QB status

[gopig]

Did the spring game make you more or less worried about our QB situation heading into the season?

[Jay_Lupo]

I've had a pretty good idea for a long time about our two QB's. I've said it for a while, and so far the two scrimmages are backing me up. I like Cole Barthell. He's a much better passer. Since he's been playing baseball, he just needs reps, reps, and more reps and he'll get better and better. Barthell is like 6-10 for 102 yds and 3 TD's with no picks in the two scrimmages. Johnson has looked terrible. I'm really excited about our defense though. Desmond Simms seems to have found his position. I like the fact that he's moving all these guys around to better fit within his system. Our d-line was going to be a weak spot for us, but now i think it will anchor the defense. Marcus Harrison and Desmond Simms have been superb. I'm very pleased with what I've seen so far. Hillis sure had a big day too. FB's don't catch too many 40 + yard TD passes, but this one does. That one handed TD grab against Bama last year was pretty sweet too. Monk showed his athleticism by completing a 40 yard touchdown pass instead of catching one. I like what I see. If Barthell works very hard from now until the fall, he could be an excellent addition. He was a very highly sought QB in Jones' class, so who knows? I'm happy so far and the addition of McFadden in the fall we could be pretty damn good.

[jbuzbee]

Nutt said if the first game was tomorrow that Johnson would start. I think thats by default. I would really prefer for Johnson to win the job....mobility and athleticism. I think its been tough to tell because of the injuries on the offensive line. Barthel looked better on Saturday because he has the second team offense against the third string defense. Johnson went against the first team the whole time and was 3 or 6 for 6 yards.....what kind of pass is completed for an average of two yards? It is very troubling that we don't have a starter yet.

[Jay_Lupo]

I expected and still do expect the battle to last damn near up until the season. The last QB battle we had (MJ vs. Tavaris Jackson) was decided in the spring b/c of the amazing spring game Jones had. Neither one has distinguished themselves enough yet to pull ahead. Johnson just scares me b/c he's so damn erratic. He may rip off an 80 yard run, but then he may fumble a snap, throw an int or run 15 yards backwards and get sacked on the next down. I dunno. One thing I do know is that it's perfectly normal to not have a solid starter at this point when you loose the best player in school history.

[gopig]

I expected and still do expect the battle to last damn near up until the season. The last QB battle we had (MJ vs. Tavaris Jackson) was decided in the spring b/c of the amazing spring game Jones had. Neither one has distinguished themselves enough yet to pull ahead. Johnson just scares me b/c he's so damn erratic. He may rip off an 80 yard run, but then he may fumble a snap, throw an int or run 15 yards backwards and get sacked on the next down. I dunno. One thing I do know is that it's perfectly normal to not have a solid starter at this point when you loose the best player in school history.
I agree it's normal not to have a solid starter at this point, but I am a little concerned about our QBs (all of them.) I just expected a better showing during the spring game. With the defense changing schemes this year, the QBs knowing one of them has to become the man, and no blitzes during the spring game I expected a better showing. With all the injuries on the oline keeping them from gelling we're gonna hafta be able to pass.

[gopig]

Johnson went against the first team the whole time and was 3 or 6 for 6 yards.....what kind of pass is completed for an average of two yards?

Yeah, and only 6 attempts for our (presumably) starter? I know it's a real short scrimmage due to injuries, but geez.

[Chivas]

I didn't go to the game ;/. I think Johnson is a terrible player, I hope Barthel starts. What position is McFadden going to end up at? What does our tailback situation look like?

[Jay_Lupo]

You answered your own question there :). McFadden was rated in the top 15 overall nationally and will play tailback for the Hogs. Not even Cedric Cobbs got sole duty at the TB spot, so look to see De'Arius Howard and McFadden recieve the bulk while guys Kyle Dickerson will see a little action. I expect Peyton Hillis to run the ball some too, although mostly in short-yardage situation. Hillis will play a huge role on the team, so don't let the FB tag fool you.

[jbuzbee]

I hear that RJ has recovered very quickly from his hernia operation and has already been participating in passing drills. I'm sure he feels pressure to get out there asap because of the competition for the spot. The rumor is that since his operation he has been much more accurate. If he can maintain accuracy and learn the offense we will be a bowl team for sure....if not...uh oh.

[Jay_Lupo]

Honestly, If our veteran o-line and stable of backs do what they're supposed to, we ain't gonna need to pass too much, although we must utilize Marcus Monk and the speed of Cedric Washington.

[jbuzbee]

When is the first fall practice??