Sycamore Quarterbacks 2010: Third Time’s the Charm

For  junior   transfer quarterback  Ronnie Fouch,  his move from the blue oceans and killer waves of California to the corn fields and muggy weather of Indiana has been quite a culture shock.

A native Californian who is quick to tell you his love for surfing as quickly as he is to tell you his love of football, Fouch is finally settling in and getting used to the small town feel. He has even grown to like the isolation, believing he stays more focused.

But it wouldn't hurt if he had a wave pool to get a quick surfing fix from time to time. 

Fouch transferred to Indiana State after University of Washington's starter and Heisman hopeful Jake Locker decided to stay one more year instead of entering the draft. Fouch decided to transfer in order to gain a starting job.

Because of his recruiting work at the University of Washington, ISU head coach Trent Miles already knew Fouch well and knew his abilities. Fouch didn't forget that.

"Coach Miles is why I am here," Fouch said. "We had built a good relationship when [I] was in high school getting recruited and he also had built one with my parents. When I left Washington, some schools couldn't get me enrolled in time, but Coach Miles was right there to take me in and it was an opportunity to help a team start something new."

Coming from a competitive PAC-10 school with a faithful fan base to a FCS school ranking in the bottom of most categories, Fouch isn't concerned with the difference of pressure that comes trying to rebuild a team as opposed to carrying on a legend's legacy.

"I am here to lead these guys, show them how to win," Fouch said. "I am not afraid to lose. I never have been afraid, and they can't feel that way either. I feel like if we go out there and expect to win then we are going to do big things."

After two failed experiments with transferred quarterbacks from BCS schools, Fouch wants to forget the past failures of those before him and help change the reputation of a losing team.

He is calm, relaxed and ready. His west coast mentality reeks of a "no panic, bro" kind of attitude, which is a good thing. Keeping cool under the heat is the type of leader this team needs; a leader who takes over on the field when the coaches cant be there.

"I think my play on the field will show my leadership skills," Fouch said. "I take pride in stepping in right now and leading by example and showing some of these guys what it means to work hard and practice hard. There have been a lot of [people] telling me about the past. I am doing my best to be a good quarterback on and off the field."

With instability at the quarterback position, ISU has been forced to become one-dimensional by running the ball over and over whether through set running plays or wildcat options. With Fouch's ability to rely on his football IQ and accuracy rather than his feet and legs, working under a pro-style offense is helping Fouch succeed.

"I feel comfortable and I even brought in some ideas and concepts from Washington to help this team," Fouch said. "The coaches have shown me a lot, too, and that has helped me succeed. [The offense] is moving the ball really well right now."

The Sycamores open their season at 7:05 p.m. on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.