I wasn't able to be in Toledo for the Spring game, but the reports, while generally good, showed some disappointment with the QBs. Just wondering is the loss of Spence might be showing up a bit in these young guys development. Bruce is already a vet and I believe Shannon is a solid coordinator, but Spence was gold and with him gone I wonder if his QB coaching skills will be missed a bit more than we might like to admit.
It would be harsh to rush to any judgements this early. I was not too pleased with QB play especially since Council and Cochran had more reps than they would have had if Gradkowski was not hurt.
Looking back now, I really did not care if the OC had to be the QB Coach. The old principle "if it isn't broke don't fix it", so in saying that Shannon could have easily stayed with the WRs and called the shots on the field. It might have suited UT better to find another QB guru who could have been a young and up-in-coming coaching talent.
There is a whole summer yet, and if Gradkowski stays healthy we will only see the backups during garbage time. Looking ahead to 2006 does not give me a secure feeling. In fact, if Summers is able to pick up the offense, show pocket presence, and be decisive in making his reads, he could ascend up the depth charts from what I saw during the spring.
You know pono I kinda thought the same. I didn't think the QB's play that great. Now the Running backs that is a different story. I was so impressed the way they played.
Don't forget we have Brandon Summers coming as a freshman,touted as a Tavares Bolden type-big play runner,accurate passer that throws a nice deep ball.Rated as high as #14 player in Michigan.He turned down Indiana and had offers from MSU Spartans and UC Bearcats.We will probably pick-up another QB this year.
I'm not worriedabout 2006.After Tavares,who would have thought we would get Brian Jones and then Bruce.Another year of experience in 2005 ,our QBs will be ready to step-up.Plus our running game looks to be only getting better with no let down from the OL.
My point is that Jones and Bruce weren't that great when they arrived. Competitive and capable, but Spence seemed to mold them into experts running our system. Shannon did most of his work with WRs and assisting Spence, yeah. Meanwhile, Spence focused on QBs and the overall scheme, more or less. Now he's not there to develop the young QBS.
I am also excited about Summers. He seems real solid mentally and competitively. As far as skills, he's said to have it all and if he was 2 inches taller would have been able to pick his college. Nevertheless, football isn't like other sports. The offense has to be run damn near perfect and the leaders (QB, center, etc...) need to have a real feel for the system to have it all work. Talent can't win alone in a football game, execution and the momentum it creates are very important.
Anyways, I hope I'm wrong and the #2 and #3 guys just had a mediocre day.
pono Wrote:My point is that Jones and Bruce weren't that great when they arrived.
Gradkowski had godly numbers in high school as he set several throwing records and had better stats than other guys that played in the same league with names like Marino.
Brian Jones had huge numbers in JC ball in California before coming to Toledo.
Council, Cochran, and Goolsby didn't have quite the same kind of numbers in high school and probably need a little more work.
That said, it wouldn't surprise me that losing Spence will make an impact. He was a magician with QB's.
rocketfootball Wrote:pono Wrote:My point is that Jones and Bruce weren't that great when they arrived.
Gradkowski had godly numbers in high school as he set several throwing records and had better stats than other guys that played in the same league with names like Marino.
Brian Jones had huge numbers in JC ball in California before coming to Toledo.
Council, Cochran, and Goolsby didn't have quite the same kind of numbers in high school and probably need a little more work.
That said, it wouldn't surprise me that losing Spence will make an impact. He was a magician with QB's.
Exactly! On the flipside, I also will not be surprised if we don't miss a beat, or get even better. Things to consider:
1. John Shannon has been a student of Rob Spence for many years. By many accounts, he has the same exact attitude and aptitude as his mentor, but with a much more outgoing personality.
2. We're ****ing loaded with talent at almost every position.
3. A better defense will make it even easier on our offense.