The comparison has been out there ever since quarterback Nate Crookshank decided to transfer to Slippery Rock University.

Crookshank is from Cambria County, just like former SRU quarterback Randy McKavish. He is starting at The Rock as a redshirt freshman, just like McKavish. He had a highly productive high school career, just like McKavish.

They even wear the same uniform No. 14.

"I don't mind the comparisons," Crookshank said. "It's a compliment to me.

"Still, I'm my own person. Randy was a great quarterback here, but there's only one statistical category of his I'd like to match: wins."

McKavish guided The Rock to four successive PSAC West championships and three consecutive NCAA Division II playoff berths from 1997 to 2000.

"Winning championships is what I came here for," Crookshank said.

He is progressing toward that goal.

The Rock is riding a three-game winning streak and Crookshank has completed 20 of 33 passes for 286 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in his last two games.

Crookshank completed just 32 of 65 passes, two touchdowns and eight interceptions in his first three games.

"We knew we'd have to be patient with the passing game in the first few games," SRU coach George Mihalik said. "Nate had to adjust to our system, and he hasn't thrown many passes the past couple of years.

"He's gaining confidence with each week. He's throwing the ball with more authority now and he's maintaining composure while rolling out.

"Nate used to just pull it down and run. Now he's looking for - and finding - receivers," Mihalik added.

Crookshank completed 14 of 20 passes for 161 yards and hit nine different receivers in SRU's 31-3 win Saturday at Lock Haven.

"I'm throwing the ball to spots where the guys are supposed to be," Crookshank said. "We have a lot of great receivers and we're using them."

A three-year starter at Bishop Carroll High School, Crookshank ran for 3,938 yards and scored 41 touchdowns while throwing for 3,070 yards and 30 TDs in his prep career.

He accepted a scholarship from Georgia Southern University but never played there. Georgia Southern rarely throws the football, anyway.

"I got away from my mechanics when it comes to passing," Crookshank said. "I wasn't setting my feet properly. I'm seeing the field better now and I feel a lot more comfortable with the offense."

SRU's 30-27 win at Shepherd (W.Va.) made Crookshank realize how important his throwing accuracy is to his team.

Shepherd returned two interceptions for touchdowns that day.

"I could have cost us that game," Crookshank said. "We dominated them on both sides of the ball, yet my mistakes made it much closer than it should have been.

"That game woke me up. I had to start taking care of the ball."

He hasn't thrown an interception since.

At only 5-feet-11, 185 pounds, Crookshank wasn't known for arm strength as a college recruit, but he's getting the ball downfield with accuracy to deep threat Luke Wetzel.

"You can see that kid getting better with each game on film," Lock Haven coach Mark Luther said. "It looks like Slippery Rock found another McKavish in him.

"He's an excellent runner, so you have to respect that when he rolls out. He's developing the presence of mind to look for receivers when he's running around, and that's what McKavish did so well.

"If Crookshank keeps developing … he's going to be a force to be reckoned with for four years," Luther added.