Ryker Fyfe

[Pennsyhusker_rivals246774]

Glad to see this kid bounce back. So many on this board were ready to write him off this past summer, perhaps with good reason (little playing time in spring game, absence from summer workouts...). But now here he is impressing yet another set of coaches. Perhaps it is time we all stop calling him a "former walk on" or insinuating he did not deserve a scholarship. Because don't look now, but he IS a scholarship QB and is, apparently, our number 2 behind Armstrong.

So a few questions for the board to discuss: How far behind Armstrong is he? Are the coaches' multiple comments about his Fall surge meant to send a message to Armstrong? How quick will Riley be to pull Armstrong (even for just one series) in favor of Fyfe if Armstrong is having a really lousy game? I know none of us knows the answers to these questions in a definitive way. But heck, it is late summer, the season is almost here, and this is a husker chat board. So what the hell....

 

[rrthusker]

Glad to see this kid bounce back. So many on this board were ready to write him off this past summer, perhaps with good reason (little playing time in spring game, absence from summer workouts...). But now here he is impressing yet another set of coaches. Perhaps it is time we all stop calling him a "former walk on" or insinuating he did not deserve a scholarship. Because don't look now, but he IS a scholarship QB and is, apparently, our number 2 behind Armstrong.

So a few questions for the board to discuss: How far behind Armstrong is he? Are the coaches' multiple comments about his Fall surge meant to send a message to Armstrong? How quick will Riley be to pull Armstrong (even for just one series) in favor of Fyfe if Armstrong is having a really lousy game? I know none of us knows the answers to these questions in a definitive way. But heck, it is late summer, the season is almost here, and this is a husker chat board. So what the hell....

1. He is far behind Armstrong. If Tommy goes down we are in trouble.
2. Don`t think so. The comments are more to motivate RF.
3.Unknow.

In regards to your number 1 question, I do know that answer definitively.

 

[k9_r]

He's no longer on scholarship, right?

 

[rrthusker]

He's no longer on scholarship, right?

I don`t think he is.

 

[Tulsa Tom_rivals17485]

Who can crawl in Riley's head? However, I think a series off here and there can really help calm a quarterback down. It helps them see the game better and can slow it down for them. Tommy can be very good when he is calm. When he is over-hyped he tend to make bad decisions and can go from bad to worse. I hope Fyfe is good enough to give us a couple series here and there...and I hope Riley will use him that way.

 

[Pennsyhusker_rivals246774]

Thanks rrt for answering my first question. Let's hope then that Tommy stays healthy. And why is Fyfe no longer on scholarship? Because he graduated???

 

[GBR_Atlanta]

1. He is far behind Armstrong. If Tommy goes down we are in trouble.
2. Don`t think so. The comments are more to motivate RF.
3.Unknow.

In regards to your number 1 question, I do know that answer definitively.

This. Love that the kid is making surges, but if TA goes down we're in big trouble.

 

[rrthusker]

Thanks rrt for answering my first question. Let's hope then that Tommy stays healthy. And why is Fyfe no longer on scholarship? Because he graduated???

I don`t have that answer. I have heard several stories and not sure which is the correct one. Perhaps someone here can assist.

 

[rrthusker]

Who can crawl in Riley's head? However, I think a series off here and there can really help calm a quarterback down. It helps them see the game better and can slow it down for them. Tommy can be very good when he is calm. When he is over-hyped he tend to make bad decisions and can go from bad to worse. I hope Fyfe is good enough to give us a couple series here and there...and I hope Riley will use him that way.

Agreed. He can`t get better unless he faces game day competition.

 

[Pennsyhusker_rivals246774]

Well, since Fyfe, though second string, is far behind Armstrong in terms of ability, how far behind must the other QB's be? Yikes. Does not speak well of the former staff's QB recruiting.

 

[leodisflowers]

There have been some articles about why is Ryker getting the love. His last few practices haven't been good according to some observations. We are definitely in trouble if we have to go to the backup. I hope Darlington or Bush step up their game because I like their potential more than Fyfe. I could see Darlington as a potential gamer. Hopefully we won't have to ever find out this year. Fyfe is the sentimental favorite because he is a NE kid.

 

[rrthusker]

Well, since Fyfe, though second string, is far behind Armstrong in terms of ability, how far behind must the other QB's be? Yikes. Does not speak well of the former staff's QB recruiting.

I don`t think second string has been decided yet. Riley will analyze the entire camp and then decide.

 

[jeans15]

You don't take Qbs out unless you plan on starting the next guy.

Its a disaster and always has been.

 

[k9_r]

Thanks rrt for answering my first question. Let's hope then that Tommy stays healthy. And why is Fyfe no longer on scholarship? Because he graduated???

Get used to it, this is Riley as he "processes" the roster. Soon we will be seeing many examples of better roster management. This is just an example of it.

Expect available schollies to go to seniors only. We'll see.

Have heard that Fyfe and family handled this well.

 

[k9_r]

Well, since Fyfe, though second string, is far behind Armstrong in terms of ability, how far behind must the other QB's be? Yikes. Does not speak well of the former staff's QB recruiting.

Recruiting looked OK to me, development... not so much.

Look around. Backup QBs at many places are a huge drop off. The Barrett/Jones situation at OSU is incredibly rare.

 

[dinglefritz]

I don`t think second string has been decided yet. Riley will analyze the entire camp and then decide.

You HAVE to give kids a shot with the upper units if you are going to fairly evaluate what they can do and where they deserve to be on the depth chart. Unlike our previous regime our QBs are legitimately I believe getting a chance to show their stuff. Darlington makes me scratch my head a little but I think there is more to that story than meets the eyes. I'm not writing off Darlington as the #2 QB just yet either. IMO, all appearances are that Riley clearly has his starter and numbers, 2,3 and 4 are fluid. Something that it does is make it apparent to any QB recruits that there is an opportunity at NU to get your name near the top of the depth chart and play early.

 

[Husker.Wed._rivals]

I might disagree that we are in big trouble if TA goes down. If RF is second string and if he has to play, all he has to do is manage the game and throw some safe passes. I would hope a better O-Line with the weapons the offense has would not need a superstar QB to score points. While RF may not have the tools TA has physically, it is possible he may be more steady, may read defenses better, may be able to complete screens and passes to the RBs better, etc. If TA can't play, I will take a chill pill and give the second guy a chance before I feel we are doomed. As far as benching TA, I think HCMR is less likely than FHCBP to stick with any player no matter what, but Riley has said TA will have some problems, but always seems to come back. So that might factor in his decision to yank him.

 

[otismotis08]

No doubt, the QB position will be very interesting to watch. How patient will MR and DL be with him? What happens if he really struggles out of the gate?
I personally think he'll have a strong season and could be a huge surprise to the doubters.

 

[GeorgeFlippin]

FWIW, and maybe it's not worth much, on the road in a tough environment when the game was very much on the line, Fyfe helped lead the team for a td against Michigan State, and that was no gimmee by the Spartans. A lot of other backups would have been three and out or worse, so there is potential with him. But he needs to get better, and it looks as if the staff is giving him reps to see what needs to be addressed. Don't know if he'll ever start a game at UNL, but at least he has some experience and that counts for something.

 

[NikkiSixx_rivals269993]

There was some good discussion on the radio where Damon Benning makes a good point about your backup QB needing to have a different skill set. Fyfe is poised, and that is something you want for your number 2 or backup. If something goes awry in game or if there is an injury, you want your backup guy to be calm and have a calming effect on the rest of the team as well. Fyfe doesn't have to be JT Barrett. He just has to manage the situation calmly, and get the ball to the playmakers.

 

[huskerj12]

The fact that multiple people who have watched practices have called it a head scratcher that Fyfe has risen ahead of Darlington and Bush makes me a little curious what the coaches are seeing. I sure as hell trust these coaches with QB development more than the last staff, but the fact that onlookers "just don't see it" makes me wonder.

 

[huskerj12]

FWIW, and maybe it's not worth much, on the road in a tough environment when the game was very much on the line, Fyfe helped lead the team for a td against Michigan State, and that was no gimmee by the Spartans. A lot of other backups would have been three and out or worse, so there is potential with him. But he needs to get better, and it looks as if the staff is giving him reps to see what needs to be addressed. Don't know if he'll ever start a game at UNL, but at least he has some experience and that counts for something.

I agree for the experience part, but whenever I see that drive get brought up as evidence of his skills I can't help but remember that he went 1-3 for 9 yards, and an MSU personal foul and Ameer were much more of a factor in getting points on a very short field there. Sorry for being cynical haha but I just didn't happen to take that limited action to mean much.

 

[GeorgeFlippin]

I agree for the experience part, but whenever I see that drive get brought up as evidence of his skills I can't help but remember that he went 1-3 for 9 yards, and an MSU personal foul and Ameer were much more of a factor in getting points on a very short field there. Sorry for being cynical haha but I just didn't happen to take that limited action to mean much.

Point taken, but what did Armstrong do the whole game up until Fyfe went in? Nothing much. Fyfe did overthrow Westerkamp in the end zone, but came back with a good roll out pass to set up a short down situation. Led his team to a td none the less coming cold off the bench. Not saying Fyfe is going to start or is better than Tommy, I just want the coaches to make him an even better backup and a player who will be solid when the time comes for him to play.

 

[leodisflowers]

I agree for the experience part, but whenever I see that drive get brought up as evidence of his skills I can't help but remember that he went 1-3 for 9 yards, and an MSU personal foul and Ameer were much more of a factor in getting points on a very short field there. Sorry for being cynical haha but I just didn't happen to take that limited action to mean much.

That isn't cynical, that is fact. Not trying to dog the kid out, but he isn't close to Armstrong, and although it is the spring game, he didn't look good as others. I'll let it play out, but to think he is poised or ready for the fire, I don't believe he is. I think if Armstrong were to go down it is going to be Darlington or Bush.

 

[Pennsyhusker_rivals246774]

That isn't cynical, that is fact. Not trying to dog the kid out, but he isn't close to Armstrong, and although it is the spring game, he didn't look good as others. I'll let it play out, but to think he is poised or ready for the fire, I don't believe he is. I think if Armstrong were to go down it is going to be Darlington or Bush.

But if the above is true then why is he getting so many reps right now with the second team offense? If the coaches know for a fact that they want Bush or Darlington to be the backup then in the hell are they not moving heaven and earth to get them as much practice time with the first and second team offense? Or maybe they are and we just don't know it? It is just confusing to me how to interpret some of the comments from this coaching staff.

 

[leodisflowers]

But if the above is true then why is he getting so many reps right now with the second team offense? If the coaches know for a fact that they want Bush or Darlington to be the backup then in the hell are they not moving heaven and earth to get them as much practice time with the first and second team offense? Or maybe they are and we just don't know it? It is just confusing to me how to interpret some of the comments from this coaching staff.

Not disagreeing Penny. With this new coaching staff I have no idea what to interpret. For me it is a huge waiting game until the depth chart and game comes. It is weird though, especially when you are seeing articles of why is Ryker getting the love? No clue though.

 

[Pennsyhusker_rivals246774]

It is going to be an interesting season indeed.

 

[dinglefritz]

Point taken, but what did Armstrong do the whole game up until Fyfe went in? Nothing much. Fyfe did overthrow Westerkamp in the end zone, but came back with a good roll out pass to set up a short down situation. Led his team to a td none the less coming cold off the bench. Not saying Fyfe is going to start or is better than Tommy, I just want the coaches to make him an even better backup and a player who will be solid when the time comes for him to play.

Exactly. Fyfe didn't go full out Bauserman on that drive and an overthrow in that situation isn't unexpected. Kid gets thrown in a big pressure filled game and adrenaline got the best of him. He recovered and looked composed enough to get a score. That says a lot. Most teams would love to have our QB "problem" right now.

 

[Archie Graham]

Most teams would love to have our QB "problem" right now.

No, they wouldn't.

 

[dinglefritz]

No, they wouldn't.

good heavens take an objective look around college football. I'm not saying we have elite talent but man we've got 4 kids that could play potentially. If you're comparing ours to Ohio States then you're right but if you compare ours to ALL of college football, we're in pretty darned good shape. IF you took any one of the guys 2 thru 4 and gave them the majority of the snaps in practice, they would be fine. We might not win 11 games with them but IMO we could reach the Pelini plateau with them.

 

[GBR_Atlanta]

No, they wouldn't.

Agree. I don't love our QB situation at all. I'm hoping TA can come along with some good coaching, but I need to see him play this year before I change my mind about him.

 

[Archie Graham]

good heavens take an objective look around college football. I'm not saying we have elite talent but man we've got 4 kids that could play potentially. If you're comparing ours to Ohio States then you're right but if you compare ours to ALL of college football, we're in pretty darned good shape. IF you took any one of the guys 2 thru 4 and gave them the majority of the snaps in practice, they would be fine. We might not win 11 games with them but IMO we could reach the Pelini plateau with them.

I'm comparison our situation to teams that want to compete for conference championships. I do not believe our peers in that category would like to be in our situation.

 

[dinglefritz]

You will note that I specifically stated "MOST teams in college football" not teams competing for conference championships. Even with that I think we would compare favorably. Hell, Bama didn't have a QB last year and they at least made the playoff.

 

[GBR_Atlanta]

You will note that I specifically stated "MOST teams in college football" not teams competing for conference championships. Even with that I think we would compare favorably. Hell, Bama didn't have a QB last year and they at least made the playoff.

I hear what you're saying. I guess the grass is always greener. After what I saw in the spring game, and what we're hearing about practice so far, I'm just not sold on our QB situation at all. Trying to keep positive until we see what happens on game day. #GBR

 

[Pennsyhusker_rivals246774]

Based on what I have seen from Armstrong so far in the past two years, in my opinion he is not a QB that can take us to a conference title. He is an 8-4 season kind of guy. Right up Bo's alley. Which is why we have a roster filled with 8-4 type QB's. Here is the deal: the first responsibility of a quarterback in modern college football is the ability to read defenses and to throw the ball accurately to the right receiver. Armstrong is just average in all three of those areas. I am glad we have two QB's in our current recruiting class (at least for now). Maybe, after 7 years of Bo, we will actually have a QB who can throw the damn football.

 

[suhnami_rivals]

1. He is far behind Armstrong. If Tommy goes down we are in trouble.
2. Don`t think so. The comments are more to motivate RF.
3.Unknow.

In regards to your number 1 question, I do know that answer definitively.

A guy on the radio here said RF should start a game because he just hasn't had enough of a chance.

 

[rrthusker]

A guy on the radio here said RF should start a game because he just hasn't had enough of a chance.

I agree that he has not been given a chance by the previous staff. I also know the only way he starts is if Tommy is out.

 

[suhnami_rivals]

I agree that he has not been given a chance by the previous staff. I also know the only way he starts is if Tommy is out.

Totally agree. Was just relaying the thought process of some of the pro-RF camp.

 

[rrthusker]

Totally agree. Was just relaying the thought process of some of the pro-RF camp.

Thanks for the clarification amigo.