the rationale for having a backup quarterback holding is that the quarterback is accustomed to receiving snaps from center and long snaps from the shotgun formation. he also provides a threat for a fake field goal since the quarterback can throw a pass on such plays. additionally, in the event of a bad snap and an aborted kick attempt, the holder might have to become the quarterback for the play, so having an actual quarterback helps in that regard. years ago in the nfl, backup quarterbacks generally held for field goal kicks.