George Washington football coach Steve Edwards Jr. has coached his fair share of high-level quarterbacks up on The Hill.
Abe Fenwick, Grant Wells, R.T. Alexander and Nick Britton are on the list of the Patriots' productive signal-callers under Edwards' direction.
Senior Cy Persinger is looking to be the next one in line.
Persinger took over as GW's quarterback early last season when Hayden Hinkle went down with an injury.
The then-junior weathered some lulls and setbacks.
However, the young gun stuck with it and grew this offseason, which has caught the eye of Edwards.
Persinger projects as the full-time signal-caller for the Patriots in 2025.
What's HC Steve Edwards Jr. seen out of quarterback this offseason?
— Taylor Kennedy (@Taylor_Kennedy7)
Persinger stepped into the signal caller position full-time last season after Hayden Hinkle went out with a season-ending injury.
"He's taking it more serious," Edwards sad. "He's taking it upon himself to [know] the seriousness of that position. That position is very important. He's put a lot of time into it. He's watched a lot of film. He's worked on his strength and speed. His attitude is through the roof. It's awesome.
"Hopefully, it will show up on the field, because it has during the summer and spring. He's exceeded my expectations thus far. Hopefully, he continues to grow."
Persinger was 71 of 135 through the air last season for 893 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The veteran GW coach saw him go through some difficult situations, as Persinger was thrown into the fire once Hinkle went down.
However, Edwards thinks that growth in his junior year will make for a memorable senior campaign.
"Every game and practice was a learning experience for him," Edwards said. "He has continued to assume that role as we've gone in the offseason. He's done a really nice job of it. He's learned a lot."
Persinger has certainly seemed comfortable during the offseason, especially when George Washington competed in 7-on-7 action at South Charleston High School this summer.
The senior signal-caller won the quarterback competition at SC.
"My confidence throughout this summer and year has skyrocketed," Persinger said. "Last year, I'd kind of get nervous or not as confident. But, this year, I've definitely stepped up my confidence level, which has made everybody play better."
GW said goodbye to prominent playmakers from last season, losing Sai'Vyon Brown, Guner Flores, Solomon Ferrell and Hunter Giacomo to graduation.
The Patriots averaged 27 points per game in 2024 en route to a 7-4 season.
George Washington made the state playoffs for the sixth consecutive season before being bounced in the first round by Hurricane, 14-13.
Persinger has liked what he has seen from his fellow teammates, especially on offense, which leaves his optimistic for a strong final season.
"Four out of five offensive linemen returning are starters, which is huge," Persinger said. "We look great up front. We have a brand-new running back in Jaden Black, who's a freshman and been phenomenal. I've never seen a ninth-grader do what he's been doing.
"We have guys on the outside like Kai [Martin], Sameje' [Wesley] and others that have stepped up. It's been a great summer. I expect a big season."
Persinger has also picked up on leadership skills during his time at George Washington.
He credited older former teammates as influencers in his growth as a leader.
"Last year, with the quarterback competition, I didn't have much confidence," Persinger said. "I wasn't much of a vocal leader. I try and lead by example throughout every practice. I feel ... me stepping up with that has helped everyone."
Edwards wants to continue seeing that aspect of Persinger's game continue to evolve in 2025.
"It's a little hot and cold sometimes, but I think that'll come with more experience and time," Edwards said. "Hopefully, he experiences some success and that'll bring it along. But, he's done a nice job. He's come a long way. The sky is the limit for him."
Persinger used his legs often when things weren't going his way in the pocket. He carried 27 times for 113 yards and four touchdowns last season.
His arm strength was key in important moments as well, including stretching plays out and throwing the deep pass when needed.
Persinger completed 53% of his passes and accumulated five interceptions.
Edwards believes Persinger's decision-making has been the most significant development in his game since last season.
"His decision-making has improved. That's something that's crucial for any quarterback, especially at this level," Edwards said. "He's coachable, which I like. I'm not a quarterback expert or anything like that, but he does what we're wanting him to do. He doesn't try to do too much. That's impressive to me."
Persinger echoes Edwards' comments, but the senior quarterback credits his comfort level and having a full offseason as the first-string quarterback to his decision-making process.
"It comes with a bunch more reps," Persinger said. "The more reps I get, then the slower the game gets, which makes my decision-making better. Last year, I was thrown into the fire and wasn't able to see the field as clear. As the season goes along, it'll just continue to progress and get better."
George Washington will kick off its season on Thursday, Aug. 28 as the Patriots welcome the Spring Valley Timberwolves to Kanawha County.
