True Freshman as Starting Quarterback

[Nacho]

Willis redshirted

[EastStang]

Phillip Rivers lit us up like a Christmas tree in 2000. Don't recall the stats, but was at the game and as I vaguely remember, he had a good game albeit with a pick or two. On the other hand, (another highly recruited QB) Josh McCown spent most of the game on the turf and running for his life.

[PerunaPunch]

Duh! I stand corrected!

[Butts in the Stands]

well, JJ can do what he wants. He's the boss. Just don't lose to Rice. He put alot of pressure on a freshman today, with Willis and a fan base hungry for immediate success looking over his shoulder. Lose at Rice and its ugly early, simple as that.

If any fans are looking for immediate success, they are not being realistic. While we would all love a nice upside surprise this year, it should not be an expectation. JJ is setting us up for long term success, not a short term bump in the win-loss column. While I'm sure he wants wins as much as we do, he wants to build this team's success his way. If that requires 1 game, 1/2 season or even a full season of growing pains b/c we're starting a true freshman QB, so be it. Have patience and rest in the confidence that JJ has done this very successfully several times before.

[Nacho]

well, JJ can do what he wants. He's the boss. Just don't lose to Rice. He put alot of pressure on a freshman today, with Willis and a fan base hungry for immediate success looking over his shoulder. Lose at Rice and its ugly early, simple as that.

If any fans are looking for immediate success, they are not being realistic. While we would all love a nice upside surprise this year, it should not be an expectation. JJ is setting us up for long term success, not a short term bump in the win-loss column. While I'm sure he wants wins as much as we do, he wants to build this team's success his way. If that requires 1 game, 1/2 season or even a full season of growing pains b/c we're starting a true freshman QB, so be it. Have patience and rest in the confidence that JJ has done this very successfully several times before.

I've seen some version of that post about a million times.

[FWMustang]

I've seen some version of that post about a million times.

We'll need more of them to combat the Chicken Little posts that have permeated the board today.

[Get_Some_Ponies]

The sky isn't falling but does look a little darker. I'm surprised that a true freshman was able to get his head around the offense faster than J Willis. Was Willis totally away from the program last Spring? Was he catching any meetings or film? Guess that's a good sign on BLM if he's that with it at 18.

[J.T.supporta]

The sky isn't falling but does look a little darker. I'm surprised that a true freshman was able to get his head around the offense faster than J Willis. Was Willis totally away from the program last Spring? Was he catching any meetings or film? Guess that's a good sign on BLM if he's that with it at 18.

Full suspension means no participation in any team activity. so that might be way he hasnt been able to grasp the new O as fast as the freshmen.

[PK]

The sky isn't falling but does look a little darker. I'm surprised that a true freshman was able to get his head around the offense faster than J Willis. Was Willis totally away from the program last Spring? Was he catching any meetings or film? Guess that's a good sign on BLM if he's that with it at 18.

Full suspension means no participation in any team activity. so that might be way he hasnt been able to grasp the new O as fast as the freshmen.

The freshmen weren't here last spring. JW spent time last spring after he was reinstated studying the offense. So it would appear the freshmen have grasped it quicker or are able to execute it better.

[WorldStang]

Was considering going to Houston.. but this has honestly made me reconsider. This game could get ugly fast..

I've not seen either one yet -

Anyone with words of encouragement about their talent or are we looking at a long season of a kid getting his diaper changed for 4 qtrs?

[Peruna 2K5]

No the list above is a list of 5 Star Blue Chip QBs who have played as a Freshman.

True for the most part. Kolb was not, he was rated as a three star prospect by rivals: http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/vi ... r_key=8594

[Mustangsabu]

Was considering going to Houston.. but this has honestly made me reconsider. This game could get ugly fast..

I've not seen either one yet -

Anyone with words of encouragement about their talent or are we looking at a long season of a kid getting his diaper changed for 4 qtrs?

The only encouragement is that the same guy who made Chang and Brennan picked these kids. Over JW. Most of us thought JW would do a good job, and yet these kids may be able to a better job. I would say all is far from lost.

[LAPonyAir]

Carson Palmer came in as a true freshman and led USC to a decent 8-5 season back in their dark ages.

Why is the season ruined/gone to hell because of one person? I can't wait for the season, and am extra excited to see SMU go to a bowl game so everyone will get off of Justin Willis' [deleted].

[Mustangs35SMU]

Why is the season ruined/gone to hell because of one person?

Well the fact that, that one person controls everything our offense does now, I'd say he makes a bit of an impact on every little decision he makes...

[George S. Patton]

Friend of mine was at Saturday's practice. He watched all of the QBs, and he told me that afternoon that he could tell Justin was having trouble with the reads and leading the team into the end zone.

He came away more impressed with the other QBs. Just passing this along.