When first overall pick in the 2019 AAF QB Draft Josh Johnson left the San Diego Fleet to sign with the Washington Redskins in December, it opened the door for other quarterbacks on the roster while leaving several question marks at the position.
Johnson started three games in 2018 for the Redskins, winning one of those and throwing three TD’s and four INT’s. While there’s a chance the former Univ. of San Diego standout could return to the Fleet if no NFL team decides to sign him, the Fleet must move forward with the quarterbacks currently on the roster.
Mike Bercovici (Arizona State, Los Angeles Chargers)
With the first pick in the second round of the AAF QB Draft, the Fleet drafted Mike Bercovici, who was originally signed with the Arizona Hotshots.
The only quarterback on the roster with any sort of NFL experience, Bercovici returns to San Diego after spending the 2016 preseason with the Chargers before being released on the final day of roster cuts. He also spent a brief period with the Arizona Cardinals practice squad in 2017.
Although it’s still early to tell, it would seem Bercovici has the leading edge on getting the opening day start against the Commanders on February 9. The former Arizona State Sun Devil had a fantastic senior season, throwing for 30 TD’s and 3,854 yards, while adding 6 more TD’s on the ground.
NFL scouts praised Bercovici for being a fiery competitor who can rally the troops, so let’s hope he can bring that same intensity to the Fleet.
Philip Nelson (Minnesota/Rutgers/East Carolina, Winnipeg Blue Bombers)
Competing with Bercovici for the starting quarterback position is Philip Nelson, formerly with the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
While there’s no doubt Nelson has talent, there is some controversy centered around him. Nelson spent his four-year college career at three different schools and soon after transferring to Rutgers, was cut from the team after pleading guilty to assault charges. Nelson signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in January 2018 after short mini camp stints with the Browns and Bengals, but was cut from the Blue Bombers in May after serving as the fourth string QB.
Nelson joins the Fleet with a point to prove and a definite chip on his shoulder. He was a star at Mankata West High School in Minnesota, throwing for 94 career touchdowns and 7,500 yards, but never saw the same success in college or the pros. The Fleet may be his chance to prove his doubters wrong.
Alex Ross (Coastal Carolina, BC Lions, Winnipeg Blue Bombers)
The final QB on the roster, Alex Ross spent two seasons in Canada, throwing just 13 career passes, no TDs and 2 INT’s. After being released by the Blue Bombers in September 2018, Ross was taken by the Fleet as the last pick of the 2019 QB Draft.
Ross three-time All-Big South First-Team selection with Coastal Carolina University and is the conference record holder for total offense, touchdowns, most rushing touchdowns by a QB and more.
Like Nelson, Ross is hoping to take advantage of his second chance to play professional football and hopes to earn a roster spot when the Fleet travel to San Antonio to take on the Commanders in a few weeks.
Prediction: 1) Mike Bercovici, 2) Alex Ross, 3) Philip Nelson
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