Plymouth Whitemarsh’s Aiden O’Brien makes move to QB

WHITEMARSH >>The Plymouth Whitemarsh quarterback has a different job description than the signal callers at other schools in the area. The Colonials run the veer offense, which asks the quarterback to decide whether to hand the ball off, keep it or pitch it on most plays.

Junior Aiden O’Brien is taking the reins for PW’s offense this season. He was a running back last year and also served as the backup quarterback. He’s switching positions with last year’s starting QB Chris Mclaughlin to allow the latter to focus on running the defense from the free safety position. The quarterback change happened during the first week of camp.

“Aiden was a starter for us last year as a sophomore,” PW coach Dan Chang said. “He’s worked so hard. I wouldn’t say he took over the (QB) job, it was just a better fit for us to have Aidan at quarterback and Chris playing two-back. They just flipped positions there, allowed us to open up Chris to play a little more defense.”

“Just working hard, knowing the plays and being able to run the offense well,” O’Brien credited for his move to QB.
On why he wanted to move to quarterback, O’Brien said: “Just getting involved more, getting more touches and I just like playing quarterback and leading the offense.”

O’Brien, a Plymouth Meeting native, played a big role as a sophomore in 2020. He had several 100-yard games down the stretch, including a nine-carry, 103-yard and three-touchdown performance in the season finale against Wissahickon.

Running is O’Brien’s strength, but the team also likes what he can do throwing the ball.

“He’s naturally a running back,” Chang said, “but he’s got a pretty good arm. He makes good decisions, he throws the ball well. I’m excited to have him back there and we’ve got him for two years now. He was our backup quarterback all last year as well, so he’s pretty familiar with the position. It was a pretty seamless transition.”

“I can still throw the ball,” O’Brien, who was a quarterback in middle school and ninth grade, said. “We definitely have a good run offense, but we can throw the ball, too.”

The move to quarterback also changes O’Brien’s role off the field. He’s stepped into more of a leadership position this year.

“He’s developing way more into a leader for our team,” Chang said. “He’s more vocal, he leads by example on the field. In the weight room he’s one of our hardest working guys, most consistent guys. That’s what we like to see in that quarterback position.”

“I feel comfortable (leading),” O’Brien, who’s also a starting linebacker, said. “I’m ready to do it. I’ll do whatever the team needs.”

O’Brien will make his varsity quarterback debut Friday night on the road against Central Bucks South at 7 p.m. Until then, he’s focused on getting everything right.

“Getting all our plays straight,” he said. “All the little things, details, blocking assignments, steps, pats – just fine-tuning all the little details.”

Plymouth Whitemarsh Schedule
8/27 Plymouth Whitemarsh at Central Bucks South 7 p.m.
9/3 Plymouth Whitemarsh at Methacton 7 p.m.
9/10 Norristown at Plymouth Whitemarsh 7 p.m.
9/17 Plymouth Whitemarsh at New Hope-Solebury 7 p.m.
9/24 Plymouth Whitemarsh at Springfield Montco 7 p.m.
10/8 Cheltenham at Plymouth Whitemarsh7 p.m.
10/15 Plymouth Whitemarsh at William Tennent 7 p.m.
10/22 Upper Moreland at Plymouth Whitemarsh 7 p.m.
10/29 Wissahickon at Plymouth Whitemarsh 7 p.m.