Veltkamp to remain starting quarterback for Hilltopper Football

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – During Monday’s weekly media press conference, WKU football head coach Tyson Helton shared that QB Caden Veltkamp will remain the starting quarterback for the Tops as QB TJ Finley returns to the sidelines.

Finley was suited up and available for action for the first time since his injury at Middle Tennessee back in September, but Coach Helton announced that he will perform in the backup role for the time being, as Veltkamp has led the team to a 6-1 record in seven games and the top spot in Conference USA.

“I think Caden has shown that he is deserving to remain the starter,” Helton said. “Obviously we’ve won a lot of games with him. Nothing ever stays the same, and everyday you’re building your resume, everyday you’re competing, and it doesn’t matter if you’re the starter or you’re the backup, but {Caden’s} deserving to be in that role.”

Since taking over for the Tops against Toledo, Veltkamp has risen to become one of the top quarterbacks within Conference USA, leading the league in completion percentage (70.0), passing touchdowns (19), and tied for fourth in rushing touchdowns (7).

Coach Helton shared that Finley has continually been supportive of Veltkamp and the rest of the team, and that hasn’t changed even with shifting to the secondary slot.

“I’ve been very impressed with TJ in the role that he’s playing,” Helton said. “Even on the sidelines during the game, I’m watching him talk to Caden and telling Caden what he sees. It says a lot about who he is and what he’s willing to do to help this football team.”

From the start, both Finley and Veltkamp have been very vocal in their support for each other, and with the ultimate goal being a Conference USA championship and another bowl game win, the positive chemistry will continue to play a big part in how well the team does down the stretch.

“At the end of the day, I’m just glad we got two quality quarterbacks, and I’ve really been impressed with that room and how those quarterbacks have worked well together,” Helton said.

The Hilltoppers and their perfect Conference USA record return to Houchens-Smith Stadium on Saturday morning for a meeting with the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, with the matchup kicking off at 11 a.m.