Miami Names Starting Quarterback for Michigan

8/21/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football

Aug. 21, 2001

Miami University redshirt-freshman quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (Findlay, Ohio/Findlay) has been named the starting quarterback for the RedHawks' Sept. 1 showdown at No. 10-ranked Michigan, head coach Terry Hoeppner announced today. Roethlisberger, a native of Findlay, Ohio, edged out sophomore Ryan Hawk (Centerville, Ohio/Centerville) for the starting job.

"Ben and Ryan made it a close battle for the (starting) job all the way to the end of camp," said Hoeppner. "It was the kind of competition that gets a coach like me excited for the season."

Roethlisberger, the 1999 Ohio Division I High School Offensive Player of the Year, set state passing records in his only season as the starting quarterback, racking up 4,041 yards and 54 touchdowns during his senior campaign. The converted wide receiver also punched in an additional seven scores rushing the ball.