Rob Spence has a lot to choose from this season. Can Gradkowski become a leader? Can Stevens tame his feet? Will a true freshman win the job?
I like Stevens's ability to go downfield. I have not seen much of Gradkowski. He played in some of the early games, but he did not impress me as much as Stevens. At this time I will have to go with Stevens, but Peace could come in and steal the show. This topic is just making me more anxious for spring practice.
It should be a very interesting Spring. I'm getting seriously anxious for it to get here, myself. Then we'll have the unbearably long Summer to wait...
I voted for the Polish guy. "NAPRZOD RAKIETNY" !!
I think Stevens is going to prove to be heads above the rest. I can't wait until Spring Practice either.
With a talent pool like that I'm guessing that it'll take a special player to win out. I don't think QB will be a problem for us.
Since Stevens will have two years to play, if he wins it could give one of the incoming freshman a chance to redshirt this year, be the backup to an experienced senior, and then be a three year starter. Not a bad scenario.
Going by just this past year, I'd have to give Gradkowski the edge, though. Cal Poly brought no pass rush to speak of, but Stevens was looking to run way too early, imo. He could have stood in the pocket all day but tried to run anyway. Gradkowski seemed to have a lot more poise. Both are dangerous runners and have cannons for arms, although I'd give Stevens the edge in both categories. Where I give Gradkowski the edge is the way he checks off recievers and his poise in the pocket.
I don't see the freshmen having much chance to start unless they are very, very remarkable.
Then there's the Polish kid... :D
Quote:He could have stood in the pocket all day but tried to run anyway.
You mean "could
of" don't you?
<!--EDIT|axeme|Feb 12 2003, 02:06 PM-->
DOH! Of course I did. Darn UT education!
I chose Gradkowski just because of his distinguished Pennsylvania QB heritage but Kenley Horton is an intriguing prospect with athletic ability and football smarts who could come on in the spring to make things interesting.
Quote:I chose Gradkowski just because of his distinguished Pennsylvania QB heritage but Kenley Horton is an intriguing prospect with athletic ability and football smarts who could come on in the spring to make things interesting.
After speaking with several coaches last week I got the impression that Horton was going to end up as a receiver.
Ok - but will he get any more playing time as a receiver than as a QB? Any guesses on who the Rocket starting wide receivers will be?
I would expect big things from Terrance Hudson, Lance Moore, and Corterris Reese this season. Put Perry Ivery, Shawn Nixon*, and Pete Lepley in the mix, along with the freshman, and it looks like there will be serious competition at the WR spot, as well.
*my choice as the "surprise" offensive player this season.
I think Terrance Hudson will be called upon to fill Carl Ford's shoes. I agree with all the others that Oddball said, but I think Perry Ivery will be the surprise man.
And what about the famous CHICKEN MAN?!!
As far as recievers go, I think Lance Moore has the best hands out of the bunch(the kid caught most of what was thrown to him), but I think Hudson might be the "big play" guy on WR next year.
If I remember correctly, Nixon was being recruited by OSU as a WR. I'm seriously looking forward to seeing this kid get some playing time. His "story" is also very engaging, imo.
This should be a VERY explosive offense this season.
Is Fred Wilson the WR from Georgia still in the program? And why isn't Nixon listed on the official roster?
Where is the roster you are referring to? Nixon is/was a prop. He made the academic honors list last semester, and wasn't far off for this semester. He's in school and qualified.
As far as I know, Wilson is still on the team. He redshirted last year and could have an impact at WR this Spring and Fall.