because Russell has yet to do anything...they are actually competing for the job now...and I think many of you giving Relf no chance are sadly mistaken
Some interesting things on here. Ballard already #2 TB is suprisiing given that Choo Choo and Perkins had a lot of reps on the practice team. Lawrence at LB early is a suprise.
Also good to see McCardell making #2 early - but that may just be a result of Ferguson's issue with the law. I would expect McKenzie to possilby get some time on the right side as well.
Scout had him at 370 during recruiting, a number i am sure is a little exaggerated, but its good to see that maybe the conditioning might a good effect on his quickness.
Wright and Lawrence are both listed as SLB - must be Manny's defense. I think White will have a good year at MLB, given that we'll be aggressive under our new DC. White's speed at that position could be a very good thing.
I just think it is easier to throw a running QB in as a wrinkle in the offense than it is a passing QB. And the quote that keeps replaying in my head is the one after the egg bowl where Relf said hemeantto throw the ball to Wilder and Bumphis caught itluckily.
What's the general concensus as to what the QB battle should be looking like? I, for one, hope it's no contest and that Russell embarrasses the crap out of Relf. The closer these guys perform during the spring, the worse I feel about our offense next season. I'm not letting one decent game last year skew my opinion on Relf.
Now that he is up to 265 pounds, he could end up being a good player. I remember people saying he was impressive on the scout team last year. Between him and Cox it sure seems that our strength coaches are able to put some meat on these kids.</p>
1. Mullen prefers a QB that's a dual threat
2. Its easier to stay with most of your same offense, and create a little package for your passing QB
3. We don't have the WR's to be considered a "passing spread team"
4. Relf has more experience
5. Russell has to be smarter
The mobility of the two QB's is not even close. If Relf can complete a few more passes consistently, he will more than likely win the job
I think the job is Relf's to lose, provided he can be at least serviceable in the short passing game. His value as a running QB may be even greater now that Dixon is gone. Our line will be more experienced in the scheme, so I look for us to remain a predominantly running team. Hopefully Relf can hit some short passes and throw a couple of nice deep balls to keep defenses honest.
Russell won't bust any long runs like Relf can. And I'm sure he isn't ready for the beating he would take if he ran the ball as often as Relf will. I will be interested to see how he performs in the Spring game and how different the offense is with him at the helm.
Relf cannot legitimately stretch the field with his downfield passing. Granted, Tyson couldn't do it this year and we still had an effective offense, but if you combine Russell's ability to hit men deep(assuming he can) with Relf's running ability... well it worked really well for Florida.