(07-12-2013 08:36 PM)DoubleDDuke Wrote:  

(07-12-2013 12:29 AM)bulldogg Wrote:  I am a Birdsong fan. I think he has tremendous potential. However, he will only be as good as his offensive line. If they can protect him and block for him like the 2008 OL, I believe he could be better than Landers. My opinion, humble or otherwise.

Whoah......don't know about that. When Landers was in there the offense moved like a hot knife through butter most of the time. I saw Birdsong against an unprepared for him Richmond defense and then a flop against Ga. St. He is a huge question mark.

He was a true freshman playing in an offense that does not fit his skillset. He has tremendous raw talent and skills that cannot be coached and I expect him to be a much better QB this year with a year of experience under his belt, an offense run by O'Cain more suited for his skills, and not being pulled in and out of the game for Thorpe.

I've said this since early last year: I believe that by the time he graduates, Birdsong will be the best NFL prospect we've had in many, many years. He's got size, a big arm, plenty of mobility, he's a great leader, and he's super confident. What's not to like? The questions left to be answered are accuracy and decision-making. We don't have a big enough sample size to know for sure, but I'm not overly concerned about either. Accuracy and decision-making are obviously EXTREMELY important, I'm simply saying I think he has what it takes to be a good NFL prospect one day.

Does that mean he'll have a fantastic 2013? No. Not saying he'll be terrible, but I'm tempering my expectations. I expect the breakout year to be 2014, if we keep the same offensive system for the next 2 years. Too much to ask a true sophomore to explode with little experience, a new offensive system, and questions at WR.

Let's not expect too much this year and be pleasantly surprised if he delivers. I'm just looking for SOME improvement, and I believe we'll get it if he stays healthy. We also need our WR's to play better, too many drops. I believe it was in the Richmond game where we had MANY drops. I might be mixing up my games but I think that was it. Birdsong played very well but we had multiple WR's drop balls that hit them right in the hands. That needs to change, I don't care what system is being run.

(07-13-2013 03:50 PM)Jay M. Youix Wrote:  The questions left to be answered are accuracy and decision-making.

And...can he stay healthy, as well as, out of trouble.