Austin Ingram may be a 10th-grader, he may be a first-year starter and he may be running a new offense, but nonetheless he will be taking over at quarterback for Charles Henderson this season.

Ingram ran the Trojans freshman team’s offensive unit last season but will now make the jump to the varsity level.

“It’s a great feeling,” a humble Ingram said. “It’s just a privilege to have the opportunity.”

The opportunity comes after the loss of Joe Bradley to graduation. Ingram won’t be the only new face involved with the offense. Former Faulkner University head coach Gregg Baker takes over as offensive coordinator and has installed a new spread system.

“It’s a nice offense,” Ingram said. “It fits my strengths. Coming from a college system we should be able to move the ball.”

In the new system, Baker has extended the offensive line’s splits a good bit, a drastic change from the traditional foot between linemen. The large gaps between hogs might intimidate most young quarterback, but Ingram looks forward to seeing the opposing defense’s reaction.

“I don’t think they’re going to know what to do at first,” Ingram said. “You have to be disciplined against our offense. That’s what will help us, when teams get out of position.”

Head coach Mike Dean says Ingram’s greatest strength is his competitiveness.

“He’s a sophomore but acts like a senior,” Dean said. “He’s a leader and that’s what you need at the quarterback position. You can put a great athlete back there but if he doesn’t have great character he won’t be successful.”

Though Ingram will play the highest profiled position in the football field, Dean said the pressure on his should be minimal.

“He’s not going to have to win games for us,” Dean said. “His job is to not get us beat. We have enough talent around him to get the job done.”

Ingram agrees with his coach.

“The key is to be smart and make good decisions,” Ingram said. “You want to do everything for your team but ultimately you have to get the ball into the hands of your playmakers.”

Charles Henderson will play Pike County in the annual Pike County Classic in Brundidge on Aug. 24.