Cumberland Football Positional Preview - Quarterbacks

LEBANON, Tenn.--Cumberland enters the 2025 season with clarity under center as Zach Holtzclaw has been named the starting quarterback after competition all spring and throughout fall camp.

Holtzclaw, now in his fourth season with the program, has waited patiently behind All-Conference standout Luke Holloway and brings experience, leadership, and a strong grasp of the offense into his first year as the starting quarterback. A decorated prep passer at Dawson County High School, Holtzclaw left as the school's all-time leading passer with over 7,000 yards and 70 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to lead an offense. Though his time at Cumberland, playing time has been limited to date, he has shown flashes, including a 31-yard touchdown strike in 2023, and has served as a steady contributor on special teams as the holder. Now, with the keys to the offense, he'll look to make his mark this season with the Phoenix.

Head Coach Tim Mathis praised the work from Holtzclaw throughout his time at Cumberland, "He has been waiting patiently as the back up for all the time Luke has been here. He has stepped up and does a lot of things right."

The Phoenix have built in specific offensive packages for Jaylen Abston, who returns for his second year at Cumberland. A dynamic athlete out of Lebanon, Tennessee, Abston brings dual-threat ability, having passed for over 5,000 yards and rushed for more than 500 in high school. Abston started his career at Murray State before returning home to Lebanon.

Mathis noted the playmaking ability that Abston has, "Jaylen's an athlete with the ball in his hands. He can run really well. The read option with him and running back Jacob Cornejo can be deadly especially if we can throw in some RPO's off of it." His mobility and creativity give the Phoenix another dimension on offense.

Adding depth is transfer Jake Parker from Judson University. Parker brings collegiate starting experience after throwing for over 2,200 yards last season, including three 300-yard games. While he continues to adapt to the Phoenix system, his live arm and experience provide another capable option if called upon.

The future of the position is bright as well, with local product freshman Luke Parker (Rockmart, Ga.) beginning his collegiate career. Luke led Rockmart to the Georgia state semifinals with over 1,100 passing yards. He enters with promising upside and will benefit from developing behind veteran leaders.

With Holtzclaw stepping into a long-awaited starting role, Abston providing a versatile spark, and Parker supplying proven depth, the Phoenix quarterback room blends experience, talent, and potential. The combination gives Cumberland both stability and creativity at the game's most important position heading into 2025.

The Phoenix are gearing up for game one this Saturday on the road at Tennessee Tech.

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Players Mentioned

#3 Luke Holloway: QB; 6' 2"; Redshirt Junior

#10 Zach Holtzclaw: QB; 5' 10"; Redshirt Sophomore

#29 Jacob Cornejo: RB; 6' 0"; Freshman

#1 Jaylen Abston: QB; 6' 3"; Redshirt Freshman

#4 Luke Parker: QB; 6' 0"; Freshman

#12 Jake Parker: QB; 6' 2"; Redshirt Junior

Players Mentioned

#3 Luke Holloway
: 6' 2"; Redshirt Junior
: QB

#10 Zach Holtzclaw
: 5' 10"; Redshirt Sophomore
: QB

#29 Jacob Cornejo
: 6' 0"; Freshman
: RB

#1 Jaylen Abston
: 6' 3"; Redshirt Freshman
: QB

#4 Luke Parker
: 6' 0"; Freshman
: QB

#12 Jake Parker
: 6' 2"; Redshirt Junior
: QB