On Saturday, April 11, UTSA football had their final open practice before Saturday’s highly anticipated Fiesta Spring Game at the Alamodome.

A lot of attention throughout the spring campaign has been placed on the increasingly competitive quarterback battle between freshman Jaylon Henderson, sophomore Dalton Sturm, freshman Blake Bogenschutz and sophomore Austin Robinson; one of the latter two is expected to get the starter nod at the Spring Game.

“They’ve done a nice job, they’re improving,” said Offensive Coordinator Kevin Brown, speaking on the development of the quarterbacks. “We don’t have one older than a sophomore in that bunch; a lot of youth, but they’re competing.”

UTSA struggled to find consistency on the offensive side of the ball for much of last season. Of 125 FBS schools, UTSA ranked a paltry 119th in total offense last season by posting only 3,570 yards throughout the year. Additionally, the Roadrunners struggled in scoring touchdowns, posting a per-game scoring average of 17.1 — ranking them 121st.

“When you talk about scoring points, you’ve got to convert third downs and you’ve got to score touchdowns in the red zone; that’s been a big emphasis this spring,” said Brown. “A lot of that has to do with being consistent at quarterback and getting the ball in the right place,” he finished.

Although no official starter has been named for the 2015-2016 season, Bogenschutz is the rumored favorite to get the designation for the Spring Game. Bogenschutz, who is coming off of an inconsistent freshman season, appeared to be very poised in the recent scrimmage.

“Overall, I’d say I’m a lot more comfortable,” said Bogenschutz. “Every rep is making us more comfortable and the more we practice, (playing) is just coming natural. Everything is slowing down for us and I think we’re seeing things better.”

Bogenschutz has viewed the quarterback battle as an opportunity to improve his skills and credits his fellow quarterbacks for pushing him.

“We’re pushing each other to get better and that’s the best thing. I couldn’t ask for three better guys to do this with,” said Bogenschutz.

Of the four quarterbacks currently vying for the starting role, Robinson is the one with the most in-game experience as he played in seven games last season, more than any other quarterback currently on the roster. Robinson struggled with his technique for most of last year, evident by his five interceptions compared to one touchdown for the season.

“To play at this position at this level, we have to grow as football players,” said Robinson. “I’m looking to show (people that attend the Fiesta Spring Game) that I’ve grown with my passing game. I’m a dual-threat and I don’t have just one aspect of the game.”

The next opportunity to see Robinson, Bogenschutz and the rest of the UTSA offense will be Saturday, April 18, during the Fiesta Spring Game at the Alamodome.

Kick-off is currently set for 1:00 p.m.