Patrick Towles future

Katwatcher

Sophomore
Feb 17, 2003
563
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I like your optimism but this scenario just ain't going to happen. Your correct in regard to PT's physical gifts but the truth is he just lacks some things that cannot be taught:

1) ACCURACY. He simply is not an accurate passer, particularly in the short and intermediate game.
2) Pocket presence. He just doesn't seem to feel the rush when he should and then seems to "feel" a phantom rush when he has plenty of time. This causes choppy feet, which causes inaccuracy.
3) Decisiveness. As someone said above PT likes to see an "open" receiver rather than "throw" them open.

It is a shame, but if he doesn't have these qualities by now I don't think he will ever somehow "learn" them. These are inborn attributes that some have, and some don't. No matter how physically gifted one is if they don't have the qualities above then they will never be a high-level SEC *passing* QB, much less make it in the NFL.

I think some of you are writing off Towles way too quick. All of his shortcomings that you mentioned above are teachable if that was the problem. I can understand how he can feel a phantom rush because he seldom had enough time to look for more than 1 receiver.

I don't think there is any quit in Patrick, he will be back.
 

mtn cat1

All-Conference
Feb 5, 2003
4,258
1,523
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He hasn't not started a game yet this season and already you guys have him transferring, switching positions, or riding the bench. It's no wonder so many get so tore up after each game. Let's see if Barker can finish a game before we discard anyone. Common sense says there is a reason he's never been able to beat out Towles and you same people might be begging for Patrick back, you never know about these things. I just think you're setting yourselves up for another heart break by proclaiming the battle is over before Barker plays his first game.

Based strictly upon what we have been witness to; Patrick has had more than ample opportunity to demonstrate what he can do as the qb of the team, PT has all the physical attributes to be an accompolished qb, however there is a mental element to being an effective qb!!!!

Perhaps Drew will fall flat on his face, but we haven't had the opportunity to observe him in action over any extended period of time!!!!!
 
Apr 13, 2002
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I think some of you are writing off Towles way too quick. All of his shortcomings that you mentioned above are teachable if that was the problem. I can understand how he can feel a phantom rush because he seldom had enough time to look for more than 1 receiver.

I don't think there is any quit in Patrick, he will be back.

I do agree that he wont leave the team.

But this whole notion of a "phantom rush" is just not a valid excuse. A large portion of Towles sacks are self inflicted either from holding the ball too long or poor pocket presence.

Eg. when we go 5 wide and the QB can see the defense is bringing more defenders than we have blockers, the ball MUST come out quick. It rarely does. Towles gets sacked. The fans blame the OL.

In this offense, the ball needs to come out in about 3 seconds. Towles had more than enough time on most occasions to make the the throw he needed to make. He just couldnt process the info. Thats also why he looked much better in the iwb, because it was a different offensive concept that game him more time and less reads.

Now, the good news is this is still fixable. The physical tools are all there. If he spends the offseason working hard on progressions and reads; he could re-take the starting job and be the star we all want him to be.
 
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JHB4UK

Heisman
May 29, 2001
31,836
11,258
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I think some of you are writing off Towles way too quick.
This is the conclusion of his 4th year as a member of the University of Kentucky football program o_O

He has been the starter for 22 straight games :confused:

Writing him off quick would have been when he failed to beat out Jalen Whitlow or Max Smith in 2013. We didn't! The coaches didnt! He was given the chance to be a star starting QB and develop into an NFL prospect. It sucks but it just did not work out. And it is NOT due to lack of time or being too quick with the hook.
 

Glenn Fohr

All-Conference
Jan 5, 2003
5,787
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Never know about kids. The light could go on.. but after 22 starts, I just don't know...
 

BoulderCat_rivals187983

All-Conference
May 22, 2002
7,871
3,227
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He certainly has the physical tools, but I agree with those who think it's the mistakes he makes which affect his confidence. You can't do that as a QB. Even the best of them sometimes miss a throw, throw an interception, etc. Like we hear player's say a QB needs a short memory when it comes to mistakes. They have to go right back out there and lead their team. Not every guy can play the QB position in major college football or the NFL even if they have the physical tools And some can play it very well who aren't as gifted physically because they just have "it", whatever it is. As many have pointed out Barker isn't much different physically, but I think going with him gives him a chance to find out himself, and show us if he's got it "between the ears" as another poster said. As for Towles this is something he's just going to have to come to grips with. It's not easy to give up on one's dreams, but it's something a lot of us, perhaps most of us have had to do at some point in our lives. This may be that point for him. Or he can go back to practicing even harder, and try to win his job back if not this year, then over the course of the spring and summer for next season. Or he could transfer. For now he's just gong to have support and help Barker, and watch what happens like we'll all be doing. If he leads to team to 3 wins the end the season then Towles might consider that, but I doubt at this point he'd be willing to change positions.
 

JHB4UK

Heisman
May 29, 2001
31,836
11,258
0
Accuracy is the most important quality of a quarterback in the modern hurry up quick throw quick decision era we are an, no arm strength, not height. the ability to put the ball in a specific one yard square area not too high, not to low, not to behind , not too in front. bless his heart but I just think that is a weakness in Patrick that is never going to be cured by any system or coach or individual instructions.
 

sluggercatfan

Heisman
Aug 17, 2004
35,953
29,631
0
Accuracy is the most important quality of a quarterback in the modern hurry up quick throw quick decision era we are an, no arm strength, not height. the ability to put the ball in a specific one yard square area not too high, not to low, not to behind , not too in front. bless his heart but I just think that is a weakness in Patrick that is never going to be cured by any system or coach or individual instructions.
This is PT main problem...don't know if it can be cured or not , but I guess with all the extra time he has put in with the qb gurus that with him it can't
 

sluggercatfan

Heisman
Aug 17, 2004
35,953
29,631
0
I do agree that he wont leave the team.

But this whole notion of a "phantom rush" is just not a valid excuse. A large portion of Towles sacks are self inflicted either from holding the ball too long or poor pocket presence.

Eg. when we go 5 wide and the QB can see the defense is bringing more defenders than we have blockers, the ball MUST come out quick. It rarely does. Towles gets sacked. The fans blame the OL.

In this offense, the ball needs to come out in about 3 seconds. Towles had more than enough time on most occasions to make the the throw he needed to make. He just couldnt process the info. Thats also why he looked much better in the iwb, because it was a different offensive concept that game him more time and less reads.

Now, the good news is this is still fixable. The physical tools are all there. If he spends the offseason working hard on progressions and reads; he could re-take the starting job and be the star we all want him to be.
With all due respect, you must be watching a different ol than the rest of us watch
 

zannmann

Heisman
Feb 17, 2006
23,191
14,781
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If Barker stinks up the joint this Saturday, Towles will be the starter again. If Barker plays like a real QB the last two games, I think Towles will transfer to somewhere he can play immediately.
 
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maysvilleky

All-American
Aug 13, 2003
15,769
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If Barker stinks up the joint this Saturday, Towles will be the starter again. If Barker plays like a real QB the last two games, I think Towles will transfer to somewhere he can play immediately.

I doubt it. I think Barker has these 2 games regardless. If UK wins both, then Barker will start the bowl game. If Barker is bad in one or both games, then next year we are looking for at a brand new QB competition that will include any remaining and incoming QBs.

If Barker is successful, I look for PT to transfer. If it appears there will be a QB competition next year, then PT could decide to stay around and try to win the starting job back next year.
 

Mr Schwump

Heisman
Nov 4, 2006
29,563
23,097
18
I doubt it. I think Barker has these 2 games regardless. If UK wins both, then Barker will start the bowl game. If Barker is bad in one or both games, then next year we are looking for at a brand new QB competition that will include any remaining and incoming QBs.

If Barker is successful, I look for PT to transfer. If it appears there will be a QB competition next year, then PT could decide to stay around and try to win the starting job back next year.

For UK's future development, Hoak really needs to RS next year and the best way for that to happen is for Towles to finish his career at UK. Yes, Phillips could serve as Barker's back up but isn't a SEC level QB.
 

JHB4UK

Heisman
May 29, 2001
31,836
11,258
0
For UK's future development, Hoak really needs to RS next year and the best way for that to happen is for Towles to finish his career at UK. Yes, Phillips could serve as Barker's back up but isn't a SEC level QB.
agree that would be in *UK'S* best interest....but you do realize it wouldn't be in Towles best interest, to spend his last year of college eligibility holding a clipboard and playing the 4th of blowout wins or losses?
 

Mr Schwump

Heisman
Nov 4, 2006
29,563
23,097
18
agree that would be in *UK'S* best interest....but you do realize it wouldn't be in Towles best interest, to spend his last year of college eligibility holding a clipboard and playing the 4th of blowout wins or losses?

Oh I totally agree, it wouldn't be what's best for PT but I look at what's best for the overall program and that would be RSing Hoak. Who knows, PT may regain his job although it'd hair lip two thirds of this board. As I said elsewhere, Barker may be INT prone. We'd heard about his INTs in inter squad scrimmages and he already has 2 in his very limited action. Hopefully he can work thru that.
 

bterhune1

All-Conference
Jun 30, 2006
4,386
1,813
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The general consensus around UK fans is that Drew Barker is the second coming of Tim Couch.I truly hope so.Even Couch though struggled when he was put into a situation where he was under constant pressure and had no support in the running game.Couch was labeled an NFL bust.Thats ridiculous because anyone who saw him play knows he was one of the best pro prospects that ever came out of the state of Kentucky.Couch could play.
I dont think Patrick will see the field again at UK.If Barker should struggle I think Reese is the next man up.That being said,I think its in Patrick's best interests [ and perhaps UK's] to transfer.He could still put up impressive numbers in an offense where he has time to throw, receivers who can catch the ball,and a running game that will keep defenses honest.He's certainly not going to develop into an NFL QB if he's running for his life or trying to force the football to receivers who often drop even a perfectly thrown pass.He has too much talent to ride the bench in his last year.Thats exactly where he will be next year if he stays.Thats not good for Towles or UK should the other two QB's fail to meet expectations.We dont need another QB controversy.
 

ulismyman

All-Conference
Jan 11, 2015
6,451
3,335
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I dont care what Barker does on saturday...he should be the starter for UL and the bowl game....Barkers team now ...time for PT to be the good teamate and backup
 

ukcatsfan1

Sophomore
Mar 24, 2006
3,829
170
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He was a much better quarterback last year when he was allowed to scramble a little....

it doesn't appear he has that option this year for some reason.
 

JABJRS

All-Conference
Aug 12, 2002
2,326
1,493
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Accuracy is the most important quality of a quarterback in the modern hurry up quick throw quick decision era we are an, no arm strength, not height. the ability to put the ball in a specific one yard square area not too high, not to low, not to behind , not too in front. bless his heart but I just think that is a weakness in Patrick that is never going to be cured by any system or coach or individual instructions.


You just said it better than I ever could. Physical tools are great, but in this particular offense ACCURACY is 100% the most important attribute of the QB, followed by quick decision making and a quick release.

A big arm, big body and fast feet are all nice.......but without accuracy they are a moot point.
 

littlecreek

All-Conference
Mar 11, 2010
2,131
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There is a reason Barker has not been able to clearly beat out Towles for the starting qb spot. Barker may not be a good practice player while Towels is good in practice but it just doesn't carry over to games. Who knows? Because of this switching qb's may not help much this late in the year. Barker should have gotten some spot duty earlier in the season to see how he responds instead of just throwing him in there all at once as a starter.
 
Apr 13, 2002
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You just said it better than I ever could. Physical tools are great, but in this particular offense ACCURACY is 100% the most important attribute of the QB, followed by quick decision making and a quick release.

A big arm, big body and fast feet are all nice.......but without accuracy they are a moot point.

I would put decision making above accuracy. Because what good is accuracy, if you dont know where to throw it? You can be the most accurate thrower ever, but if you cant get rid of the ball and find the open receiver, your accuracy never comes into play.
 

sluggercatfan

Heisman
Aug 17, 2004
35,953
29,631
0
I would put decision making above accuracy. Because what good is accuracy, if you dont know where to throw it? You can be the most accurate thrower ever, but if you cant get rid of the ball and find the open receiver, your accuracy never comes into play.
Wow do know where to start with this one...PT has thrown more ball over guys heads and two feet behind them than any qb I have seen all year and I watch a LOT of college fb...His accuracy is PT biggest problem, but to give him some slack he has had far too many passes just flat dropped this year
 

RealCat41

Senior
Oct 1, 2009
1,250
461
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I don't and won't feel remotely sorry for Towles. He has the brightest COLLEGE football future of anyone on this team right now, even after being benched.
 

JHB4UK

Heisman
May 29, 2001
31,836
11,258
0
The general consensus around UK fans is that Drew Barker is the second coming of Tim Couch.
Uh, I haven't seen that kind of unrealistic expectations about Barker from this fanbase AT ALL. Next prediction on this board of Barker throwing for 500+ yards & 6 touchdowns on Saturday flag for me, OK?

Most fans are at the end of their rope with Towles and just want to have a look at this other young man in an entire game situation from start to finish. Noone is chiseling out a Barker statue just yet, or that he is our savior.
 
Apr 13, 2002
44,001
97,149
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Once again what games are you watching?...This line has not provided PT that much time all year even against teams like eku...

I mean, I can count to 3. If Towles has 3 seconds, thats enough time in this offense. Hes had 3 seconds to throw the vast majority of times. He just lacks the decision making capability to get rid of the ball.

Wow do know where to start with this one...PT has thrown more ball over guys heads and two feet behind them than any qb I have seen all year and I watch a LOT of college fb...His accuracy is PT biggest problem, but to give him some slack he has had far too many passes just flat dropped this year

If he can thread the eye of a needle from 100 yards out, it does no good if hes constantly getting sacked because he doesnt know where to throw the ball. Decision making is always the most important part of being a QB.

Uh, I haven't seen that kind of unrealistic expectations about Barker from this fanbase AT ALL. Next prediction on this board of Barker throwing for 500+ yards & 6 touchdowns on Saturday flag for me, OK?

Most fans are at the end of their rope with Towles and just want to have a look at this other young man in an entire game situation from start to finish. Noone is chiseling out a Barker statue just yet, or that he is our savior.

Exactly. Most never wanted it to come to this, because most of us realize Barker probably isnt ready. But Towles has regressed to the point where theres really no other choice.
 

bterhune1

All-Conference
Jun 30, 2006
4,386
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Disagree JHB. I've seen so many post in the vein of Drew being our only chance to win I've lost count.One even suggested that had Drew played all year we would playing for an SEC championship.Regardless,my point is that despite any expectations even very good QB's can struggle when they are constantly pressured and dont have a running game that can keep defenses honest.I hope Drew lights it up.Its not inconceivable though that might struggle some if the offensive line cant protect him.In that case I think Reese will get his shot.I believe that Patrick has had enough opportunity at this point and the staff is clearly ready to move in another direction. They have made a change and I expect them to see it through.
 

Gabewcat

Junior
May 22, 2002
2,768
398
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PT graduates in December, he can transfer to any D-1 school that offers a course that UK doesn;t have & play his senior year. I would love to see him thrive under a coach like Mike Leach.

Anyway for all the PT critics I wish Barker well but Barker will have the same problems in this offense as Patrick did.I am ashamed of the way some posters have treated Towles because he loves the Cats more than you know.
 

NavyCat88

All-Conference
Nov 22, 2011
3,739
4,598
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As stated in a previous thread, PT is either:
1) Uncoachable (lacks accuracy, decision making, etc--cannot be resolved)
2) Uncoached (received little to no quality training--left to get by on his HS experience and instinct alone)

-If Barker (with the same OL, WRs, RBs) starts out hot and wins a couple of games--goes to a bowl, the coaching staff was likely developing both the QBs but PT proved uncoachable. PT transfers to another school and maybe finds a system coach to maximize his skill set.....maybe not. It still would reflect badly on the coaching staff for taking so long to recognize the quality difference between their two QBs.

-If Barker has an array of dumbfounding habits and appears way out of his league...looks outclassed in the UL game, PT and Barker (both highly sought after HS prospects) are likely the products of poor coaching/lack of coaching. In that case, it doesn't matter which one starts, there will be a QB competition, and PT has every opportunity to "outshine" Barker in spring ball. In this case, we're in the hurt-bag next year on offense.

Barker's performance in the next couple of games will determine PT's viability during his final year at UK.
 

sluggercatfan

Heisman
Aug 17, 2004
35,953
29,631
0
PT graduates in December, he can transfer to any D-1 school that offers a course that UK doesn;t have & play his senior year. I would love to see him thrive under a coach like Mike Leach.

Anyway for all the PT critics I wish Barker well but Barker will have the same problems in this offense as Patrick did.I am ashamed of the way some posters have treated Towles because he loves the Cats more than you know.
PT graduates in December, he can transfer to any D-1 school that offers a course that UK doesn;t have & play his senior year. I would love to see him thrive under a coach like Mike Leach.

Anyway for all the PT critics I wish Barker well but Barker will have the same problems in this offense as Patrick did.I am ashamed of the way some posters have treated Towles because he loves the Cats more than you know.
GABE... Did you not see the stats that I posted earlier for you about the quarterback at Washington State right now... Patrick is not going to go to Washington State and beat out this kid... I do agree with you that Patrick might have been good playing for a guy like Leach, but he is not going to have a choice of going to Washington State and expect to play... I see that it is not posted on this particular post... The kid is a redshirt walk-on sophomore... His numbers are 391 of 556... For 4027 yards... 35 touchdowns vs 8 interceptions... I want very badly for my cleats to be the next head coach at UK
 
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JasonS.

All-American
Oct 10, 2001
41,813
7,192
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Towles will not be back next year at UK. He has the physical tools to play in the NFL So he ill transfer as 5th year senior and play at another school. Who knows he maay follow Maxwell Smith at San Diego State. Other possibilities are playing with Mike Leach at Wash St, Brohm at Western Kentucky. I am sure the Patrick will check out the current QB situation at different schools before deciding. One thing is for sure, the way the UK fan base has treated him, I don't blame Patrick for leaving and have a chip on his shoulder. Patrick ewill thrive under the right coach that utilizes his talents correctly and will be in the NFL after next year.

 
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JABJRS

All-Conference
Aug 12, 2002
2,326
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PT graduates in December, he can transfer to any D-1 school that offers a course that UK doesn;t have & play his senior year. I would love to see him thrive under a coach like Mike Leach.

Anyway for all the PT critics I wish Barker well but Barker will have the same problems in this offense as Patrick did.I am ashamed of the way some posters have treated Towles because he loves the Cats more than you know.


What posts are you reading?

All I have seen is folks talking about PT being a class act and a wonderful representative of UK......he just isn't a great QB. That is not an indictment about who he is as a person, just an unfortunate fact. Most on here were huge advocates for PT over these last 4 years, it has just come to a point where it is painfully obvious he has shortcomings as a college QB.

I am sure he is still a great person, and I (and most I read on here) wish him nothing but the very best in the future. You have to separate critical analysis of his football play and "treating people bad." Not the same.
 

TeachinCat

Redshirt
Jul 5, 2008
63
10
0
Wouldn't shock me if he graduates and plays at another school with less pressure and with a system he feels good about. We shall see.
Doesn't Towles graduate in December? It wouldn't surprise me at all for Pat to transfer to a school outside the SEC where he can use his final year of football eligibility.
 

brassnux66

Redshirt
Feb 15, 2007
563
15
0
One of two things has to happen for Barker to be able to show significant separation from Towles:

1. O - line blocks better
2. The offense is run at much higher tempo
 

RealCat41

Senior
Oct 1, 2009
1,250
461
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What posts are you reading?

All I have seen is folks talking about PT being a class act and a wonderful representative of UK......he just isn't a great QB. That is not an indictment about who he is as a person, just an unfortunate fact. Most on here were huge advocates for PT over these last 4 years, it has just come to a point where it is painfully obvious he has shortcomings as a college QB.

I am sure he is still a great person, and I (and most I read on here) wish him nothing but the very best in the future. You have to separate critical analysis of his football play and "treating people bad." Not the same.

Not to be disrespectful, but you're a fictitious name on a message board. Do you not realize that? You're giving yourself way to much status. Well, unless you care what others with fictitious names on message boards think about what you're saying.
 

Kooky Kats_anon

Heisman
Aug 17, 2002
25,741
46,563
0
The drops and play calling sucked more than anything that Towles missed on. Sorry, but this kid is a convenient scape goat for a ****** coaching staff.