OU-HSV
3/30/2007, 11:31 AM
I just ran into this article a few minutes ago. I searched and didn't see it posted anywhere on here yet. Toward the bottom I made OUr QB battle bold. I only pasted the top 15 due to excessive text for a single post. But here's a link to the full top 25.
http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/6613088
25 biggest off-season quarterback battles
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Richard Cirminiello / CollegeFootballNews.com
Posted: 3 days ago
If you lose the battle for the job at defensive end or wide receiver, it's a good bet you'll still be in the type of rotation that means plenty of playing time and a varsity letter. Miss the mark at running back, and you could still easily get 10-12 touches a game. The depth chart may say that Arkansas' Felix Jones, Clemson's C.J. Spiller and Cal's Justin Forsett are backups, but the stat line suggests they're still very valuable.
Being No. 2 at most any position is not a death blow...unless you're a quarterback.
Yes, an injury or poor play can change things in a snap, but the backup quarterback rarely breaks a sweat. Even special teams, a terrific outlet for the reserve, is off limits.
It's this feast or famine reality, which is one of the reasons quarterback derbys are so doggone riveting. Win it, and you're one step closer to being the face of a university. Lose it, and anonymity follows you like a bad rumor.
Quarterback jobs are rarely won in the spring. That doesn't, however, mean that long-lasting impressions can't be made or seeds won't be planted in the minds of coaching staffs. Promotions are up for grabs just about everywhere in 2007, and in places like South Bend, Columbus and Norman, the outcomes will reverberate far beyond the city limits.
15. Washington: Because potential franchise quarterback Jake Locker is involved, this could be the most important derby in recent Huskies history. Fair or not, the redshirt freshman with the golden arm and the nifty moves outside the pocket is being labeled as a savior around Seattle provided he can beat out senior Carl Bonnell. Bonnell is clearly the more experienced of the two, however, he didn't impress as Isaiah Stanback's emergency replacement in 2006 and will miss spring following shoulder surgery. Unless he proves completely unworthy of the promotion, Locker is ready to become the face of the U-Dub program.
Prediction: Locker
14. Minnesota: Bryan Cupito won't be confused with any of the Vikings quarterbacks, but he was a solid four-year starter for the Gophers and will be missed. His successor will come from a quartet of holdovers, most likely either junior Tony Mortensen or redshirt freshman Adam Weber. As Cupito's backup in 2006, Mortensen will begin the race as the early favorite. He's a nice package of size and mobility, needing only to show that he can throw with better accuracy. One of the gems of the 2006 recruiting class, Weber is a terrific all-around athlete with above average arm strength and the ability to hits his targets when rolling out in either direction.
Prediction: Mortensen
13. BYU: The job of replacing John Beck is Max Hall's to lose. The redshirt freshman who transferred from Arizona State looks downright prescient for leaving the desert for Deseret, where one year on the scout team already has him poised for a starting gig. Cougar defensive players raved last year about the passing ability of Hall, who hails from the same high school that produced Beck and is former Dallas Cowboys QB Danny White's nephew. The job of knocking Hall from his perch is Snow College transfer Cade Cooper's, particularly now that Jacob Bower has elected to transfer. A record-setting quarterback and the National Junior College Offensive Player of the Year, he's accepted a promise from Cougar coaches that he'll receive a scholarship as soon as one becomes available.
Prediction: Hall
12. LSU: If someone other than former mega-recruit Ryan Perrilloux was the understudy in Baton Rouge, Matt Flynn would be the slam-dunk choice to succeed JaMarcus Russell. Even without an official anointing from Les Miles, Flynn is still the prohibitive favorite to be under center when the Tigers begin another season in September. A heady and talented senior, he has the total package to finish his college career with a huge season. Now in his third year, Perrilloux has to begin displaying some of the gifts that made him one of the most coveted quarterbacks of the Class of 2005. While he oozes physical ability, the sophomore might need an epiphany over the next five months to keep Flynn from finally becoming the starter.
Prediction: Flynn
Will Matt Flynn get the nod at quarterback for LSU? (Chris Graythen / Getty Images)
11. Oregon: Whether or not Oregon can rebound from last year's late-season swoon will depend heavily on the development of skittish seniors, Dennis Dixon and Brady Leaf. Both had their opportunities to end the debate last fall, but instead raised more questions by tossing 18 combined interceptions to go along with 18 touchdown passes. An inconsistent receiving corps didn't help the signal-callers, however, Mike Bellotti and new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly are in no mood for excuses. They want a quarterback that can make plays, while limiting the number of turnovers. Dixon is a multi-dimensional player with the greater upside, but if his consistency doesn't improve real fast, Leaf will become the starter by default.
Prediction: Dixon
10. Clemson: Will Proctor was just slightly above average as the starter last year, so Clemson will happily turn the page and begin auditions for its next quarterback. Can't-miss recruit Willy Korn is already on campus and no doubt the future at the position, but he'll have to be otherworldly to win the job, particularly with Florida State looming on opening day. He may, however, be good enough to beat out junior Tribble Reese and redshirt freshman Michael Wade for the opportunity to back up likely starter Cullen Harper. The junior has an underrated arm and is poised at all times, but when Proctor was struggling last year, it has to mean something that Harper wasn't given a chance to step in and contribute.
Prediction: Harper, with Korn lurking around the corner
9. Wisconsin: Yes, fifth-year senior Tyler Donovan is a heavy favorite to replace ultra-steady John Stocco at quarterback, but he is not a lock. While he's played well as the backup the last two seasons, his arm strength is questionable, slightly cracking open the door for Kansas State transfer Allan Evridge to make a bull rush toward the top of the depth chart. He has junior eligibility, starting experience in Manhattan and a better skill set than any other Badgers quarterback. That said, Wisconsin has proven for years that it doesn't need a prolific passer to win plenty of football games, which is another reason Donovan, the safest pick, will get the nod.
Prediction: Donovan
8. Virginia Tech: Junior Sean Glennon's grip on the starting job is a loose one after last year's 11-touchdown, 11-interception season that was capped by a second-half meltdown in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. He is the safe choice, but whether he's the best choice will depend on the development of sophomore Ike Whitaker, the more gifted — and greener — of the two primary contenders. Over the years, the Hokies have been at their best when the quarterback is unpredictable and versatile, two adjectives that do not describe Glennon. Whitaker, conversely, is a 6-foot-4 dual-threat with enough upside and support from the rest of the team to offset his limited experience in Blacksburg.
Prediction: Whitaker
7. Boise State: Whoever follows in the footsteps of Bart Hendricks, Ryan Dinwiddie and Jared Zabransky will get an unbelievable opportunity for the national exposure that inherently comes with being the Boise State quarterback. The quartet of eager candidates includes senior Taylor Tharp, junior Bush Hamdan, sophomore Nick Lomax and redshirt freshman Mike Coughlin. Tharp has the most experience and the added benefit of being Zabransky's roomie the last two years, but doesn't have off-the-charts physical traits to pull away from the field. Hamdan has the best combination of arm strength and mobility, offsetting concerns about whether he's got the poise and demeanor to lead this team. Lomax and Coughlin are tall pocket passes who can throw the ball a mile, but have no experience with the Broncos. The last two times Boise had quarterback derbys, the young gun surprised the long-time vet.
Prediction: Tharp
6. UCLA: Unlike most schools replacing a departed senior, UCLA is embroiled in a quarterback controversy because both juniors Ben Olson and Patrick Cowan are talented enough to start for a lot of programs. The job was Olson's for the first five games until he sprained his knee in a win over Arizona, essentially ending his season. Cowan struggled from time to time, but got better as the season wore on, displaying a strong arm, good mobility and the intangibles to keep Olson on the sidelines even after his knee had healed. Karl Dorrell's assertion that a healthy Olson would get the ball is going to get tested from spring practice right up until the starter has his first bad game of 2007.
Prediction: Olson
5. Florida State: While Drew Weatherford is the incumbent, does the arrival of new offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher give a boost to Xavier Lee? It probably doesn't hurt to have a new talent evaluator with a clean slate. Neither junior has been particularly consistent since arriving from high school as heralded prospects, which is why the competition is wide-open. Until one of the two can prove he's capable of consistently sparking the once-prolific Seminole offense, this debate is not going to die around Tallahassee or any place else where the sport is discussed.
Prediction: Weatherford
4. Miami: One of new head coach Randy Shannon's first really big decisions will be to decide on his quarterback for 2007. Much like the situation up in Tallahassee, the Miami offense has been uncharacteristically feeble the last couple of seasons, putting pressure on the quarterbacks to perform. Senior Kyle Wright has all the tools to be the next big thing in a Cane hurler, but has yet to live up to expectations. That's created an opportunity for junior Kirby Freeman who finished well in Miami's bowl game and refuses to go down without a fight. The two contenders have not been chummy of late which adds spice to an already delicious competition.
Prediction: Wright
3. Oklahoma: If Sooner fans weren't happy with Rhett Bomar last year, they're going to loathe him this fall. Bomar got himself booted from the program, leaving Oklahoma in a precarious situation behind center. This from a school that appeared loaded at quarterback just a few years ago. Paul Thompson was terrific in 2006, but he's out of eligibility, leaving the offense with a trio of kids who have two games and two passes of experience between. On seniority alone, junior Joey Halzle rates an edge over true freshman Keith Nichol and redshirt freshman Sam Bradford, both of whom are more decorated than the former junior-college transfer. One extra year as the backup helps, however, Bradford and Nichol have vast upsides and are already competing for the job this spring. Halzle should get the nod in September, but will be real vulnerable if he stumbles and one of the freshmen matures overnight.
Prediction: Halzle
2. Ohio State: As if replacing the Heisman Trophy winner isn't hard enough, the Buckeyes must do so without a proven quarterback that's been waiting in the wings until after Troy Smith and Justin Zwick graduated. In all likelihood, the Todd Boeckman era is about to begin in Columbus. He's a 6-foot-5, system-savvy kid who's a lot closer to Zwick than the multi-dimensional Smith. Sophomore Rob Schoenhoft is another power forward who, at 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds, is an imposing figure with enormous arm strength. The wild card is Antonio Henton, who's hamstrung by being only a redshirt freshman, but is the only candidate capable of making plays outside the pocket and conjuring up images of Smith.
Prediction: Boeckman
1. Notre Dame: Just how good is Charlie Weis as a developer of young quarterbacks? We'll have a much better idea in a couple of years. Brady Quinn is off to the NFL, meaning one of four really green and really gifted quarterbacks is going to see his Q rating skyrocket later this summer. While extremely short on experience, the depth chart will be jammed with former four and five-star blue-chip recruits. The standard-bearer is true freshman Jimmy Clausen, last year's top-ranked high school quarterback who's already on campus competing for the job. Is he good enough to start right away? You bet. As a sophomore, Evan Sharpley is long in the tooth, relatively speaking. However, seniority alone won't get it done in a deep field. Redshirt freshmen Demetrius Jones and Zach Frazer would be the future at most other schools. Jones is the most athletic quarterback, making huge strides since arriving in South Bend two years ago. Frazer is the longshot of the group. Sit back and enjoy because this one is about to get real interesting.
Prediction: Jones
http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/6613088
25 biggest off-season quarterback battles
Story Tools:
Print Email Blog This
Richard Cirminiello / CollegeFootballNews.com
Posted: 3 days ago
If you lose the battle for the job at defensive end or wide receiver, it's a good bet you'll still be in the type of rotation that means plenty of playing time and a varsity letter. Miss the mark at running back, and you could still easily get 10-12 touches a game. The depth chart may say that Arkansas' Felix Jones, Clemson's C.J. Spiller and Cal's Justin Forsett are backups, but the stat line suggests they're still very valuable.
Being No. 2 at most any position is not a death blow...unless you're a quarterback.
Yes, an injury or poor play can change things in a snap, but the backup quarterback rarely breaks a sweat. Even special teams, a terrific outlet for the reserve, is off limits.
It's this feast or famine reality, which is one of the reasons quarterback derbys are so doggone riveting. Win it, and you're one step closer to being the face of a university. Lose it, and anonymity follows you like a bad rumor.
Quarterback jobs are rarely won in the spring. That doesn't, however, mean that long-lasting impressions can't be made or seeds won't be planted in the minds of coaching staffs. Promotions are up for grabs just about everywhere in 2007, and in places like South Bend, Columbus and Norman, the outcomes will reverberate far beyond the city limits.
15. Washington: Because potential franchise quarterback Jake Locker is involved, this could be the most important derby in recent Huskies history. Fair or not, the redshirt freshman with the golden arm and the nifty moves outside the pocket is being labeled as a savior around Seattle provided he can beat out senior Carl Bonnell. Bonnell is clearly the more experienced of the two, however, he didn't impress as Isaiah Stanback's emergency replacement in 2006 and will miss spring following shoulder surgery. Unless he proves completely unworthy of the promotion, Locker is ready to become the face of the U-Dub program.
Prediction: Locker
14. Minnesota: Bryan Cupito won't be confused with any of the Vikings quarterbacks, but he was a solid four-year starter for the Gophers and will be missed. His successor will come from a quartet of holdovers, most likely either junior Tony Mortensen or redshirt freshman Adam Weber. As Cupito's backup in 2006, Mortensen will begin the race as the early favorite. He's a nice package of size and mobility, needing only to show that he can throw with better accuracy. One of the gems of the 2006 recruiting class, Weber is a terrific all-around athlete with above average arm strength and the ability to hits his targets when rolling out in either direction.
Prediction: Mortensen
13. BYU: The job of replacing John Beck is Max Hall's to lose. The redshirt freshman who transferred from Arizona State looks downright prescient for leaving the desert for Deseret, where one year on the scout team already has him poised for a starting gig. Cougar defensive players raved last year about the passing ability of Hall, who hails from the same high school that produced Beck and is former Dallas Cowboys QB Danny White's nephew. The job of knocking Hall from his perch is Snow College transfer Cade Cooper's, particularly now that Jacob Bower has elected to transfer. A record-setting quarterback and the National Junior College Offensive Player of the Year, he's accepted a promise from Cougar coaches that he'll receive a scholarship as soon as one becomes available.
Prediction: Hall
12. LSU: If someone other than former mega-recruit Ryan Perrilloux was the understudy in Baton Rouge, Matt Flynn would be the slam-dunk choice to succeed JaMarcus Russell. Even without an official anointing from Les Miles, Flynn is still the prohibitive favorite to be under center when the Tigers begin another season in September. A heady and talented senior, he has the total package to finish his college career with a huge season. Now in his third year, Perrilloux has to begin displaying some of the gifts that made him one of the most coveted quarterbacks of the Class of 2005. While he oozes physical ability, the sophomore might need an epiphany over the next five months to keep Flynn from finally becoming the starter.
Prediction: Flynn
Will Matt Flynn get the nod at quarterback for LSU? (Chris Graythen / Getty Images)
11. Oregon: Whether or not Oregon can rebound from last year's late-season swoon will depend heavily on the development of skittish seniors, Dennis Dixon and Brady Leaf. Both had their opportunities to end the debate last fall, but instead raised more questions by tossing 18 combined interceptions to go along with 18 touchdown passes. An inconsistent receiving corps didn't help the signal-callers, however, Mike Bellotti and new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly are in no mood for excuses. They want a quarterback that can make plays, while limiting the number of turnovers. Dixon is a multi-dimensional player with the greater upside, but if his consistency doesn't improve real fast, Leaf will become the starter by default.
Prediction: Dixon
10. Clemson: Will Proctor was just slightly above average as the starter last year, so Clemson will happily turn the page and begin auditions for its next quarterback. Can't-miss recruit Willy Korn is already on campus and no doubt the future at the position, but he'll have to be otherworldly to win the job, particularly with Florida State looming on opening day. He may, however, be good enough to beat out junior Tribble Reese and redshirt freshman Michael Wade for the opportunity to back up likely starter Cullen Harper. The junior has an underrated arm and is poised at all times, but when Proctor was struggling last year, it has to mean something that Harper wasn't given a chance to step in and contribute.
Prediction: Harper, with Korn lurking around the corner
9. Wisconsin: Yes, fifth-year senior Tyler Donovan is a heavy favorite to replace ultra-steady John Stocco at quarterback, but he is not a lock. While he's played well as the backup the last two seasons, his arm strength is questionable, slightly cracking open the door for Kansas State transfer Allan Evridge to make a bull rush toward the top of the depth chart. He has junior eligibility, starting experience in Manhattan and a better skill set than any other Badgers quarterback. That said, Wisconsin has proven for years that it doesn't need a prolific passer to win plenty of football games, which is another reason Donovan, the safest pick, will get the nod.
Prediction: Donovan
8. Virginia Tech: Junior Sean Glennon's grip on the starting job is a loose one after last year's 11-touchdown, 11-interception season that was capped by a second-half meltdown in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. He is the safe choice, but whether he's the best choice will depend on the development of sophomore Ike Whitaker, the more gifted — and greener — of the two primary contenders. Over the years, the Hokies have been at their best when the quarterback is unpredictable and versatile, two adjectives that do not describe Glennon. Whitaker, conversely, is a 6-foot-4 dual-threat with enough upside and support from the rest of the team to offset his limited experience in Blacksburg.
Prediction: Whitaker
7. Boise State: Whoever follows in the footsteps of Bart Hendricks, Ryan Dinwiddie and Jared Zabransky will get an unbelievable opportunity for the national exposure that inherently comes with being the Boise State quarterback. The quartet of eager candidates includes senior Taylor Tharp, junior Bush Hamdan, sophomore Nick Lomax and redshirt freshman Mike Coughlin. Tharp has the most experience and the added benefit of being Zabransky's roomie the last two years, but doesn't have off-the-charts physical traits to pull away from the field. Hamdan has the best combination of arm strength and mobility, offsetting concerns about whether he's got the poise and demeanor to lead this team. Lomax and Coughlin are tall pocket passes who can throw the ball a mile, but have no experience with the Broncos. The last two times Boise had quarterback derbys, the young gun surprised the long-time vet.
Prediction: Tharp
6. UCLA: Unlike most schools replacing a departed senior, UCLA is embroiled in a quarterback controversy because both juniors Ben Olson and Patrick Cowan are talented enough to start for a lot of programs. The job was Olson's for the first five games until he sprained his knee in a win over Arizona, essentially ending his season. Cowan struggled from time to time, but got better as the season wore on, displaying a strong arm, good mobility and the intangibles to keep Olson on the sidelines even after his knee had healed. Karl Dorrell's assertion that a healthy Olson would get the ball is going to get tested from spring practice right up until the starter has his first bad game of 2007.
Prediction: Olson
5. Florida State: While Drew Weatherford is the incumbent, does the arrival of new offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher give a boost to Xavier Lee? It probably doesn't hurt to have a new talent evaluator with a clean slate. Neither junior has been particularly consistent since arriving from high school as heralded prospects, which is why the competition is wide-open. Until one of the two can prove he's capable of consistently sparking the once-prolific Seminole offense, this debate is not going to die around Tallahassee or any place else where the sport is discussed.
Prediction: Weatherford
4. Miami: One of new head coach Randy Shannon's first really big decisions will be to decide on his quarterback for 2007. Much like the situation up in Tallahassee, the Miami offense has been uncharacteristically feeble the last couple of seasons, putting pressure on the quarterbacks to perform. Senior Kyle Wright has all the tools to be the next big thing in a Cane hurler, but has yet to live up to expectations. That's created an opportunity for junior Kirby Freeman who finished well in Miami's bowl game and refuses to go down without a fight. The two contenders have not been chummy of late which adds spice to an already delicious competition.
Prediction: Wright
3. Oklahoma: If Sooner fans weren't happy with Rhett Bomar last year, they're going to loathe him this fall. Bomar got himself booted from the program, leaving Oklahoma in a precarious situation behind center. This from a school that appeared loaded at quarterback just a few years ago. Paul Thompson was terrific in 2006, but he's out of eligibility, leaving the offense with a trio of kids who have two games and two passes of experience between. On seniority alone, junior Joey Halzle rates an edge over true freshman Keith Nichol and redshirt freshman Sam Bradford, both of whom are more decorated than the former junior-college transfer. One extra year as the backup helps, however, Bradford and Nichol have vast upsides and are already competing for the job this spring. Halzle should get the nod in September, but will be real vulnerable if he stumbles and one of the freshmen matures overnight.
Prediction: Halzle
2. Ohio State: As if replacing the Heisman Trophy winner isn't hard enough, the Buckeyes must do so without a proven quarterback that's been waiting in the wings until after Troy Smith and Justin Zwick graduated. In all likelihood, the Todd Boeckman era is about to begin in Columbus. He's a 6-foot-5, system-savvy kid who's a lot closer to Zwick than the multi-dimensional Smith. Sophomore Rob Schoenhoft is another power forward who, at 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds, is an imposing figure with enormous arm strength. The wild card is Antonio Henton, who's hamstrung by being only a redshirt freshman, but is the only candidate capable of making plays outside the pocket and conjuring up images of Smith.
Prediction: Boeckman
1. Notre Dame: Just how good is Charlie Weis as a developer of young quarterbacks? We'll have a much better idea in a couple of years. Brady Quinn is off to the NFL, meaning one of four really green and really gifted quarterbacks is going to see his Q rating skyrocket later this summer. While extremely short on experience, the depth chart will be jammed with former four and five-star blue-chip recruits. The standard-bearer is true freshman Jimmy Clausen, last year's top-ranked high school quarterback who's already on campus competing for the job. Is he good enough to start right away? You bet. As a sophomore, Evan Sharpley is long in the tooth, relatively speaking. However, seniority alone won't get it done in a deep field. Redshirt freshmen Demetrius Jones and Zach Frazer would be the future at most other schools. Jones is the most athletic quarterback, making huge strides since arriving in South Bend two years ago. Frazer is the longshot of the group. Sit back and enjoy because this one is about to get real interesting.
Prediction: Jones