Assuming we get Newton... what do we do with Relf?

[GhostOfJackie]

Relf is good in option packages but this Newton guy is supposed to be a dual threat. Would we even need another option style/run qb in our lineup? I think Relf has worked hard at QB but will not be the guy to lead us next year by any means. After Croom's complete failure to make Relf into any kind of threat at all, Mullen will know better.

I think Mullen needs to give this guy a chance at WR and increase our depth at that position. We will still be fairly young at that position next year and adding Relf there would help. Maybe use him on some reverse plays and make him a specialty guy or a deep threat with his size. He could be useful on that play (don't know what it's called) where we throw it wide to a reciever and then he either runs it or throws it again. Maybe even return some kicks.

With a little added size he could be a good option for tight end. I would just hate to see Relf transfer next year because he thinks his playing time will be limited to riding the pine at quarterback for another two years. There is a spot on our team for a guy with this much talent.

 

[GhostOfJackie]

Relf is good in option packages but this Newton guy is supposed to be a dual threat. Would we even need another option style/run qb in our lineup? I think Relf has worked hard at QB but will not be the guy to lead us next year by any means. After Croom's complete failure to make Relf into any kind of threat at all, Mullen will know better.

I think Mullen needs to give this guy a chance at WR and increase our depth at that position. We will still be fairly young at that position next year and adding Relf there would help. Maybe use him on some reverse plays and make him a specialty guy or a deep threat with his size. He could be useful on that play (don't know what it's called) where we throw it wide to a reciever and then he either runs it or throws it again. Maybe even return some kicks.

With a little added size he could be a good option for tight end. I would just hate to see Relf transfer next year because he thinks his playing time will be limited to riding the pine at quarterback for another two years. There is a spot on our team for a guy with this much talent.

 

[Dawg in a pile]

Well coach34 has stated repeatedly that he will be a tight end next year, so you can pretty much bet the farm that he won't be a tight end, even though that's about the only other position he could play.

 

[HammerOfTheDogs]

Assuming he catches as good as he throws, he may not be cut out for Tight End. After watching last Saturday's game, he might be able to take the Anthony Dixon spot as power Running Back. Just think what kind of headaches an opposing defense would have with Cam Cameron, all 6' 6" and 245 coming at you in one direction, or Relf at 6'3", 235 running at you from another, or Cameron throwing to a bevy of receivers.</p>

 

[BR549.sixpack]

asdf

 

[shutterdawg]

that could be what Mullen is thinking too. He has said that the only position we won't be recruiting this year is TE. Telling?

 

[coach66]

as a change of pace guy to Newton. The guys doesn't look that impressive running it but the defenses seem to have a real problem with him which is all that counts.

 

[Frances Drebin]

Relf doesn't have the speed you need to be a slot guy. He is a physical runner. He's probably not elusive enough to be a tailback. He's best suited as a tight end, assuming he can run routes and catch the ball...something none of us has seen him do.

 

[o_1984Dawg]

him and all of our other secret weapons.

 

[BR549.sixpack]

I think he can be coached up some and be servicable in a similar manner.

 

[Frances Drebin]

...to coach up the type of elusiveness he would need to do what you're suggesting. He's a physical, straight-ahead runner. His running style is similar to Tebow.

 

[DudyDog]

watch #81 for Florida. I could envision Relf doing what this guy does.

 

[basedog]

I don't understand why some think he will change positions? He should be much improved for next year and he should be a more confident QB. He proved his worth and he should have a good understanding of what he can or can't do within the spread (and mostly the coaches).

As far as Russell, I have to laugh at the thought that folks think he "might transfer" IF he doesn't win the starting QB position next year. First off, he recruited hard last year for other recruits to join him, second he likes Msu, thirdly and mainly, he is a proven winner and competitor. I don't think competition will effect Russell or Relf next year.

As the recruiting of Newton goes, IF he signs with us, you never know what will happen in the spring or next fall with all three QB's (also Stegall), meaning injuries, getting in trouble or grades. You can't get enough QB's and for God's sake, we ain't never had enough in my lifetime! Believe me, it will work itself out during the spring and fall, I see three good QB's for next year and I'm hoping we sign another high school QB.

 

[Frances Drebin]

...if we don't sign Newton. If Newton comes, the only way Relf is getting on the field is by changing positions. And as fun as it was watching Relf run over the Rebs, if we have to count on him at QB next year, we're in trouble.

 

[PBRME]

Here's the problem with that. Auburn brings in Burns because their starter isn't a great running threat. Why sit dual threat to bring in a one dimensional player. Besides, we run a version of the wildcat on almost every play.

 

[Coach34]

but until we finish recruiting this season, Relf is still in limbo...should Newton take the money from greener pastures in Tennessee, then Relf will stay at QB...If Newton signs, then they are going to find a spot to get him on the field some because it wont be QB

 

[Agentdog]

Good post base.

I don't understand it either. I think a lot of people sell the guy short. He made some plays both throwing and running this year. He is a better passer than what he is given credit. He just needs more snaps to get his touch and timing down.

 

[bullysleftnut]

Relf is good in option packages but this Newton guy is supposed to be a dual threat. Would we even need another option style/run qb in our lineup? I think Relf has worked hard at QB but will not be the guy to lead us next year by any means. After Croom's complete failure to make Relf into any kind of threat at all, Mullen will know better.

I think Mullen needs to give this guy a chance at WR and increase our depth at that position. We will still be fairly young at that position next year and adding Relf there would help. Maybe use him on some reverse plays and make him a specialty guy or a deep threat with his size. He could be useful on that play (don't know what it's called) where we throw it wide to a reciever and then he either runs it or throws it again. Maybe even return some kicks.

With a little added size he could be a good option for tight end. I would just hate to see Relf transfer next year because he thinks his playing time will be limited to riding the pine at quarterback for another two years. There is a spot on our team for a guy with this much talent.

Right now he's the #1 QB. If Newton signs, he slips to #2. Mullen has shown no problem with playing two QBs all year so I don't see why it would be an issue next season either. Relf will also have another offseason under his belt, and I would guess that his accuracy will improve markedly during that time. I think Relf will be a fine QB the next couple of years, and will give us a good option at QB.

 

[basedog]

Relf played not quite a full season at qb, most qb's improve a helluva lot their second season. He will get more coaching next year plus he has a chance to work on his passing skills. I don't think he will carry the load next year, but I do see him playing and with his ability to run the option he will present a major problem for defenses next year. I can see Russell and Relf sharing the load next year. But, I am very hopeful we can sign Newton cause this brings in a whole new demeanor in competing for playing time. Competition is a good thing indeed.

P.S. I remember way back when Tommy Pharr was a running QB in an option offense for Msu in the late 60's (his soph season). Then he was told to work on his passing skills during the off-season as he couldn't break an egg or hit the broad side of a barn. He led the nation in passing the next year, it was amazing to see how much he improved in a year. It's left up to Relf now.

 

[RonnyAtmosphere]

..with Russell?

If Newton signs, I see Mullen going to a MSU version of the Leak/Tebow package.

That would reduce Russell to holding the clip board.

I suppose if Russell doesn't want to hold the clip board, he will have to beat out Newton.

Because Relf is perfect for Mullen's situational running QB packages.

As long as Mullen is in town, Relf is MSU's situational QB. Just like Tebow was for Florida in 2006.

 

[therightway]

Everyone team subs their running backs. As much as Relf ran against OM you have to think that he needed a breather a few times. I know that you can take a few plays of by calling a few hand offs but when the QB starts getting winded is when mistakes are made like bad pitches.</p>

 

[DAWGWOOD34]

Not saying he will turn out to be an "All Everything" QB, but he now knows what he needs to do in the offseason to be able to compete at this level and play for Mullen (seems I remember he and Lee got their asses chewed for hardly throwing during the offseason - yet another gem from the Crooms era). Couple that with another year of the strength and conditioning program under Balis, becoming more familiar with the playbook and reading defenses... He may turn out to be a fairly servicable QB. Maybe a Madkin level QB?

 

[War Machine Dawg]

Not saying he will turn out to be an "All Everything" QB, but he now knows what he needs to do in the offseason to be able to compete at this level and play for Mullen (seems I remember he and Lee got their asses chewed for hardly throwing during the offseason - yet another gem from the Crooms era). Couple that with another year of the strength and conditioning program under Balis, becoming more familiar with the playbook and reading defenses... He may turn out to be a fairly servicable QB. Maybe a Madkin level QB?

Mullen was very disappointed with how little Lee & Relf threw over the winter leading up to spring practice. But to their credit, they both threw enough over the summer leading up to fall camp. In fact, Mullen singled out Relf for how hard he had worked over the summer to improve his passing. Work ethic can't really be coached, and it appears Relf is willing to work as hard as he needs to improve his skills to stay on the field. I think he showed that, regardless of how awful he may look in practice, he's a gamer. When the lights are on and the ball is teed up, that sumbitch makes football plays. I don't think he's a long-term solution at QB, but he certainly doesn't scare me back there. He's got the physical tools, he just needs coaching, polish, and snaps. I think a Relf/Russell platoon would be a hell of a lot of fun should we not sign Newton.

 

[GeneFrenkle]

If he loses, then he's the backup where I assume Dan can find some way to use him. Having two big athletic guys who can throw & run cannot be a bad thing

 

[skb124]

I don't really understand why we would need to use Relf at QB next year if we land Newton. Newton is a glorified Relf who can actually throw the ball, too. He can run just as well as Relf, so why limit ourselves to just running the ball by putting in Relf. If we get Newton then we will have a quarterback that is perfect for running this offense all by himself. If he were to get hurt, though, then I could see the Leak/Tebow situation with Russell/Relf. There's no point in using a 2-QB system when 1 QB can do it all

 

[chew1095]

We could look at it like this, if we do sign Newton, we can all rest our heads at night knowing that our 3rd string QB is capable of beating Ole Miss' *** any day of the week.

 

[FlabLoser]

watch #81 for Florida. I could envision Relf doing what this guy does.

I can't recall us every having a big strong WR. Relf could be that guy.