If Monmouth College’s former all-conference quarterback were a
business venture, it’s safe to say that stockholders in The Mitch
Tanney Corp. had a very big week.
Tanney’s stock has steadily risen during his time with the
Alabama Steeldogs arena football team. First came the news that he
had beaten out another quarterback to make the final 22-man roster.
Then came last month’s season opener, when Tanney came on in a
relief role and looked sharp, throwing a pair of late TDs. His
latest stint off the bench appears to have changed the franchise’s
course.
Starter Robert Kent was hurt in the third quarter Saturday, and
all Tanney did from that point was complete 13-of-16 passes for 130
yards and five TDs as the Steeldogs defeated the Louisville Fire
63-47 to improve to 2-1 on the year.
Two days later, the Steeldogs traded Kent for Lubbock Renegades
quarterback Justin Midgett and moved Tanney up to No. 1 on the depth
chart.
"He’s our starter now," Steeldogs coach Ron Selesky said of
Tanney. "He’s got a great opportunity to progress and accomplish the
things that we need from him at the QB position."
Tanney made a name for himself as a Fighting Scot with his high
passing efficiency ratings, and that has continued at the pro level.
In two appearances this season, he is 20-of-26 with seven TDs and no
interceptions.
Midgett, his new backup, is a former Ron Zook recruit at the
University of Florida who was ranked as one of the top 10 high
school quarterbacks in the nation in 2002.
Those interested in watching Tanney in action will have to
travel, as the Steeldogs have very few games in the Midwest this
season. They play host to the Quad City Steamwheelers on May 12 and
then have road games at Louisville and Cincinnati the next two
weekends.
