SMU QB Preston Stone's confidence is at 'all-time high' ahead for start at Nevada
SMU quarterback Preston Stone is ready to get the ball Saturday night as Rhett Lashlee’s starting quarterback. For the second straight season, it’ll be Stone who starts Game 1.
Last season ended with a rough injury, a broken leg against Navy. At a time when Stone was on pace for a historic game and his confidence was overflowing, in the blink of an eye he had to begin rebuilding that.
“Obviously anybody who breaks your legs gonna set them back a little bit mentally,” Stone told reporters this week. “You got to gain that confidence back through your work ethic and your preparation.”
Stone’s competed for years as a starting quarterback and his work ethic is unquestioned. Battling back while missing most of spring practices was a part of the process. During that time, Kevin Jennings, who competed this offseason in a quarterback competition with Stone, got reps.
Stone and Jennings will both play, but Stone is the starter, Lashlee reported to the media. Stone’s confidence is there for his teammate as well.
“I’m just gonna play my game. I think I feel as prepared to go play a game as I ever have. When Kevin goes in, he’s gonna do great,” Stone said. “There’s no question about that. He’s a great player. He’s a great great guy, so I’m just gonna do my job as best I can, be as good of a leader as I can and get ready for the battle.”
Lashlee and his staff saw both quarterbacks do things well in fall camp. SMU won the AAC Championship with Jennings at the helm while Stone has nearly a full year of starting experience under his belt.
“They both were comfortable with what we’re doing. I think they both got better as camp went on,” Lashlee said. “First couple days, you could tell, especially for Preston, some rust. I think as the camp went on, they both got better. They didn’t stay the same, that’s what you look for. And they both moved offense.
“Overall, both did a good job of valuing the football. Our coaching staff, our team, believes that, honestly, whichever one’s in there, we should be moving the football and that’s our expectation.”
Stone’s had to battle to have this moment. It’s the SMU legacy’s chance to lead the Mustangs into the ACC with a bang.
“You can feel the energy, you can feel the preparation and all the work we’ve done for the past eight months or so to get ready for this Saturday,” Stone said. “I think there’s gonna be a lot of fireworks on Saturday. It’s gonna be fun.”
Now, Stone’s ready to show everyone why he’s earned the starting gig.
“I really feel like my confidence’s at an all-time high playing right now. I feel more stable in the pocket. I feel like I have more chemistry with this receiver group than I’ve ever had. I have a ton of confidence myself, a ton of confidence in my team and I have no doubt that we’re ready.
“I think adversity makes you who you are and shows you who you are.”
