That’s the point. I see numerous FCS QB’s that could very effectively run the offenses we have had here but when the litmus test is first 6’5” and over 220 lbs then the pool goes small fast. There are a lot of good QB’s who are in the 6’ to 6’2” range that are extremely athletic but only weigh 180-190. They can run and pass. You won’t see them line up for the tush push play but if the QB sneak is your only weak area there are workable ways around that vulnerability.College football in general is a wasteland of qb's. Talent at that position is not common. Most good teams have some ability to scheme thier QB's into success though. That is what Wyoming hasn't really been able to do.
I just don’t see it that way. The reality is that more than half the QBs in college football are limited in some significant way. In any given year, maybe 25–30 programs have a true difference-maker at that position...someone who can actually tilt the field. Everyone else is surviving on scheme. The good offensive coaches are the ones who can disguise those limitations and still move the ball. That’s the whole game now.That’s the point. I see numerous FCS QB’s that could very effectively run the offenses we have had here but when the litmus test is first 6’5” and over 220 lbs then the pool goes small fast. There are a lot of good QB’s who are in the 6’ to 6’2” range that are extremely athletic but only weigh 180-190. They can run and pass. You won’t see them line up for the tush push play but if the QB sneak is your only weak area there are workable ways around that vulnerability.
In my opinion, it would be really helpful if we could figure out a way to more accurately assess a QB's ability to process on field information and make accurate/quick decisions with the ball in various scenarios. That ability can mask a lot of physical limitations and is what separates a "pretty good" QB from a great one. Obviously a minimum set of physical tools are needed to have a chance at success, but we don't need, and don't have a realistic chance, at landing the top end physical talent anyways.I just don’t see it that way. The reality is that more than half the QBs in college football are limited in some significant way. In any given year, maybe 25–30 programs have a true difference-maker at that position...someone who can actually tilt the field. Everyone else is surviving on scheme. The good offensive coaches are the ones who can disguise those limitations and still move the ball. That’s the whole game now.
On the size thing....sure, smaller QBs can play, but let’s be honest: when coaches are evauluating a handful of smimilar prospects, and one of them checks the physical boxes, that’s the one they’ll take every time. It’s not some outdated bias...it’s risk management. The pool Wyoming recruits from isn’t exactly overflowing with obvious talent, so those marginal differences, including size, end up being the deciding factor more often than not.
BTW....I'm not defending Bohl or Sawful for thier choices once they have a recruiting class in place. In general, Bohl was not quick enough to pull a starting QB. That is the criticism that makes the most sense to me...recruiting choices for Wyoming level programs is a crap-shoot.
Whatever is going on when HS QB's get evaluated...I think it's very hard to say how they will eventually develop. That processing part you are talking about seems extremely unlikely to manifest in a HS guy. Even if they have it, are any HS offenses built to take advantage of it? Seems soooo hard to identify.In my opinion, it would be really helpful if we could figure out a way to more accurately assess a QB's ability to process on field information and make accurate/quick decisions with the ball in various scenarios. That ability can mask a lot of physical limitations and is what separates a "pretty good" QB from a great one. Obviously a minimum set of physical tools are needed to have a chance at success, but we don't need, and don't have a realistic chance, at landing the top end physical talent anyways.
A lot of my frustrations with Kaden Anderson stem from the fact that he rarely gets past his first read. We have at least one open receiver on a lot of our pass plays, but he rarely finds them if they aren't his first option. I can guarantee that our third down conversion rate and points per game would be a lot higher if he was able to find the most open receiver on most of our pass plays. His completion percentage would also probably look a lot better too.
Does anybody remember Peyton Manning in his last few years with the Broncos. That version of him was severely limited in physical talent - his arm speed/strength was a fraction of its former self and he was basically a statue in the pocket. But he made up for all of those physical limitations by being so damn good mentally. He basically knew what the defense was going to do before he ever even snapped the ball.
Of course, the hard part is figuring how to accurately assess this mental side of the game in a QB recruit. Maybe put on some film and ask them to dissect it so you can get a better insight into their understanding of the game? Could the world of virtual reality be used at all? Would asking a recruit to do this be a "turn off" for them? I have no clue, but I do think it would be a very useful tool to have when evaluating potential QB recruits.
Do you know if recruits are allowed to get on the field and do any physical work when in for visits?Whatever is going on when HS QB's get evaluated...I think it's very hard to say how they will eventually develop. That processing part you are talking about seems extremely unlikely to manifest in a HS guy. Even if they have it, are any HS offenses built to take advantage of it? Seems soooo hard to identify.
If somebody comes up with a way to reiably identify who has it in a 16 or 17 year old dude.....that person can pretty much write thier own ticket.
I have no idea...I think the recruits get scouted out of camps a lot....there would be something like that there I would imagine.Do you know if recruits are allowed to get on the field and do any physical work when in for visits?
