Browning (Raleigh, N.C. / Millbrook HS) has started 11 games under center in two seasons with the Runnin' Bulldogs, passing for 1,734 yards and seven touchdowns. He was projected to be in competition again for the starting nod at quarterback following spring practice.

"Chandler approached me with the idea earlier this summer," said head coach Ron Dickerson, Jr. "He is a big, strong guy who has the desire to help his team win, no matter what position he plays. Every team needs selfless guys like Chandler. He's a leader. He has added some size to his frame already. I'm excited to see him take on the new role. I think he'll do well."

Browning, now a 6-foot-3, 250-pound redshirt junior, passed for a team-high 871 yards and three touchdowns in seven starts last season, collecting a career-high 217 yards and a score in the season opener vs. Brevard on September 3. As a redshirt freshman in 2010, he came off the bench to engineer Gardner-Webb's upset win at FBS member Akron, passing for 198 yards and two touchdowns on 17-of-27 accuracy.

Gardner-Webb graduated all three starters at linebacker from the 2011 season, including All-Big South selection Marty Patterson.

With Browning's move to defense, Gardner-Webb's battle for the starting nod at quarterback should involve senior Exavier Johnson (6-3, 215), redshirt sophomore Lucas Beatty (6-2, 218) and sophomore Jordan Paul (6-3, 196).

The strong-armed Johnson, who began his career at FBS Utah State and passed for 2,408 yards and 24 touchdowns in his lone junior college season before coming to Boiling Springs, missed all but two games last season with injuries - but has returned to full health heading into August.

Beatty started five games a year ago, including wins over Coastal Carolina and Charleston Southern, and passed for 631 yards and a pair of scores. He missed the season's final two games and spring practice, but will be in the mix when 2012 begins.

Paul was one of the spring game's bright spots, completing 5-of-10 passes for 123 yards and a score after playing receiver in all but one game as a true freshman. The Brooklyn, N.Y., native is perhaps the team's most elusive option at the position and was an All-New York City selection during his career at New Utrecht High.

Gardner-Webb reports to camp on August 2, with its first practice set for Friday, August 3. The team opens the 2012 season against preseason top-10 foe Wofford at 6:00 pm on Saturday, September 1 in Ernest W. Spangler Stadium.