has worked this preseason on cutting down turnovers and focusing on what he calls two D's - dependability and durability. He also gives the Charleston offense a new wrinkle. Where Johnson used his mobility to take off for big runs, Olszewski can do that, too, but also uses his mobility to keep plays alive in the pocket.
"Probably more than Jeremy, he's more of a pure passer," Kirkland said. "I think, really, what I've seen more of is creating opportunities with his feet. As opposed to tucking and running, he's doing a better job of keeping the play alive."
With the skill players that surround him, Olszewski wants to use his feet to get the ball to that talent.
"I have the ability to keep my eyes downfield and make plays, to move up in the pocket, bring the linebackers in and toss it over their heads," he said. "A lot of that came in the offseason.
"We have playmakers all over the field," he added. "Hopefully, with my mobility and being able to stay in the pocket and throw a little bit, it'll be tough to defend."
Contact Derek Redd at 304-348-1712 or derek.redd@wvgazettemail.com. Follow him on Twitter @derekredd.