SoonerBread
5/31/2011, 12:27 AM
Link (http://cfn.scout.com/2/1075258.html)
Mike Vorel: On which Big 12 school is today’s QB U?
The title “QB U” is a lofty one. It should be. It’s like using the words awesome or genius – which in today’s world are more often than not used indiscriminately. QB U implies that said school does not simply produce one or two prized quarterbacks; this program must be a veritable QB factory, pumping out the best of the best consistently every two to three years. So, with that said, does any Big 12 program fit the bill?
The most obvious team in that regard, at least as far as college production, is the Missouri Tigers. Missouri’s previous three quarterbacks have been perhaps the best in school history, first reviving the program and then placing them permanently on the national stage.
The trendsetter was Brad Smith, a tremendously talented dual threat quarterback who became the first Division I player ever to throw for 8,000 yards and run for 4,000 yards in a career. He carried a talent-sparse Tiger squad on his back for four seasons, setting the school records for career rushing yards and total yards. Smith was a deadly weapon in Mizzou’s spread option attack, and that athleticism has lent itself towards a successful career as a returner/wide receiver/Wildcat quarterback for the New York Jets.
Missouri didn’t miss a beat after Smith’s departure, however, replacing him with under-recruited Texan Chase Daniel. Daniel stood at a modest 6’1”, but overcame that lack of size with impressive decision-making and pinpoint accuracy. He threw for 12,515 yards in his four seasons in Columbia, earning Heisman nominations in 2007 and 2008.
Of course, I’d be remiss not to mention Blaine Gabbert, coach Gary Pinkel’s latest quarterback product. Gabbert’s college production wasn’t as impressive as his two predecessors, but his physical attributes left NFL scouts and coaches drooling. Standing at 6’5” and 234 lbs, Gabbert was the ideal pro-style quarterback, somehow thrown into a spread offense. Nonetheless, Gabbert’s strong arm, above-average mobility, and mesmerizing golden locks earned him the no. 10 pick in the 2011 NFL draft. Gabbert is heading to the murky swamps of Jacksonville, but judging by recent history, Missouri’s quarterback position should have a new star imminently.
That man, most likely, will be Corinth, TX product James Franklin. Franklin is a tank of a man, standing at a stout 6’2” and 225 pounds. The sophomore has a strong arm, but is renowned for his tough running style. It seems likely that with Franklin at the helm, the Tigers will resemble the option-heavy attack Smith perfected nearly a decade ago.
With a decade of straight production at the position, I think it’s safe to anoint Missouri as the Big 12’s “QB U.” Oklahoma runs a tight second, with Josh Huepel, Jason White, Sam Bradford and now, Landry Jones. But the slip-ups of Rhett Bomar and Paul Thompson prevent the Sooners from overcoming Mizzou.
This is obviously a very heated discussion, and I expect each fan base to state its case. With that said, fire away.
LOL! This guy is serious, too. College production? Texas Tech, anyone? Or how about 2 Heisman winners at OU, with a 2nd place and 3rd place finish just for good measure? Mizzou as QB U. :rolleyes:
Mike Vorel: On which Big 12 school is today’s QB U?
The title “QB U” is a lofty one. It should be. It’s like using the words awesome or genius – which in today’s world are more often than not used indiscriminately. QB U implies that said school does not simply produce one or two prized quarterbacks; this program must be a veritable QB factory, pumping out the best of the best consistently every two to three years. So, with that said, does any Big 12 program fit the bill?
The most obvious team in that regard, at least as far as college production, is the Missouri Tigers. Missouri’s previous three quarterbacks have been perhaps the best in school history, first reviving the program and then placing them permanently on the national stage.
The trendsetter was Brad Smith, a tremendously talented dual threat quarterback who became the first Division I player ever to throw for 8,000 yards and run for 4,000 yards in a career. He carried a talent-sparse Tiger squad on his back for four seasons, setting the school records for career rushing yards and total yards. Smith was a deadly weapon in Mizzou’s spread option attack, and that athleticism has lent itself towards a successful career as a returner/wide receiver/Wildcat quarterback for the New York Jets.
Missouri didn’t miss a beat after Smith’s departure, however, replacing him with under-recruited Texan Chase Daniel. Daniel stood at a modest 6’1”, but overcame that lack of size with impressive decision-making and pinpoint accuracy. He threw for 12,515 yards in his four seasons in Columbia, earning Heisman nominations in 2007 and 2008.
Of course, I’d be remiss not to mention Blaine Gabbert, coach Gary Pinkel’s latest quarterback product. Gabbert’s college production wasn’t as impressive as his two predecessors, but his physical attributes left NFL scouts and coaches drooling. Standing at 6’5” and 234 lbs, Gabbert was the ideal pro-style quarterback, somehow thrown into a spread offense. Nonetheless, Gabbert’s strong arm, above-average mobility, and mesmerizing golden locks earned him the no. 10 pick in the 2011 NFL draft. Gabbert is heading to the murky swamps of Jacksonville, but judging by recent history, Missouri’s quarterback position should have a new star imminently.
That man, most likely, will be Corinth, TX product James Franklin. Franklin is a tank of a man, standing at a stout 6’2” and 225 pounds. The sophomore has a strong arm, but is renowned for his tough running style. It seems likely that with Franklin at the helm, the Tigers will resemble the option-heavy attack Smith perfected nearly a decade ago.
With a decade of straight production at the position, I think it’s safe to anoint Missouri as the Big 12’s “QB U.” Oklahoma runs a tight second, with Josh Huepel, Jason White, Sam Bradford and now, Landry Jones. But the slip-ups of Rhett Bomar and Paul Thompson prevent the Sooners from overcoming Mizzou.
This is obviously a very heated discussion, and I expect each fan base to state its case. With that said, fire away.
LOL! This guy is serious, too. College production? Texas Tech, anyone? Or how about 2 Heisman winners at OU, with a 2nd place and 3rd place finish just for good measure? Mizzou as QB U. :rolleyes: