All Tommy Breaux needed was a chance. Despite being the fifth wide receiver for Towson, Breaux became one of quarterback Sean Schaefer?s favorite targets in the season opening 20-10 win over Central Connecticut State, catching seven pass for 109 yards in his first game.
At 6-foot-9, 210-pounds, Breaux demonstrated the athleticism coach Gordy Combs expected when the junior transferred to Towson (1-0) last fall from Blinn Junior College in Texas.
And it appears the more Breaux learns the playbook, the more he will see the field.
“I?ve really improved running routes and learning the system,” Breaux, a graduate of Randallstown High, said. “From the spring game to the preseason its all starting to come easier for me.”
Towson will look to use Breaux to solidify its offense when it takes a bus 11 miles south to Hughes Stadium for a game against Bowl Championship Subdivision rival Morgan State (1-0) this afternoon at 4. Expecting to see an aggressive defense that returned eight starters and led the Bears to a 47-7 pasting of Savannah State (0-1) last week, Combs believes Schaefer will have success quickly getting the ball out of his hands to his receivers, including Breaux.
“We should be able to be successful when they do blitz, because Schaefer does a good job picking it up if they tip their hand at all,” Combs said. “And I think they will come after us.”
If Towson gets off to a good start, it could be a long afternoon for Morgan State, which has lost the teams? past two meetings?including getting blown out 30-2 last season?and 14 of 19 all-time. The Bears last victory over Towson occurred in 2003, when quarterback Bradshaw Littlejohn scored on a 57-yard touchdown run on fourth down with 4:13 remaining to pull out a 19-16 win.
“I think this is their best team in the last four years,” Combs said. “Even better than the team that beat us in 2003.”
During his second year at Blinn Community College, Breaux was recruited by Pat Kennedy to play basketball at Towson. However, Breaux wanted?and was granted permission?to play both sports at Towson, just as he did at Blinn. Breaux didn?t play football last season, but averaged 5.9 points and 4.5 rebounds in 31 games at forward.
But for Breaux, playing two sports has required a lot of work.
“I?m ready to help keep this team winning and improving as a football player,” Breaux said. “I want to be a target, make big plays and be ready when they call my number.”
PULL QUOTE: “I?m ready to help keep this team winning and improving as a football player. I want to be a target, make big plays and be ready when they call my number.”?Towson junior receiver Tommy Breaux
ONLINE TODAY: Will Tommy Breaux be a better football or basketball player?
