KWU Athletics
Richard Lara knew he had much to learn when he arrived at Kansas Wesleyan in August.
Practice was slated to start in two weeks and he had no idea what to do or expect as a new quarterback in the Coyotes' offensive scheme under new head coach Matt Myers and new offensive coordinator James Bauer. Lara had spent the previous three years at Bakersfield College (Calif.) but played just one season.
"I had pick up on the offense real quick," he said.
The pressure wasn't overwhelming, though, since he was going to be a backup to starter Tony White. There was time to gain his footing and confidence.
That abruptly changed when he was summoned to play in the fourth quarter of the Coyotes' game against Avila. He was promoted to the starting role the following week for the conference road game against McPherson and started again last week in the homecoming contest against Tabor.
There were a few glitches, which were to be expected but overall, Lara acquitted himself well. He was 12 of 21 for 132 yards, a touchdown and an interception in KWU's 14-12 victory at McPherson then played his best game so far against Tabor – 13 of 22 for 162 yards, two touchdowns and an interception – in a 62-0 victory.
For the season Lara has completed 54 percent of his passes for 488 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions.
"Getting more reps and getting to know this offense has helped me make strides," he said. "It takes some time to get that confidence back especially when you were the backup. You get that first snap in the first series and it gets a little bit easier after that.
"My team has really backed me up and helped me with my confidence too. Without them like I wouldn't be in this starting role."
KWU's offense is RPO (run pass option) based and puts the burden on the quarterback to make lightning quick decisions immediately after taking the snap from center. Lara says the Coyotes have the weapons to make it work.
"We have guys that can run the ball, we have guys that can catch the ball out of the backfield," he said. "We have guys like (Drevon) Macon, (Rhadarious Lomax) Spivey, Mark (Benjamin) that catch the ball on the perimeter and go. You also have Woody (Banks), (Patton) German and (Paden) Hazuga who can go up and make plays.
"(The decisions) are tough but when you make your decision you have to do it confidently and do it a hundred percent. We have guys that can make things happen even if it isn't maybe the best decision. If we're making it confidently our guys are going to get some yards."
Myers is pleased with Lara's progress.
"Decision making at that position is very important to our success," he said. "He distributes the ball and throws with touch, he runs the ball tough on our QB series. As he gets more comfortable with the scheme his production will increase."
Working against KWU's stellar defense doesn't hurt.
"We have one of the best defenses in the country that you're going against in practice," Lara said. "It helps me prepare, helps our team prepare. We can build together as a team because of them."
The adjustment period goes beyond the Xs and Os and also is progressing as Lara understands there's a leadership component in his new role.
"You had one guy who everybody leaned on at first and now you have a new guy it and takes a lot of time," he said. "You have to be able to make plays so your team knows that you can do it.
"We have a lot of seniors on this team and a lot of leadership already so I feel like when they come up to me and say 'we've got your back, lead us, we're behind you' it really gives me the confidence to lead them."
"He has an even keeled demeanor," Myers said. "He will continue to gain confidence with the scheme and it will relate to his offensive peers. Our job is to put him in a position to succeed to increase confidence."
Lara was born in Bakersfield, Calif. but played high school football in Denver after his family moved there. He returned to Bakersfield for college before transferring to KWU where he'll have two more seasons to play after this fall.
"The coaching staff has a lot of confidence in me, which helped me decide to come here," he said. "They've instilled that confidence in me which as a quarterback you need."