Quarterback Depth Chart

I thought I would take a look at our Quarterback situation for this year and the coming years. After hearing that Jake Rudock would be joining the team our QB dilemma has all but gone away. We went from having one of if not the worst group of QBs in the B1G to having at least an average B1G quarterback. Here is what are QB situation looks like for this upcoming year:

1. Jake Rudock (SR.)

Will he be Andrew Luck? No. Can he be an Alex Smith stopgap while Harbaugh works on the other guys we have? Yes. He has 691 attempts on his career with a 60.35% completion rate. Rudock has thrown 34 TDs compared to 18 INT. These are not amazing numbers, but compared to what we have, they are a welcome sight. His YDs/ATT are not the great but this could be a result of the offense that they run at Iowa. This guy will start.

2. Shane Morris (JR.) 

We all know the story with Shane, cannon for an arm, no finesse, stares down his receiver. Having a good back-up is important, but not crucial. I think that Shane can be serviceable as a reserve. He has game experience, including starting a few games. He has been in college for a long enough period of time to be conditioned, and should be more comfortable with the college game. 

3. Wilton Speight (RS FR.)

Hoke did us a favor redshirting this guy. Now we can have a three deep that does not include a true freshman. Wilton can hover around the number 2 spot pushing Shane to make sure he never relaxes. Hopefully we won't have to worry about him playing this year. 

4. Alex Malzone (FR.)

My opinion on Malzone differs from others. I do not like the idea of a true freshman getting real playing time this year. It would be beneficial for him to get a year under his belt. Getting used to the college life, getting stronger, and learning the playbook.

5. Zach Gentry (FR.)

I am pretty sure that he is really raw. Not sure he will have the tools to come in right away and compete enough to where he can get out of his redshirt.

John O'Korn (SO.)

Transfer.

This season can end up being way ahead of our original expectations for this position. 

Now for 2016:

1. Shane Morris (SR.)

 If he develops well, with his tools, he will be the starter next year.

2. Alex Malzone (RS FR.)

High floor, lowish ceiling. Malzone is the safe bet to start because he will not be a disaster.

3. John O'Korn (RS SO.)

He has already played at the college level and with a year under his belt he could be a sleeper bet to start next year.

4. Wilton Speight  (RS SO.)

I feel bad for Speight, he is most likely going to get buried under all of the guys we have at this position.

5. Zach Gentry (RS FR.)

Many think Gentry will jump up to 2 or 3 in his second year. However, I think that he will still be raw and may even switch to TE especially if he gets buried on the depth chart.

6. Freshman 

Redshirt.