Quarterback Chase Garbers works out at San Antonio Brahmas training camp. (San Antonio Brahmas)
Another starting QB domino has fallen.
During his media availability on Monday afternoon, San Antonio Brahmas offensive coordinator A.J. Smith revealed that Chase Garbers will start opening weekend when the team hosts the D.C. Defenders on Sunday.
“He’s been able to go in and complete a high percentage in practice, throw for a lot of yards, throw touchdowns,” Smith said of Garbers’ work during training camp.
A four-year starter at the University of California, Garbers threw 50 touchdowns and 24 interceptions while also rushing for 11 TDs. He compiled a 19-14 record as a starter during that time. After going undrafted, Garbers signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in May 2022. He spent the bulk of the season on the practice squad and was with the team in camp this past summer before being let go during final cuts.
Garbers beat out Quinten Dormady for the starting role in San Antonio. It was a contest that was waged for most of camp. “They had a battle, it was a really strong battle,” said Smith. “I really believe we can win with either. He (Garbers) just got the edge.”
In discussing Garbers’ strengths, Smith cited his leadership skills and also compared him to a spring football legend in P.J. Walker. “A lot of his game reminds me of P.J. Walker with different arm angles and quick releases,” he said. “Being in a spread style offense like this, when you can be an athlete, it kinda makes the offense go to a different dynamic.” Smith was the receivers coach with the Houston Roughnecks when Walker was the quarterback there in 2020.
In revealing a little bit more about the offense, Smith lauded the performance of each position group, specifically naming the top four wide receivers of Jontre Kirklin, Cody Latimer, Marquez Stevenson and Justin Smith. He called Stevenson, “probably the fastest player in the league.”
As for the two tight ends on the roster, Latimer and Alize Mack, Smith pointed out that Latimer played about 80% of his snaps in the slot last year for the Orlando Guardians. He envisions a similar role for Latimer, a former wide receiver, this year. Mack will be used in short-yardage packages. Smith also said the team plans to get creative with the two players in how they are used on offense.
With San Antonio announcing its starting QB today, that leaves just Birmingham, Memphis, and Michigan as teams yet to reveal their week one starter.
