Chris Phillips

[LA_Mustang]

I just had a little birdie tell me that the coaching staff has been blown away by Chris Phillips thus far and that he has a good chance of being the 2nd QB. Supposedly, his size, speed, athletic ability, and smarts have really impressed.

[GoRedGoBlue]

That would run counter to what Bennett has said multiple times, publicly, that the Freshman QBs are talented but VERY raw...that they are struggling to learn with so much being thrown at them.

Having said that, Bennett did indicate that Phillips would be the 3rd QB, only because of his athletic ability; they would be able to design a limitted offense around him and be able to protect him.

[PerunaPunch]

Yep, he's supposed to be all those things. Supposedly he's a QB in what should develop into a linebacker's physique. Will be fun to watch. It'll be interesting to see who develops into the better QB - Phillips or Meeks... or James Battle for that matter.

So I guess you'll all have to stop making fun of private school kids now.

[GoRedGoBlue]

Don't mean to knock him, but Meeks looks a little "meek" in the arm strength...he may never develop beyond the other guys in camp. He is a good athlete, and is our backup punter.

[Hoofprint]

Aw, come on, Peruna Punch - do we HAVE to stop mocking the private school players?

Actually, I've seen Phillips throw, although only a little. I'd read about the great wheels, but I think his arm strength is going to surprise a lot of people. This kid's got a gun.

[Hoop Fan]

I imagine when Bennett went after Phillips he had the image of a couple of KState qbs like Michael Bishop and El Roberson in mind. Phillips could be a Roberson type. Smart kid who can run and throw. His potential looks huge.

[giacfsp]

If he turns out to be half the player Bishop and Roberson are, we'll have a star on our hands. I'm hopeful, of course, but those are lofty comparisons.

[Hoop Fan]

Who knows how good Phillips will be, but there is nothing holding him back. He has all the tools. This guy could be a star. Could you have ever said that about Luker, or Page? By the way, I think Bartel can be a star too if the OLine can protect him.

[JustAFriend]

The best bet is to redshirt him, then give him two years under Bartel, and then you're set with a solid two year starter. If he doesnt redshirt you are only gonna get a year outta him.

[78pony]

Phillips has it all. 4 next to me commented in unison re: the pass he completed - 40 yard sideline route - very tight spiral.The coaching staff has a decision to make. They know he is too athletic and versatile to waste away on the sidelines. He also has the body to carry more weight without losing any speed or agility.

[Grider]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by 78pony:
<B>The coaching staff has a decision to make. They know he is too athletic and versatile to waste away on the sidelines. </B></font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Which is exactly why we should redshirt him. He won't be ready to play this year. The only thing he would get would be spot duty. You don't want to waste his eligibility.

Bartel will be the starter. He's got all the tools to be the best we've seen in a long time, and when he moves on Phillips, or whomever, will be ready to take over.

[Hoop Fan]

I agree thats probably the right move. But in theory, what if Phillips is a special player? Its a good problem to have, but it presents a problem nonetheless. I feel good about Bartel, and he clearly won the job to start the year, but he still has to play well and prove himself over an entire season and against good opponents. Phillips will provide serious competition that Wallis doesn't really. I'd bet that Bartel welcomes that.

[PK]

He is going to be the third string QB. If nothing happens to Bartel and Wallis, then he won't play and he will have been in essense red shirted. Bennett isn't going to throw him out there and waste a year unless he has to, or by some miracle he fights his way into the starting position by being the best of our QB's which isn't too likely for a true freshman.

[Grider]

You're right Hoopfan. If Phillips is the second coming of Mike Vick then all bets are off. I just don't see it happening. It sounds like he would benefit more from sitting out a year, even if he is better than Tate at this point.

We may want to revisit this next August, but I think JAF's scenerio is probably pretty accurate.

[EastStang]

Didn't the Hokies red-shirt Marcus Vick last year? I think initially, Bennett will red-shirt him, if Bartels gets seriously hurt or plays himself out of the job, then Bennett might have to reassess that move.