Congrats on your new QB!

Thank you.

Looks like MSU already pulled him and his bio from the roster.
From what I can glean from the box scores....
He began the season as the starter. Won the first couple then MSU went 2-5.
.....and looks like the writing was on the wall that they’ll be handing the keys to the kid from Naperville Central.

Welcome Rocky!

Saw he was at MSU for 4 years... How much eligibility remaining?

(12-27-2020 03:33 PM)numbersdontlie Wrote:  Saw he was at MSU for 4 years... How much eligibility remaining?

2

(12-27-2020 03:33 PM)numbersdontlie Wrote:  Saw he was at MSU for 4 years... How much eligibility remaining?

Says he's a JR transfer. Since this year doesn't count, maybe 2 more?

I learned my lesson when I was all giddy about Bowers. 8Tds/9int before he lost his job doesn’t scream greatness.

Former Michigan State starting quarterback Rocky Lombardi is transferring to Northern Illinois, he announced Sunday.

"There are so many people I would like to thank for their help and support throughout my recruiting process," he posted on Twitter. "But without further delay, I would like to announce my commitment to NIU!"

Lombardi, who started MSU's first six games this season, entered the NCAA's transfer portal on Dec. 18. He publicly announced his departure from Michigan State on Friday, writing that the decision was very difficult but that he looks forward to playing two seasons elsewhere.

He passed for 1,090 yards with eight touchdowns and nine interceptions, completing 53.5% of his passes this season, before leaving a Dec. 5 game against Ohio State with an injury. He also started three games in the 2018 season. Lombardi didn't dress for Michigan State's season finale at Penn State.

The Clive, Iowa, native redshirted in 2017 but will have two years to play at NIU, which went 0-6 this fall under second-year coach Thomas Hammock. Ross Bowers, a transfer from Cal, started his second season for the Huskies.

We need a QB who can run an RPO and and actually RUN and PASS.

Can Rocky do that?

Someone ask Bullwinkle.

I'm not really excited about this guy, and I really hope the staff didn't make him any promises about starting. His career stats are just flat out bad. He isn't very athletic and doesn't throw the ball all that well. Hopefully the staff brought him in to be an experienced veteran in the QB room and push the young guys in the QB competition.

(12-27-2020 04:42 PM)timxlydon Wrote:  I'm not really excited about this guy, and I really hope the staff didn't make him any promises about starting. His career stats are just flat out bad. He isn't very athletic and doesn't throw the ball all that well. Hopefully the staff brought him in to be an experienced veteran in the QB room and push the young guys in the QB competition.

Disagree about his athleticism. He can move, his arm is strong, the ball goes wherever.

That said the MSU O was an absolute mess this season.

If we are interested in running a true RPO style O we need a few of these QBs.

Lots of competition for the starting role this year. Hammock appears to start the beat guy regardless of who he is or how old.

Info about injury in the first half of Ohio State game...

https://www.mlive.com/spartans/2020/12/m...njury.html

https://www.mlive.com/spartans/2020/12/m...jured.html

Not knocking anyone; just posted for info.

How many QBs does NIU have on the roster now?

(12-27-2020 05:21 PM)pvk75 Wrote:  Info about injury in the first half of Ohio State game...

https://www.mlive.com/spartans/2020/12/m...njury.html

https://www.mlive.com/spartans/2020/12/m...jured.html

Not knocking anyone; just posted for info.

How many QBs does NIU have on the roster now?

Unsure if Bowers and Haidet will be coming back, so as of now ill say its Rocky Lombardi, Rodney Thompson, Dustin Fletcher, Connor Neville and 2021 Commit Ethan Hampton

So...just figuring our QBs for the next few seasons:

2021: Rocky
2022: Rock
2023: Fletcher or Hampton (Both would be RS So.)
2024: Fletch/Hampton
2025: Fletch/Hampton

Not a bad progression. Of course guys leave, some new guys show up, etc.

(12-27-2020 03:29 PM)thxjoenovak Wrote:  Thank you.

Looks like MSU already pulled him and his bio from the roster.
From what I can glean from the box scores....
He began the season as the starter. Won the first couple then MSU went 2-5.
.....and looks like the writing was on the wall that they’ll be handing the keys to the kid from Naperville Central.

Welcome Rocky!

The Naperville Central kid was a Bronco commit until MSU flipped him at the last minute. :-(

MSU also signed a Temple QB transfer. Lombardi was looking at 3rd string and I don’t blame him for looking at other options.

Okay!

I Think this would essentially confirm Bowers is gone. I don’t think there were many questions surrounding it but probably best for all parties. If Rocky pans out and fletcher sticks around while continuing to develop we have bought a lot of time to find the “next in line”.

Would love to see Richie come back -( has anything been announced? ) if we could somehow strengthen the secondary we may be competing soon.

My Biggest concern remains the game day coaching/strategy.

It seems like the days of the 4 year starter at quarterback are over. Unless you recruit a can't miss stud, everyone is going to be scouring the transfer portal for the next big thing every year or two.

Guys I hate this transfer situation, but Rocky Lombardi is now the MAC quarterback with the most potential, plain and simple. He is big, mobile and has a very strong arm. McElwain, however, is not done and who knows what he can dig up?

Are we sure his name is not Rocky Lombardi and instead Ole Thorssen? He sure doesn't look like he is from Jersey Shore, more like Stockholm Shore... Or should I say Stockholm Fjord.

Rocky Lombardi, Anthony Russo, Dantonio, Izzo, they must serve a hellava linguine with red clam sauce in East Lansing.