Sacramento State’s senior third-string quarterback Jon Loeliger has had a career that has been one of many changes and transitions.

Loeliger is not your typical third-string quarterback. To get a substantial amount of playing time, he did the unthinkable – requested to play for the special teams squad.

Loeliger’s coaches and teammates voted for him as a team captain this season for his dedication to the team.

Last season, Loeliger began the year as a safety and was then moved back to quarterback.

Loeliger described his passion for football as second nature from his family.

“My passion for football basically just comes from growing up. My older brother and I would always play football in the streets for hours,” he said. “My whole family could be caught watching football on TV all the time. I just learned to love it because my dad and brother did.”

Head coach Marshall Sperbeck said he believes that the team captain title is suitable for a player of Loeliger’s caliber.

“Jon is a very good athlete – he’s a very hard-working competitor. As far as being a team captain, it was his teammate’s decision. The players voted him due to his leadership and dedication to the game,” Sperbeck said. “He’s willing to play football wherever he’s needed. I just think the guys realized his all around qualities and respect him for it.”

Senior defensive back Dorian Brown said that a player such as Loeliger is helpful because his hard work and enthusiasm for football is motivating.

“Jon is a player that just loves football. A lot of the guys respect him for what he does and what a good role model he is to the whole team,” Brown said. “He’s just a perfect example of what coaches look for in an athlete – willing to play wherever he’s needed to contribute.”

Brown said he feels the ball is in good hands if Loeliger has to contribute at quarterback.

“He can handle that situation very well. He just looks for any way to play so that he can help the team. He’s an all-around tough person who, whether is playing as quarterback or on special teams, he’s going to give 100 percent,” Brown said.

Sophomore defensive back Deionte Gordon said that it is beneficial to have a teammate like Loeliger who always has a positive attitude.

“He is a team player. He’s willing to do whatever he can – whether defense, offense or special teams, he just wants to get out there and help the team however he can,” Gordon said. “He is a good leader with a great attitude – he’s never negative. I think it’s great that Jon is a team captain because he has the ability to bring the team up.”

Loeliger said his love for football is what keeps him going.

“I just wanted to play. I’ve played as a quarterback my whole life, but I was prepared to take any opportunity to get on the field,” he said. “It just comes down to wanting to do anything that could help the team.”

Loeliger played safety, quarterback and special teams specialist; he is the placeholder on kicks.

“The toughest thing for me, when transitioning from position to position was probably the mental aspect. Physically, I was there and able to perform but mentally it took a minute,” he said. “As a safety you’re reacting to certain situations, and as a quarterback you’re proactive and making things happen – it’s a very different mental transition.”

Defensive backs/special teams coach Anthony Parker praised Loeliger for what he means to the team.

Britney Rossman can be reached at [email protected]