Sorensen looking to lead T-Birds to new heights

CEDAR CITY — In his first season under center as the quarterback of the Southern Utah football team, Brad Sorensen certainly made his mark in 2010. The California native set a school record by becoming the first signal caller to throw for more than 3,000 yards in SUU history (3,163).
For all of the work, Sorensen earned the preseason honor of being named to the watch list for the Walter Payton Award, the FCS answer to the Heisman Trophy. The honor may do wonders for the ego, but Sorensen knows he has a team to lead first. “Those things are nice, but it’s all based on last season,” Sorensen said. “All the success we had was a tribute to the receivers we had. This year, the team’s different, especially in the passing game. “As an offense, we still have to go out and prove ourselves.”

Sorensen and the T-Birds have plenty to prove as the 2011 season approaches with the opener at South Dakota State on Sept. 3. The team swept through the Great West Conference and won its first title, but a 6-5 record wasn’t good enough to earn an FCS playoff berth. “We know we could have been in the championship (playoffs) and been right there with the best of them, but we weren’t,” Sorensen said. “We got a little bit of a taste of what it’s like to be a championship team, but we weren’t satisfied, by any means, with just a conference title. “That drive has helped everyone this summer to find out how good we can be.”

Other than visiting his family for a time, Sorensen and most of his teammates spent the summer in Cedar City working out on their own. Head coach Ed Lamb said Sorensen’s work ethic will help set the example as the team begins its final Great West season looking to repeat — and get to the FCS playoffs. “Brad’s grounded in hard work,” Lamb said. “He doesn’t pay attention to all those preseason honors and accolades. “Our players work too hard to get a big head. Before Brad became part of our program, he had strong character and was grounded in work ethic. He fits right in because that’s not part of his personality.” Quarterbacks/ receivers coach Paul Peterson said Sorensen’s progress has been palpable and is spreading to the rest of the team. “He knows what he’s got to do to have a successful season,” Peterson said. “After the last half of last season, I think he’s finally figured it out and he’s ready to go.”

The numbers Sorensen generated bear Peterson’s point out, but he knows it’s just the beginning for the T-Bird quarterback. “It’s just the tip of the iceberg,” Peterson said. “He’s got so many intangibles and is surrounded by so many great guys. Our offensive line is all back, our running backs and tight ends are going to be fantastic, and with our receivers, we’re not going to miss a beat. “It’s up to us to execute and up to Brad to put us in a good place. He’s done a good job so far.”

Although last season’s passing yards set a new standard for the SUU record book, Peterson said Sorensen’s mission comes down to the basics. “With the type of offense we run, Brad’s going to have good numbers,” Peterson said. “For the quarterback position, what I preach is you’ve gotta get us in the end zone, however that happens. “Just take what the defense gives and don’t try to do too much.”