From ground chuck to aerial assault.

Wednesday, August 02, 2000

From ground chuck to aerial assault.

When Jimmy Peyton takes the reigns at quarterback this fall, he’ll be making a drastic change in offenses.

The former two-time All-Ohio Ironton Fighting Tigers quarterback has signed to play at Gulf Coast Community College in Hattysburg, Miss.

Ironton’s ground-oriented attack helped produce a Division IV state runner-up last season. Running backs Mike Henry and Jason Harmon both rushed for more than 1,000 yards.

But at Gulf Coast College, the offense runs from the shotgun formation and Peyton is excited.

"When they told met they used the shotgun, it pushed me to get down there," Peyton said. "The only time I ever (ran the shotgun) was in the eighth grade. I think I’ll like it. It’ll be a big adjustment going from the T-formation to the shotgun, but the coach told me this was going to be like basketball on grass."

Despite the strong Ironton running game, Peyton still managed to throw for 1,274 yards and is the only Ironton quarterback to throw for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pounder, was 64 of 129 and 14 touchdowns his senior year with just seven interceptions.

As a junior, Peyton completed 75 of 130 attemps for 1,448 yards, 12 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

Two years ago, Peyton’s favorite receiver was James Taylor, now a member of the Ohio University Bobcats team. Peyton will have a wide choice of receivers at Gulf Coast College.

"They have three receivers going to the SEC. They were the top three rated receivers in junior college," Peyton said. "(Ironton) coach (Bob) Lutz told me I had the arm to do it, I just need to have receivers who can catch it. I know defenses will be coming at me, but I’m going to make it happen. I like the challenge."

Gulf Coast Christian is ranked 12th in the preseason National Junior College Athletic Association Division I poll. GCC is part of the Panhandle Conference.

Although GCC’s position in the poll is impressive, so was Peyton’s showing for the coaching staff.

"They were so impressed with my film, they think I could stay one year and then send me off to another school," Peyton said.

And all Peyton wants is a chance to play at the Division I level.

"It’s easy for me to say something, but I’m going to make it happen. I’m going to be 2,000 miles from home, so I’m going to be working and taking advantage of the opportunity," Peyton said.

Peyton is the son of Joann and James Richardson of South Point, and the late James Peyton.