Hammerheads sign former NFL QB Bishop
ROBSTOWN — Former Kansas State standout Michael Bishop will make his Hammerheads debut at quarterback Saturday night.
Bishop, who signed wth the Hammerheads on Tuesday, is expected to practice today and Friday before starting in Corpus Christi’s (0-1) home opener at 7:05 p.m. Saturday against El Paso (1-0) at Central Pavilion Arena.
The 32-year-old Bishop, a former backup for the New England Patriots and a three-year starter in the AFL, spent the past seven seasons in the Canadian Football League.
“I’ve played football year-round the past seven years — football is my life,” said Bishop, who has been teaching classes at Willis High School near Houston. “When you get an opportunity to do something that you love — you jump on it.”
“He can make plays with both his arm and his legs,” Hammerheads first-year coach Roy Salas said of Bishop, who finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1998 and is currently living in Houston. “He just adds a different dimension to our offense.”
Former Texas A&M-Kingsville quarterback Cory Miles will now be the Hammerhead’s backup after completing nine of 24 passes for 102 yards in their 50-17 road loss to the Generals this past weekend.
“Our offense will be completely different — it’s just the fear factor for a defense knowing that Michael can take off at any time,” Hammerheads offensive coordinator Timon Marshall said. “Plus, with his arm strength — they won’t be able to play up on our wide receivers.”
Hammerheads wide receiver Nathaniel Dunn, a former Moody standout, said the receivers will take additional throws from Bishop after Thursday’s practice to perfect their timing.
“He will give our offense a big boost,” Dunn said. “And if he can help us win a championship — even better.”