GREELEY — Change is the only constant in Northern Colorado quarterback Dylan Orms’ five-year career.
The MVP of Wheat Ridge’s 2006 Class 4A state championship team is now looking at running a new spread offense under a new offensive coordinator and a new head coach.
He took the first snap in Thursday’s formal start of coach Earnest Collins’ era. Last season, Orms passed for 2,055 yards and 15 TDs and rushed for 217 yards and six more scores in a 3-8 season. But he won at Wheat Ridge. UNC hasn’t seen much success, prompting the offseason coaching change to ex-Bear Collins.
“It’s difficult. I’ve had to do it before,” Orms said of adapting to the new staff’s plans. “It’s the first time I’ve had a head coach change, but it’s going to be my fourth offensive coordinator.”
He’s not complaining and worked even harder this summer.
So now as a senior, he’s still in the “getting acquainted” stage with the staff.
“I’ve kind of gone through the process of trying to reintroduce myself and earn my spot again,” Orms said. “I’m kind of used to it, but it is difficult to try to prove yourself all over again.”
Every player has to prove himself to the new staff. Collins has issued a message of urgency.
“We don’t have time for kids to develop,” Collins said after the first practice. “Either you got it or you don’t. If you don’t, you’re going to have to wait for spring, because we have a game in 29 days.”
Orms knows he has to beat out third-year sophomore Seth Lobato, an imposing presence at 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, and experienced junior backup Matt Baca.
Like most coaches with a QB race, Collins has said he would prefer to decide it sooner than later, and he’s not too interested in a two-quarterback system. Also, he said the three are going in even.
“The things I learned after going through a new offensive coordinator every year is you have to be confident in your abilities,” Orms said. “By no means do I think I won the spot already. . . . I’m trying to make this the best possible season for myself and that includes starting.”
Offensive coordinator Michael Armour has a passing philosophy, and he knows Collins will be in his ear about running the ball.
“In our offense the quarterback has to be a dual-threat,” said Armour, who added that all three fit the description. “I think it’s going to come to … all three of those guys can play. They all have different qualities. I think it’s going to be a close race.”
Natalie Meisler: 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com
