Vinny Testaverde's son, Vince, wins starting QB job at Albany
Then-Miami quarterback Vince Testaverde hands off to running back Crispian Atkins during practice on the first day of fall camp on Aug. 1, 2017, in Coral Gables, Fla. Credit: AP/Wilfredo Lee
Vinny Testaverde’s son is the starting quarterback for the University at Albany.
Vince Testaverde, whose Heisman-winning father played 21 seasons in the NFL for several teams, including the Jets, after starring at Sewanhaka High School, will start when the Great Danes open the season Sept. 1 at Pittsburgh, coach Greg Gattuso announced Thursday.
Testaverde hasn’t appeared in a college game since 2014, when he played in one game as a true freshman for Texas Tech. He spent the 2015 and 2016 seasons at Miami, his father’s alma mater. Testaverde redshirted in 2015 and was a member of the practice squad in 2016. He transferred to Albany in the fall of 2017 but was required to sit out the season because of NCAA transfer rules. The fifth-year senior will have one year of eligibility with Albany.
Testaverde played well in the spring game, completing 11 of 18 and throwing two touchdown passes. He emerged from a three-way battle for the starting job, beating out Will Brunson, who started all 11 games for Albany last season.
Testaverde said last week that he is feeling more comfortable with Albany’s playbook.
“It was tough in the spring and I think it was tough for everybody in the spring, which made it harder because it was new for everyone,” Testaverde said in a video posted on Albany’s website. “Everyone’s understanding it more and I’m understanding it more.
I think we’re able to move more efficiently. It’s definitely a lot easier now. I feel really comfortable in the offense now.”
According to Albany, Testaverde will wear No. 14 this season to honor his dad, who played for the Buccaneers, Browns/Ravens, Jets, Cowboys, Patriots and Panthers. The younger Testaverde grew up in Odessa, Florida, and played at Jesuit High School in Tampa.
Albany will host Stony Brook on Nov. 17.
Vinny Testaverde graduated from Sewanhaka in Floral Park in 1981. He went on to a stellar career at the University of Miami, winning the 1986 Heisman Trophy. He was taken No. 1 overall by the Bucs in the 1987 NFL Draft and played seven seasons with the Jets,
from 1998-2003 and in 2005. The Jets won the 1998 AFC East title with a 12-4 record and lost to the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game. Testaverde finished his career with 46,233 passing yards, 275 touchdown passes and 267 interceptions.
