Scouting Report: 2015 Quarterbacks
Good morning, MGoBloggers. Back in early January, I put together a scouting report on the players that Michigan was recruiting for the quarterback position under Al Borges (LINK).
Then Al Borges got fired, and some new names have appeared on the radar. So here's a scouting report on Blake Barnett, Jarrett Stidham, and a few other guys.
http://touchthebanner.blogspot.com/2014/03/scouting-report-new-2015-qua…
I look forward to these!
When Stidham was offered I watched a bit of his film. It only took about 30 seconds for me to be convinced he was a good offer. He seems like a perfect fit, Nussmeier seems to like the idea of having guys like Gardner who are hybrid pro-style QBs.
That was a rather nice summary. Thanks for putting that together.
I actually think that this has been one of the more interesting things about the transition to Nussmeier. That is to say, the names that seemed to suddenly disappear and the ones that began to emerge. It probably is one of the better indicators of the long-term plan for the offense as Nussmeier envisions it really.
Before I saw your rankings, I rather liked the idea of Stidham in a Nussmeier-type offense more than any of the others on the list, but I remember your previous installment and I would agree that Rosen seems like a good fit too.
The thing with Rosen is, I look at what Alabama did with A.J. McCarron, and I think Rosen can be every bit that good, if not better. Now Rosen is about to commit to UCLA so I don't really think it matters, but I don't think Nussmeier would be dead set on getting a dual-threat guy if he can get an elite pocket guy.
Well, that's not good news. If Rosen does commit to UCLA, I'll probably go suck my thumb and pout. For a good 15 minutes.
Did you ever really think Rosen was remotely likely to commit to UM?
In short, no. But there was a glimmer of hope when he began to speak about seeing Michigan.
I believe he set his announcement date for March 20th, so clear your schedule for some thumb sucking that day.
But Nuss's preference is a bit different than Borges's at the QB position. I think Nuss is more than happy with a Jake Locker type, a guy that is a good athlete. He still won't recruit the Denard Robinson's of the world, as I think there is some similarity with Borges that a guy must have the capability and some baseline level for throwing the football, but I think he's more comfortable coaching those hybrid guys up and working with their legs than Borges probably was. That said, again, there is still some baseline that I think he looks for throwing the football, and he'd much more likely go after a true pocket passer than a Denard-type QB.
Great info. Appreciate the hard work as always.
I will always upvote you for these, sir. I really enjoy them.
If Nusseimer can stick to the initial comments around driving an offensive identity, I think that will help drive having a dual-threat or pro-style much more flexible. The ideal from the QB position is having someone who is intelligent and game-savy enough to put the team in the best position to win with throws that drive YAC and take advantage of coverages, quick decisions to audible out of a bad call vs the defensive alignment, and can be mobile enough to scramble for a first down or out of pressure to make a throw.
Borges was in heavy contact with Kearns, and Nussmeier has maintained contact. I think the coaches are very interested in him, but for whatever reason, he's a little bit down the pecking order. From what I've heard, Kearns is very high on Michigan and I think we would have an excellent shot at landing him if we offered.
Thanks for the update Magnus. It's imformative and appreciated.
It looks like Sills is visiting next Thursday. Any idea if this is just a feeling out thing? I'm hoping he doesn't jump after visiting because from everything I have seen and read, there are better options out there.
Hearing 2015 Elkton (Md.) Christian Academy QB David Sills (USC commit) is slated to visit #Michigan next Thursday.
— Sam Webb (@SamWebb77) March 7, 2014
I could be wrong, but I do not believe that Sills and Nussmeier have met before, at least not since Michigan hired Nussmeier. So yes, I think it could be a situation where Sills is trying to get a feel for Michigan, a feel for Nussmeier's vision, etc.
As mentioned in the linked post, I do not believe Sills is a quality option for what Nussmeier wants. He's not athletic enough to be Nussmeier's ideal, and he was already well down my list of pocket passers.
I'm very glad to see it. I know you can win with a pure pocket passer, but it's such an advantage to have a guy who can take off when things break down. Years of watching players like Vince Young, Donovan McNabb, and Troy Smith dismantle Michigan have made me heavily biased toward having a QB who can make things happen with his legs when no one is open.
Good stuff as usual Magnus.
Thanks. I spent about an hour and 20 minutes last night watching film of Waller and Wimbush (the final two on my alphabetical list), typing up their scouting reports, and then ranking all the prospects. So I'm glad people appreciate it.
Very informative as usual
http://mgovideo.com/ nussmeier interview
and
http://www.mgoblue.com/allaccess/?media=439262
mattison and spring practice
Thanks for the write-up. It would be pretty sweet if we got Brandon Wimbush, but as long as he doesn't go to Ohio State, I'm cool.
You're welcome.
How do you think Speight suits Nussmeir's style? I think Shane is mobile enough, but is Wilton?
I don't think Speight is Nussmeier's ideal quarterback, but he has the arm strength to push the ball deep, which is a part of Nussmeier's plan. I think Speight will surprise people occasionally with his ability to run, because he's the type of guy who can drag a tackler for a couple extra yards or run through the tackle of a cornerback or safety. Ultimately, I don't know that Speight has the accuracy or decision making skills of an elite quarterback, which is why I want to see him followed up by an elite prospect. That way he can sort of bridge the gap between Morris - who looks pretty good - and the 2015 player, who can hopefully take over or at least push Speight when Morris graduates.
After reading your post and the new QBs Nussmeier is targeting, I wondered about Speight and his future with the team. Especially if we get one of the top QBs you mentioned.
Well, Rosen and Stidham are pretty much off the board...
I guess it's time to offer Kyle Kearns.