Hermitage (Richmond, VA) captured a Central Region Championship before falling in the state semifinals last, but if the Panthers make a second consecutive state title run it will do so with a new starting signal caller. 6-3, 190-pound rising senior Theron Norman , a standout recruit who projects a wide receiver or safety on the next level, will take over the reigns as Coach Patrick Kane’s starting quarterback in 2008.

“I’ve been very pleased with his progress,” Kane said. “He has been working very hard. As a sophomore, he split time with Ju-Ju. Last year, he was strictly a wide receiver, but it is not like he is coming into this season with no quarterback experience at all. He has been working at it his whole high school career. I think people will be surprised.”

Norman, fellow Division 1A recruit Duan Perez-Means and many other Hermitage teammates had an active month of June, participating in three 7-on-7 passing leagues including East Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. The Panthers won the tournament at UVa. No more passing leagues are scheduled, perhaps leaving Norman and Perez-Means with more time to focus on recruiting in the month of July.

“In July, they should be able to start thinking about it and maybe narrow things down,” said Kane, who added that neither prospect has yet to narrow his list and neither prospect currently has a favorite.

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