Nearly a year ago, Chris Polony opened the season as Villanova's starting quarterback in their season opener.

The former Whitehall standout had laid a solid foundation the previous year when he strung together a series of impressive showing as a starter and reliever down the stretch for the Wildcats as they waded through a 2-9 season. He finished the year by completing 69 of 110 attempts for 713 yards with seven touchdowns and six interceptions.

But when Polony struggled during some series against Temple, he was pulled in favor or redshirt freshman John Robertson. At the time, Polony had completed 6 of 15 passes with a touchdown and an interception.

However, the interruption proved to be a turning point in his career on the suburban Philadelphia campus. Robertson took over reins for the remainder of the season and won the Jerry Rice Award as the FCS top freshman of the season with nearly 2,000 yards passing and over 1,000 yards rushing. On the other hand, Polony saw limited action throughout the rest of the year.

When he began the preseason this summer, Polony found himself as Robertson's backup. It has been a different atmosphere and feeling for Polony this summer, but he still plans to maintain his focus.

"Yes, it has been different," said Polony. "But I have been approaching it and preparing like I would any other year. John (Robertson) is the starter and he is a great quarterback. But things could change in a heartbeat, so I have to be ready.

"I have to prepare myself like I am the starter and go from there."

His gameday preparation might slightly differ, but it won't vary off course.

"The preparation is the same, but I know I won't be getting as many reps not being the starter," added Polony. "But I have to get the mental reps and the film work in and it is basically the same program."

Still, Polony would rather be guiding the program that has been tabbed as a league favorite and a Division 1-AA title contender.

"You definitely want to be out on the field, but I have to follow my coach's plans," stated Polony. "When your name is called, you have to be ready. I was here with both summer sessions with John (Robertson), and I felt that I grew somewhat during that time."

Head coach Andy Talley believes Polony can be a contributor to the program.

"We like Chris' upside," said Talley. "He has a strong arm and a good football IQ. John (Robertson) stepped into the position and the team fed off him. It is certainly not a bad reflection on Chris.

"He (Polony) will still help the program."

Despite his new role, Polony appears to be happy with his surroundings.

"I don't regret coming here," he stated. "I'm happy to be here. It felt good to be back in the playoffs last year and all of the preseason rankings and hype we are getting this year. But we still have to go out and prove ourselves."

As a chemical engineering major and entering his junior year, Polony knows he will also have to prove himself in the classroom. As a freshman, he was named to the Colonial Athletic Association all-academic team. He was a member of the National Honor Society at Whitehall.

"There is a more of an emphasis in my major this year and I have to balance it further with football," he said. "The coaches do a great job in working with our academics. I do love the Philly area and wouldn't be opposed to staying here if a job opened up here."

In the meantime, Polony plans to adjust to his new role.

"I glad I came here," said Polony. "Sure, I'd rather be starting, but this is a solid program with a chance to have a great season ahead for me and the team."