MYRTLE BEACH — Who can’t pass a football?

Surely not South Pointe’s Devin Pearson, says Rock Hill Bearcats coach Joe Montgomery, head coach for the North in Saturday’s North-South All-Star Football Game.

“Devin was picked by our staff as an athlete, meaning there were several positions where we could play him,’’ Montgomery said. “We had planned to play him at defensive back, a position he also has played at South Pointe when he goes both ways.

“Knowing his abilities, we decided to put in some wildcat plays he could run. When we saw he how well he throws the ball, we put Devin in our quarterback rotation. He’ll still play; DB, QB, WR, maybe some offensive tackle, defensive tackle, linebacker and tight end. Seriously, he’ll be on the field a lot. From what I’ve seen of our team and the South, he’s the best athlete here this week.’’

The knock on Pearson, one without legs, is he can’t throw the football. Fair enough, but wrong.

The problem is the Stallions are primarily a running team and only in certain games was he allowed to rear back and sling it. And when he did, it was usually with much success.

Pearson passed for this season for 1,669 yards and 16 touchdowns. He had 170 carries for 889 yards and eight TDs. So is he a runner or passer?

The story has been told many times. Pearson was a starting defensive back his sophomore season and on a trip to Fairfield Central in a game that decided the region title, the Stallions starting quarterback was tossed after an out-of-bounds scuffle with a Griffins’ player. The penalty was a one-game suspension.

Pearson stepped in and led South Pointe to victory. Except for the two games he missed this season with a non-throwing broken hand, he’s been the starter every game, including leading the Stallions to the Class AAA state championship last season and a 26-3 record the last two years.

“I didn’t come down here expecting to play quarterback,’’ Pearson said. “I figured it would be DB, but no matter where I play, it’s my last high school game and I want to play well and for our team to win.

“Coach Montgomery has made some small adjustments, but any quarterback can expect that from another coach. I’m throwing the ball better and my confidence is high. Coach Montgomery told me he likes the way I play.’’

A secret concerning Pearson is out. Before the season, he made a verbal commitment to play on UNC Charlotte’s first football team, so we’ll be seeing more of him. There’s the possibility of pro football because of his skills and maybe seeing him doing weather forecasts some day.

Pearson is in the IB program (college courses) at South Pointe and has a 3.2 GPA.

“I picked Charlotte because it’s a first-year program and I want to be part of building it from the ground level,” He said. “I think it will be fun and hope to help start a winning tradition.

“And they also offer my major, meteorology. I want to become a weather man.”

Barry Byers 329-4099