Re: Recruiting Wrong Kind of Quarterbacks
Originally Posted by
CaBisonFan
We're recruiting the wrong quarterbacks. Wrong kind of athletes. We're going after the second-tier pocket quarterbacks (or 3rd)...and we're doing it against about 100 other programs in the north-central region at different levels...including places like Michigan...as in the state of Michigan. Westendorp is one example. Appeared to be an outstanding prospect...but when given a chance...he stayed closer to home, and to play for a throwing program. Simple
FBS programs would like them to walk on...or give them a partial scholarship...if they're demanding a chance at QB. Area FCS programs are going after them hard. Also includes some DII programs that are good. We're leveling the playing field for our competitors.
We should be recruiting FBS caliber athletes who are non-traditional quarterbacks. Forget the tall lanky dudes that can throw a missile. Or at least, don't focus 100 percent on that kid.
Find the FBS caliber athlete who played QB in high school...but is being recruited to play defense by bigger programs. Offer the kid a chance to play QB at NDSU.
Run whatever offense fits the talent. If it's a running, option type offense...then go with it. An outstanding athlete can develop their passing game also.
Find gamers with brains. Don't go after just the prototypical QB. That...is what is going on. SDSU has developed the perception that they are a throwing program. We win most of the recruiting wars at other positions. Use our athleticism and get on with it. Nick Mertens showed flashes of ability when we went 'away' from the traditional throw-first...run-second offense. When he rolled out and was told to look for the run...the defenses had to change their scheme. He threw well out of an option-style play. The 'D' would cheat up on the run...and there it was...a wide open receiver. Nick threw better from that type of play also. The first half against SDSU is the evidence. What we have in Nick Mertens is a non-traditional QB. He's an athlete who happens to play quarterback. Steve Walker types are very, very hard to find. Even the top prototype QB's are a crap shoot. Landing two or three outstanding 'athletes' that played QB in high school is 'not' a crap shoot.
We're known (still) as a running offense...and we're trying to lure throwers into a running program. It'd be like Nebraska going after the top QB in Florida to come up and throw in the snow. Typically...it ain't gonna happen. They're still viewed as a running program. Their reputation precedes them. Doesn't matter what they tell kids.
Rocket science...this is...NOT.
How about an offensive Juggernaut out of Illinois, maybe by the name of Walker.
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