Nathan Rourke named Ohio’s starting quarterback vs. EMU

Nathan Rourke, a sophomore out of Oakville, Ontario, Canada, will start for the Ohio Bobcats in their conference tilt against Eastern Michigan, according to The Post’s Andrew Gillis.

Rourke, a product of Edgewood Academy in Alabama and Fort Scott Community College in Kansas, has been a revelation for the Bobcats in 2017, completing 33-of-49 passes for 435 yards, touchdowns and no interceptions, while rushing for four touchdowns and 83 yards over his three game appearances.

Rourke has been splitting time with incumbent starter Quinton Maxwell, who has gone 13-of-21 passing for 214 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions thus far in 2017. Maxwell has struggled mightily in each of his three game appearances, including games against Hampton and Purdue, where he mustered an adjusted QB rating of 11.4 and 4.0, respectively, per ESPN Stats and Info.

It isn’t uncommon for Solich to switch around between quarterbacks in his offense, as he has often deployed a platoon ststem since the departure of Tyler Tettleton. But this announcement has the aura of permanence to it, as Rourke has shown remarkable poise and ability in the early part of the Bobcats’ schedule.

Rourke was tabbed to play QB1 over Maxwell (who came into the season as the starter) prior to the Kansas game on Saturday and coaches must have liked what they’ve seen, as they’ll continue to ride with Rourke at least for the time being.