Knoch’s Chase Mullen embraces challenge of learning QB spot in triple-option

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, August 18, 2018 | 11:15 PM

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Chase Mullen started going into the complexity of his pre-snap routine as the quarterback in Knoch’s triple-option offense when teammate Noah Cetnar interrupted.

“Don’t give away all of our secrets,” Cetnar joked.

The intricacies of the offense are for opposing defenses to figure out, but what isn’t a secret is the quarterback position carries a lot of responsibility in the triple-option.

Mullen, a senior and former wing back, is learning the challenges of reading and reacting to opposing defenses as he prepares to take over for graduated Jake Herrit, a Gannon recruit, as Knights QB.

“It’s been tough learning the offense from a different standpoint,” Mullen said. “Going from a wing back to quarterback is a pretty big responsibility. You have to read every play by yourself. Everyone else does pretty much the same thing. The line has the same blocks and you have to read the defensive line correctly to have success.”

Knoch coach Frank Whalen is pleased with how Mullen has adapted to his new position.

“Chase is a very good athlete, and he’s very intelligent,” Whalen said. “He played the A-back for us last year, which is our wing back, and that is the toughest position from a mental standpoint on the field. Having that experience only helps him at quarterback this year. He understands exactly what defenses are trying to do to screw up the option count. He’s been tremendous.”

Whalen installed the triple-option last year when he took over for Mike King, who retired in 2016. The offense is similar to what Navy runs, and it adds a different dimension for opposing teams to prepare for.

It’s also an offense that demands attention to detail. It’s taken some time to learn, but Mullen is becoming more confident with each rep he takes.

“Honestly, this offense doesn’t let you feel comfortable,” Mullen said. “You always have to keep your head on a swivel. You never know what’s going to happen, but I’ve started to feel more comfortable just with more practice and running it more.”

Mullen and Cetnar, along with linemen Emmett Fry and Jarrett Bricker, were named captains before summer workouts. It was a move that went against the norm for Whalen, who usually waits until after camp to name captains, but one done out of necessity.

Knoch went into the summer down a trio of starters — Tanner Grassi, Savon Mosby and Joey Wojiechowski — because of injuries, so Whalen chose the aforementioned quartet and tasked them with boosting team morale.

“Coach came to us and said that we are the leaders of the team, and we should carry them,” Mullen said. “He told us we needed to stand tall to keep the team moving forward.”

Each one took the responsibility to heart, working with the team in the weight room every day and pushing everyone to work harder. It’s been a positive endeavor in terms of motivation and team building.

“We went in knowing we were already without Savon, and when Tanner went down in lacrosse, it really killed our steam,” Cetnar said. “Naming captains early was a perfect idea. It allowed us to unify early.”

The Knights finished one game out of a playoff spot last year at 4-5 and finished on a two game-winning streak. The section stays relatively intact this year, with Mars and Indiana leaving and Beaver coming in.

Knoch is set on breaking into the top four and clinching a playoff spot for the first time since 2014. Mullen said he is going to cherish every moment, from the early workouts of training camp to the final snap. His main goals are to win games and have fun while doing it.

“It’s probably the last time I’ll put on a football helmet, so I want to enjoy it,” Mullen said. “It goes by quick. It truly does.”

Jerin Steele is a freelance writer.

Tags: Knoch