Ryan Glover, who graduated from Penn in December, has taken his talents to Western Carolina University’s spring football program. The former Quaker quarterback amassed over 1,900 yards of total offense over three seasons, with 1,573 yards passing, 373 rushing yards, and eight passing touchdowns along with pair of rushing scores.
But with the next season quickly approaching, the Red and Blue are headed into a sea of uncertainty. Without Glover under center for the 2021 fall season, we take a look at who Penn will turn to to lead the Quakers next.
Ryan Zanelli — Freshman, 6’2’’, 195 lbs.
Ryan Zanelli is one of two freshman quarterbacks on Penn’s roster. Due to the cancellation of Ivy League football this past fall, Zanelli has been unable to garner much experience with the Red and Blue.
But given his high school success, he will have all the tools he needs to succeed when Ivy League football starts back up. Serving as team captain for his football team for two seasons at La Habra high school in Santa Ana, Calif., Zanelli was able to reach the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) semifinals in his senior year.
Hugh Brady — Freshman, 6’3’’, 200 lbs.
The other freshman quarterback on Penn’s roster, Hugh Brady, is from Punahou School in Honolulu. Without an opportunity to suit up for the Quakers this season, Brady too must rely on what he’s learned through high school. As a team captain, Brady was a 2018 first-team all-conference selection in the Interscholastic League of Hawaii (ILH). The Hawaiian quarterback accumulated over 2,300 passing yards and 26 touchdowns as a junior.
Brady missed his 2019 senior season due to an ACL injury but is well on track for his 2021 fall football debut. According to 247Sports' rankings, Brady is the No. 82-rated pro-style quarterback in the nation and No. 31 overall among prospects from the state of Hawaii in the 2020 class.
Ben Gerber — Sophomore, 6’2’’, 200 lbs.
As the only sophomore quarterback on the roster, Ben Gerber finds himself in a unique situation. Although Gerber has one season under his belt from last fall, he was unable to see any game action with several quarterbacks ahead of him on the depth chart.
Originally from Wayne, Pa., Gerber was an all-around athlete at The Haverford School. He served as the team captain for his varsity football team while also lettering in track and wrestling. Distinguished by awards such as The Haverford School Coaches Award and The National Football Foundation Philadelphia Chapter Scholar-Athlete Award, Gerber demonstrated his ability to lead a football offense. Having a player like him on the roster for the upcoming fall season will certainly help and he will undoubtedly be in the mix for the starting role.
Owen Goldsberry — Junior, 6’1’’, 190 lbs.
Spending his 2018 season on the Michigan Wolverines’ scout team, Goldsberry played as a defensive back and special teamer. It wasn’t until he came to Penn in 2019 that he was given a shot at quarterback. Buried in the depth chart, Goldsberry didn’t receive many opportunities to shine.
In a few trick plays that were drawn up for him, Goldsberry was able to demonstrate glimpses of his quarterbacking ability. A true Swiss Army knife, he was able to make six catches for 29 yards, return two kickoffs for 54 yards, and pass for 80 yards.
John Quinnelly — Junior, 6’4’’, 200 lbs.
Quinnelly, one of the three juniors on the roster, has a real shot at the starting gig. Having two seasons of experience at Penn doesn’t hurt. Serving twice as team captain of his high school football team, Quinnelly received an All-County selection.
With the tools and experience for a starting role under center, the Red and Blue have an option in the Daphne, Ala. native next season. In fact, Quinnelly was close to beating out Ryan Glover for the starting job in 2018. Coach Ray Priore even played around with the idea of a week-to-week or drive-to-drive swap of quarterbacks with Glover.
Mason Quandt — Junior, 6’4’’, 200 lbs.
A native of Simi Valley, Calif., Mason Quandt is another option for quarterback. Quandt, like Quinnelly and Goldsberry, has a few years of Penn football experience. Although he’s never seen game action under center, Quandt had a successful high school career.
In his senior year of high school, Quandt went 187-of-272 for 2,400 yards with 17 touchdowns against six picks. The rising senior had 41 carries, 205 yards, and seven touchdowns, demonstrating his dual-threat ability.
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