Recruiting Dual-Threat QB's
So once again I am watching the replay of the ND game and I can't get over how well Devin Gardner played. He really is a unique quarterback with his size and speed. Dare I say he reminds me of Colin Kaepernick? Anyway, I was wondering what everyones thoughts were on the coaching staff recruiting a dual-threat quarterback. If Devin has a breakout year, maybe they change their minds on only recruting pro-style qb's? We are continuing to see in college and the NFL that having a true dual-threat qb is such a great asset. Thoughts?
September 12th, 2013 at 7:03 PM ^
Obviously QB mobility and ability to run is not the most important factor for Hoke and Borges, but it probably isn't second most important either. I think in addition to a good arm and accuracy, they're looking for a guy who has great leadership skills, isn't afraid to work hard, and who possesses the ability to read and process information rapidly. Being a true duel threat seems down the list a ways.
September 12th, 2013 at 8:56 PM ^
Cade McNown, Jason Campbell, Russell Wilson, and Troy Smith are all examples pointed out in this thread that are viable year in and year out to get. I have pointed out the latter 2 on multiple threads on this topic in the past (the conversation usually breaks out on any thread that discusses a future QB target). RGIII, Vince Young, Pryor (who I believe was the #1 QB recruit) are exceptions to the rule - you will get one of those coming out every 4-5 years, and someone like RGIII was not a 5 star recruit. These kids are out there and Borges has coached the first 2 name in this post, and now Devin so he has had a taste. If he chooses to go against that model than that is the Hoke philosophy and we'll have to accept it. I prefer / hope not. And better yet only about 3-4 of the "top 12ish" programs really are going for that sort of QB - OSU among them. I would not mind a mix and match of the "more pure passer" in 1 class, offset by a more pass first, but can run type (like the first 4 I listed) in the next class. Also Speight for all the hate has surpisingly good rushing stats for a 6'6 dude! Not saying he is going to be a Troy Smith but if he can have the mobility of an Andrew Luck in that body frame it would be a major bonus.
I think all most of us are asking is to find a guy who can do to other teams what Troy smith did to us - tear our hearts out repeatedly when we had him in our grasp in the backfield. Extend plays - you don't need to have a 4.4 40 or scramble for 45 yards. Just kill the defense's will with those plays we all remember. (Yes I realize he was a great college QB but again this is Michigan fergodsakes - we should be in on just about any high end QB in the nation we want, if we don't get choice #1, choice #3 should still be a fantastic QB) We can recruit all the high end OLs we want but there will always be holes in the OL as in any random year a rs sophomore is playing and the OL constantly turns over - having a QB to neutralize said hole would be precious.
September 12th, 2013 at 9:17 PM ^
If you let the coaches continue with their recruiting program in a couple of year there will not be "holes" in the Oline. Because in any random year it will always be 4th and 5th year players there.
Further we may well "be in on" the top 1-4 Qbs in the class, but we are not likely to get one every year, nor is it a given that any of the four are what the coaches are looking for.
Think for just a moment about Stribling. When the coaches took him after a camp appearance this blog went sideways. "Why now when there are so many better prospects?' "I could see this offer in February but now?!!!" etc. Turns out that, for a true freshman, he's had a damn impressive first two games.
At this point in the program, the coaches are still scheming to use talent to fill gaps in skills across both the offense and defense. Give them two maybe three more years and they will be recruiting to match what the program will need two years down the road.
My point is that once the coaches get the program full of the guys they want, they won't need to hedge their bets on failures in various positions. I'm sure that they'll be recruiting the best passing QBs they can and look for mobility, but not someone who Borges would be designing runs for. That's not where this program is headed.
September 12th, 2013 at 10:26 PM ^
I always remember, when we had our RR years, obviously RR was recruiting hard at Terelle Pryor and Braxton Miller, as they are good fit for RR's system. However, both of them rejected us and went to Ohio, stating that they would like to be pro-style QB, or train as a pro-style QB in Tressel's system. So actually I smiled at Miller when Meyer was hired as their coach, while we got Hoke. Anyway, my point is, now it becomes the opposite, that Ohio is running spread and we are running pro. Will recruits like Pryor and Miller, or should say, Gardner, will consider us because of our pro-style and rejecting Meyer, looking at what Tebow is doing in the NFL?