Change of offensive philosophy next year?

[rmattox]

It appears the qb job is Johnson's to lose. In one of Stoop's recent press conferences, he was asked about Jackson's running. He made a statement about the chances of the qb getting injured if you are "willing" to play that way. Made me think he was not willing to use Johnson's running very often, likely due to the lack of a back-up.

With Hoak being available, and possibly Barker coming back and being available as back-ups, will Stoops and Gran develop an offense similar to the one WVU used with Pat White?

 

[BlueRaider22]

I anticipate that WR and QB play will improve for next yr.....and therefore we will likely be more balanced. So, Johnson will probably run it a little less.....however, it'll probably be more calculated and effective.

 

[JPFisher]

Hinshaw gets Stephen this off-season and gets to work on footwork, mechanics, and all that jazz. Like others have said, Stephen also has the bonus of a bowl game practice month and the whole off-season to hone his skills and bulk up if he remains healthy.

I was all on the Barker train, but Johnson is a damn good QB and I think has rightfully found himself atop the list of potential QB options heading into next season. Looking forward to it.

 

[rmattox]

Johnson offers you something Barker does not...the threat of the qb taking off running with the ball.

 

[420grover]

If our receivers can catch the ball, I think we can be really good next year.

 

[51stFan]

I was impressed with Johnson. How many teams of Kentucky caliber has a backup QB that is able to come in and go 7-3? We actually got better after the injury and at times I thought we kind of went too conservative with Johnson. He throws a nice deep ball.

 

[rmattox]

I was impressed with Johnson. How many teams of Kentucky caliber has a backup QB that is able to come in and go 7-3? We actually got better after the injury and at times I thought we kind of went too conservative with Johnson. He throws a nice deep ball.

I agree they became conservative, but believe it was because they didn't want to over expose him to the possibility of injury.

 

[ScrewDuke1]

Hinshaw gets Stephen this off-season and gets to work on footwork, mechanics, and all that jazz. Like others have said, Stephen also has the bonus of a bowl game practice month and the whole off-season to hone his skills and bulk up if he remains healthy.

I was all on the Barker train, but Johnson is a damn good QB and I think has rightfully found himself atop the list of potential QB options heading into next season. Looking forward to it.

Yup, well put. Barker may end up transferring. Even he has to see the writing on the wall at this point.

 

[JMalone4UK]

Yup, well put. Barker may end up transferring. Even he has to see the writing on the wall at this point.

Johnson has 1 year of eligibility remaining. Barker will still have 3 once he gets a medical red shirt for this year.

 

[Bluegrass79]

Next year offense is this year offense plus 250 days of Benny getting stronger and meaner and tougher. Watch out! 20 touchdowns next year.

 

[gamecockcat]

Wasn't Barker very effective running in HS? In limited action, seems like he's shown flashes of running ability. He's not just a statue but not a DT either.

 

[shutzhund]

A qb who can run and throw the long ball is too valuable to promote over. Even if that's a Ky boy.

Please Stoops don't change this offense in the bowl or next season.

 

[51stFan]

Johnson (Smith) has done a great job this year. Might of been even better if his backup wasn't a guy they wanted to redshirt.

 

[Stenchymouse]

I doubt we'll see as much wildcat next year...

 

[trueblujr]

Johnsons running can be utilized and effective when he runs it like he did today. He knew how to get the most yards possible before sliding or running safely out of bounds to protect himself. Something Lamar Jackson won't do. I'm surprised Jackson made it through the season unscathed the way he runs the ball.

 

[CB3UK]

Drew needs to get that medical RS for this season. Johnson should stsrt next year and that leaves Drew two years as starter.

 

[ArtSmass]

We have a "Pro-Style" QB (Evans) committed for '17.
More of a "Dual-Threat" (Jarren Williams whom I REALLY like) committed for '18.

How do these 2 very different kinds of QB's fit into the future mix I wonder?

 

[Black Diamond Cat]

What you saw today, is what you will see in our Bowl game and beyond IMO. Stephen Johnson will only get better, and the passing we witnessed today will really open things up in 2017........ Good Times !!

 

[51stFan]

What you saw today, is what you will see in our Bowl game and beyond IMO. Stephen Johnson will only get better, and the passing we witnessed today will really open things up in 2017........ Good Times !!

Kudos to the coaching staff in finding a competent backup QB. Not many teams that get better when the backup is brought in.

 

[shutzhund]

We have a "Pro-Style" QB (Evans) committed for '17.
More of a "Dual-Threat" (Jarren Williams whom I REALLY like) committed for '18.

How do these 2 very different kinds of QB's fit into the future mix I wonder?

We've seen what a qb that is able run can do. I'd hate to think we'd go back to that false god, the "air raid". If you can run the ball the passes will always be there.

 

[rmattox]

I have and will always have a warm spot in my Football heart for the Mumme/Leach/Couch air-raid. The problem, I've finally come to realize is that it takes, ideally, a Couch to make it work. Unless he has a son, there ain't any more of those guys in the pipeline for us. The dual threat qb can be a lot of fun to watch ie Jackson and Johnson today.