Recruiting the Right Type of QB

[Chuckinden]

Are we recruiting the right type of QB?

It appears we aren't able to recruit the type players to win consistently in the SEC. IMO, we should recruit a mobile QB like UT and UL have that can help get us out of jams when receivers can't get free or the line breaks down. We may lead the nation in receptions to the fans in the stands.

We have to find innovative ways to overcome the talent disparity. What we are doing now isn't working.

 

[akaukswoosh]

We have to find innovative ways to overcome the talent disparity. What we are doing now isn't working

Understatement.

 

[Mr Schwump]

Are we recruiting the right type of QB?

It appears we aren't able to recruit the type players to win consistently in the SEC. IMO, we should recruit a mobile QB like UT and UL have that can help get us out of jams when receivers can't get free or the line breaks down. We may lead the nation in receptions to the fans in the stands.

We have to find innovative ways to overcome the talent disparity. What we are doing now isn't working.

Better example is the Clemson QB Watson, he can do it all. Dobbs is a good runner but doesn't throw it much better than UK has, if better at all. Look at Jackson's season, only team he really, really was effective against was....guess who? But it looks as if UK's future will be with pocket passers.

 

[Comebakatz3]

We haven't had a whole lot of success with dual threat quarterbacks. Curtis Pulley and Morgan Newton were both dual threat guys that didn't pan out too well. I think Tennessee really does benefit from Dobbs being dual threat, but I think he is a pretty special player. He is helped even more by the fact that he has a huge running back that is a big time threat.

Either way, the quarterback has to be used properly. That's the key. UK needs to find a way to put the QB in the best situation to succeed.

 

[cat888]

We haven't had a whole lot of success with dual threat quarterbacks. Curtis Pulley and Morgan Newton were both dual threat guys that didn't pan out too well. I think Tennessee really does benefit from Dobbs being dual threat, but I think he is a pretty special player. He is helped even more by the fact that he has a huge running back that is a big time threat.

Either way, the quarterback has to be used properly. That's the key. UK needs to find a way to put the QB in the best situation to succeed.

THERE needs to be and identity before a quarterback can run any offense either quarterback could have run the air raid this year this resembles Curry's hybrid offense more then the air raid..

 

[truebluewildcat_rivals34254]

Need a Randall Cobb type...

obviously RCs don't grow on trees, but that is the type of versatility and play making ability we need at the QB position...

I think the staff needs to hit the Juco and transfer trail hard for a mobile QB who can come in and play right away...as well as tweak the offense to fit a mobile QB by implementing more of a running component from the QB position as well as more roll outs and read/option plays...

defenses, especially in the SEC are faster and more athletic than in eras past...defensive athletes are more athletic and versatile than ever before...and perhaps most importantly, in this modern age of football, the game plan has shifted from focusing on stopping the run to getting to the QB...

also, as it pertains to UK, there are no play makers to be found on offense...it is quite remarkable because even the worst of teams usually have at least one guy they can go to for a play here and there...there are always bad teams who will have a RB or WR who can be productive...

and even if a player or two emerges next year as a legit threat, the ability to advance the ball and score on the ground from the QB position is something you must have...it gives the defense one more thing to worry about...it also takes some pressure off of the OL and the other skill positions...

 

[Glenn Fohr]

I know this is years back but in 87 Claiborne recruited and got Glenn Fohr to come here. He was a juco who could run and throw. He would be the type that might thrive in this type of offense.

 

[NCukcat62]

We haven't had a whole lot of success with dual threat quarterbacks. Curtis Pulley and Morgan Newton were both dual threat guys that didn't pan out too well. I think Tennessee really does benefit from Dobbs being dual threat, but I think he is a pretty special player. He is helped even more by the fact that he has a huge running back that is a big time threat.

Either way, the quarterback has to be used properly. That's the key. UK needs to find a way to put the QB in the best situation to succeed.

Morgan Newton wasn't a duel threat, more like a no threat. Last time I ever looked at scout for recruiting....anyways we do need to find a decent dt qb. When you don't have the talent, you need have a player that can create plays. But I think barker will only improve.

 

[Poetax]

Are we recruiting the right type of QB?

It appears we aren't able to recruit the type players to win consistently in the SEC. IMO, we should recruit a mobile QB like UT and UL have that can help get us out of jams when receivers can't get free or the line breaks down. We may lead the nation in receptions to the fans in the stands.

We have to find innovative ways to overcome the talent disparity. What we are doing now isn't working.

I look at those two schools and their losses and wonder why we would want that. Both schools have played musical chairs with their QBs so why would we want that. Just because we couldn't defend a mobile QB doesn't mean that is the solution for us, and if it was why didn't Jackson start the game? We need an oline that can pass protect for a QB who is accurate and smart but can still get away from the pressure. Steelers fans will tell you that your QB doesn't have to be amazingly fast to get away from the rush.

 

[Anon1712931820]

I look at those two schools and their losses and wonder why we would want that. Both schools have played musical chairs with their QBs so why would we want that. Just because we couldn't defend a mobile QB doesn't mean that is the solution for us, and if it was why didn't Jackson start the game? We need an oline that can pass protect for a QB who is accurate and smart but can still get away from the pressure. Steelers fans will tell you that your QB doesn't have to be amazingly fast to get away from the rush.

100% correct.

 

[vhcat70]

Messiah DeWeaver who UK tried (some) to recruit can pass/run just destroyed one of the top teams in the country, Cincy Colerain.

 

[Bluetick2100]

Give me a Hartline type QB.
Weenie arm but smart.
Smart QB's win games.
They may not look like future NFL stars but they win games.

 

[qwesley]

Curtis Pulley and Morgan Newton were both dual threat guys that didn't pan out too well.

Pulley flunked out and Newton was a zero threat QB

 

[vhcat70]

Give me a Hartline type QB.
Weenie arm but smart.
Smart QB's win games.
They may not look like future NFL stars but they win games.

We might have add him for two years in Reece. Accurate as can be.

 

[The Brooks]

Mac Jones is that guy. Not a weenie arm but not a cannon either, however he's incredibly smart and knows how to throw to every spot and when and how to throw it there.

He's the real deal

 

[Johnfarrel]

In the first half against Louisville, Kentucky was 6 of 9 on third down plays. Most were short yardage situations due to a good running game and smart short passes by Barker.
He looked fine then, but when Kentucky lost both running threats, they became one dimensional and the third downs were long yardage situations and that made all the difference in the world.

Improve the offensive line, keep a decent running game, and Barker is smart enough and has enough skills to play well in this system.

 

[Soupbean]

Guys I love dual threat QBs but it' s not a requirement to have a great offense. Most all of your QBs at the high octane offenses around the country are not dual threat guys. It depends on the offense you want to run.

We of all people should know that it's not necessary to have one especially in the "Air Raid" type offense (I hate that term by the way). Couch couldn't outrun me but he was perfect for that offense because he was smart, quick thinking, had a quick release and was accurate. He also could manage the short passing game and by that I mean he had a feel for it and could find ways to fit the ball into small spaces for the screens, delays, dump offs etc that are so crucial to making this type offense work. He had a feel for it. Patrick, bless his heart couldn't complete simple screen pass because he didn't have the touch to draw and drop the ball to the back. Couch was a master at it but keep in mind Mumme drilled that non stop. Couch and Anthony White and Craig Yeast could run the plays in their sleep and they could improvise to make them work between each other.

So it's not as much about the QB as it is the offense. The so called Air Raid was not about a gunslinger offense, it was about using the pass as a running tool. Short quick outs, slants, delays, screens that spread out the defense and make them run and chase, then hitting them with a down field out or cross or post.

Towles and Barker are not Couch in a lot of ways but I think they would have looked much better in a Couch/Mumme offense. I put it back on Dawson for not putting these guys in position to succeed more. You could see the few times we moved the ball effectively (see beginning Auburn game) we went tempo with short passes to move the chains, then mysteriously we would abandon that ever game and watch our guys get sacked over and over trying to drop back and throw 20 yard outs. I don't think either would have produced the same results as Couch because they aren't as talented especially in the "feel for the game" category, but I think both would have shown more if we had truly been running anything close to the old offense Dawson supposedly came from.

 

[3kidsandme]

Uk needs more talent across the board. If you are one dimensional in this league you will struggle. UK biggest areas for improvement is tackles and dends. We also need outside wr that can make contested catches. There is no miracle fix Stoops needs a veteran dcoordinator and hope Barker are Reese can run a offense for about 250 yppg.

 

[dailydouble]

Actually, Patrick Towles was exactly the kind of QB UK needs. Big, mobile, strong arm. It's just that, as our luck usually goes, he couldn't put it all together. He couldn't settle down in key situations and his accuracy, especially on shorter routes, was terrible. However, if one was to describe the right QB for this program, on paper he is/was it.

 

[vhcat70]

Actually, Patrick Towles was exactly the kind of QB UK needs. Big, mobile, strong arm. It's just that, as our luck usually goes, he couldn't put it all together. He couldn't settle down in key situations and his accuracy, especially on shorter routes, was terrible. However, if one was to describe the right QB for this program, on paper he is/was it.

What bs. The Barker experiment proved our our big O problems weren't Towles but the OL & WR's who chose to not catch balls.

 

[shutzhund]

We'll probably never succeed as a pro style team. You need the type athlete that we don't have much of a chance to recruit. Am example is receivers who can catch a pass. A solid offensive line and top flight running backs.

A quick, fast qb with a decent, accurate arm who can think. The type of player who ends up as a wide receiver in the pros.

 

[Mountain air]

Actually, Patrick Towles was exactly the kind of QB UK needs. Big, mobile, strong arm. It's just that, as our luck usually goes, he couldn't put it all together. He couldn't settle down in key situations and his accuracy, especially on shorter routes, was terrible. However, if one was to describe the right QB for this program, on paper he is/was it.

Couldn't disagree more, but will say you do think like Stoops.

Towles would be a great QB in the right system, unfortunately UK wasn't running that system under either OC. The skill set for this offense is a consistently accurate passer that can make quick decesions. Currently Phillips is the only QB on the roster that fits this system. Unfortunately he isn't from KY and was a 3 star. Stoops wanted and demanded that his instate highly rated QB started despite his troubles in this system. CNB bolted for Troy because of the disagreements with Stoops. When Dawson got here Phillips was hurt so it was Towles or Barker all the way for him. Next year we will see...

 

[EZBLUE1]

Three OC's in four seasons. We need to keep an OC before determining if we are recruiting the right QB's.

 

[KY1WING]

What I don't understand is isn't Baylor on their third QB this year? They still run a very competent offense. Last year Texas Tech went five deep and could still move the ball.

We can't get one.

 

[Chuckinden]

Actually, Patrick Towles was exactly the kind of QB UK needs. Big, mobile, strong arm. It's just that, as our luck usually goes, he couldn't put it all together. He couldn't settle down in key situations and his accuracy, especially on shorter routes, was terrible. However, if one was to describe the right QB for this program, on paper he is/was it.

Patrick is not mobile enough for QB I have envisioned.

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

Id prefer a DT running the QB read/spread option. But if we stick with spread passing attack, we need a quick decision maker. Someone who can make the right pre snap read. Get the ball out in a hurry. And be accurate.

Couch couldn't outrun me

This is only true if youre much faster than the average person. Couch was a really good athlete, which was unusual at the time for QBs his size.

 

[UKWildcats#8]

What I don't understand is isn't Baylor on their third QB this year? They still run a very competent offense. Last year Texas Tech went five deep and could still move the ball.

We can't get one.

Jury is still out if their offense is still competent with the 3rd stringer in. Now with the 2nd stringer it was. I would like to see the 3rd stringer in normal weather conditions before saying he is not that good but he was blah in his first game against TCU, albeit in TERRIBLE conditions.

I think UK needs an O-line that can protected a QB...that is our biggest issue.

 

[screwduke]

Can Gunnar Hoak run this offense?

 

[KY1WING]

Baylor- point taken but still they can develop multiples and we can't seem to develop one.

Keep in mind PT had to go outside the program to get "fixed" in the off season so he could start last year.

If you go back an look at what Leach ran into when he got to Oklahoma there wasn't a QB on the roster who could run it. Leach hit the road and didn't come back until he found one and brought in Josh Huepel and the rest is history-year two-National Championship