“I’ve practiced a lot at quarterback,” said Pule, a junior who started at wide receiver before becoming the Hoover quarterback during the third week of last season. “It will be good having to just be playing one position, but it’s an important one.
“I like to play both wide receiver and quarterback, but I’m more happy playing quarterback. At quarterback, you are more looked on being the team leader and having the ability to step up and perform.”
Pule completed 56 of 146 passes for 1,009 yards and four touchdowns last season for a Hoover squad that went 0-10 and 0-7 in the Pacific League. He’d like to improve on those numbers, in addition to helping get the Tornadoes in the win column for the first time since it recorded a 22-15 league victory against cross-town rival Glendale on Nov. 9, 2006.
Hoover second-year Coach Chris Long gained confidence in Pule being able to get the job done for the Tornadoes after watching him perform last season.
“With him, it will be all about consistency,” Long said. “We have spoken about it all year long.
“The goal that we have going into this season is to throw no more than five picks. That can be done. I’ve told him to not force every throw he makes. If you have to take a sack, then so be it.”
Should he receive ample protection in the pocket, Pule just might have the Tornadoes in position to win a few games, but the speedy Pule is well-versed outside of the pocket, as well.
Having quality receivers would sure go a long way, too. One of them might be junior DeVaghn Williams, who caught 10 passes for 120 yards and one touchdown last season.
“I hope we can play catch throughout the year and win some games,” said Williams, who will also start at corner back. “He’s got a cannon for an arm.
“He’s got good accuracy on his passes. He throws the ball right on the money.”
