Recruiting Dual-Threat QB's

is a huge asset for the program today as we're still in the process of building our running game back to the power days.  But we're not there yet.  We need a QB who can make things happen with his legs.  Going forward though, the coaches will not be concerned about that (recruiting a dual threat guy)  as much once our OL, RB, WR, and TE ranks are filled with quality, experienced players and depth. 

Shane Morris may not be labeled a "mobile quarterback", but he's more athletic than the average bear, and should be able to gain yards on scrambles and run some of the read option that Devin has had success with. Shane isn't Denard, but neither is Devin. The dropoff in QB scrambling ability from Devin to Shane will be apparent but not as dramtic as a lot of people expect.

I don't see a problem in us going after dual threat guys, as long as their primary decision is to beat the other team with their arm. Then, if they can tuck it and run if need be, that's just icing on the cake. Ideally, I'd want a taller Russell Wilson as my type of QB going forward: a guy who can make all the throws, but can bolt if everything breaks down.

It'd be great to have QBs like Gardner going forward, and from what we've seen, Morris is not a statue in the backfield, either. But our offense is building to the point where we won't necessarily need a dual threat guy. We'll have plenty of threats on the field to the point where a dual threat QB is almost overkill. Granted, I never want a guy who's going to be immobile in the backfield, but at least someone who can move around and buy a little time. They don't need to be Denard or Devin in terms of their athleticism.

I think so.

Not to put words in the OP's mouth but I think when he says dual threat he wants a guy who can actually run a zone read, pull, and pick up 15yds once or twice a game. Doesn't have to be Gardner. Forcier could do that.

I too would actually like a QB who can move..and I mean more than just move in the pocket to by time (Rees was great at extending the play).

I'd like a QB that can get 3rd downs by checking down to "run" and picking up that 3rd and 7 when he gets past his second read. Henne, Navarre for example could not do that. if the play wasn't executed at all levels then it didn't work.

I don't think we need/want: Dennis Dixon, Denard, Tebow, Braxton Miller...etc. no arms.

But: Forcier, Manziel, Wilson, Taji Boyd, Troy Smith all fit the bill IMO.

IMO, it takes that to win it all unless you recurit like Bama (or old USC) and not even Hoke has done that yet (but he his close). A playmaker at QB can make up for potential shortcomings at WR or OL or RB.

In the BCS era, really outside of Bama and LSU all teams have had a somehwat mobile QBs. With guys in the trenches like Bama and LSU you can have just about anyone at QB. I don't think UM has ever had DL talent like those two schools and don't think it'll happen soon. And those teams win with D (but thats for another post).

 

Notice I'm not mentioning Newton, RGIII, VY, or Gardner as I think those guys really are usually the best in class type of player that you can't expect to get every 2 years or so. Forcier, Manziel, Wilson, Taji Boyd, Troy Smith types can be had though IMO.

 

 

We don't necessarily need guys that are labeled as "dual-threat". We need guys that kniw how to scramble. Gardner has developed into a very good pocket passer, and scrambles when the line breaks down. Shane Morris is mobike and can scramble. Same with WS.

Russel Bellomy, although we haven't been able to see him play much, is supposed to have decent athleticism and mobility.  Morris is reported to have decent athleticism and mobility.  The coaches recruited both of these guys because they like their entire package, including their athleticism.  

Obviously, neither of these guys are dilithium/dual threat/scrambler types, but they're also not Henne/Navarre statues (yes, I remember the Navarre QB screen).

My personal opinion...why wouldn't you ya know?

Give the defense something extra to worry about.


I feel like I have heard a million defensive coordinators say they hate dual threats and how they add other elements.

Think the problem is there is a small % of dual threats that seem to have outstanding arms. Extra footwork issues and accuracy issues.

I think that we could argue that Devin, and his mobility, were covering up for many of the deficiencies in the offense; especially blocking. That if Michigan had depth and experience across the front, with the TE's, and downfield with WR's that were powerful blockers, Devin wouldn't have needed to run. The OL would have been able to reset the OL, and impose their will on the defense. 

I think that after the Hoke & Co line recruiting comes of age and we see the roadgraters that we've been so geeked for get PT, the offense will not need to have a duel threat QB to be effective. 

What's important about offense is to have the ability to exploit a defense when they over commit to one aspect of the offense. The ILB's overcommitting to the run, was exploited by Devin's ability to escape the pocket and attack the edges. But Borges also did it with the waggle. So there are other options other than QB runs, veers, or the like. Its the ability to counter a defense cheating that is important.....

Just my thoughts