Photos provided by Rosie Slate

BIG SPRING — For most of his football career, Big Spring senior Marcus Rios has patiently played the role of backup quarterback. This dates back to his middle school days which saw him play as the seventh grade “B” team QB, the eighth grade “B” team QB, the freshman team backup QB, the JV backup QB and the backup varsity QB last year. 

Five full seasons as an understudy.

Now, at the age of 17, Rios has at long last, been given the reins of the Big Spring varsity offense and he’s making the most of the opportunity.  At present, he stands as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the Big Country.