SMU coach likes transfer QB's chances against Baylor

[The PonyGrad]

(WacoTrib)

By Will Parchman


How much do you know about SMU coach June Jones?

Of course you know about his success as a coach, but what about as a player? Jones was a vagabond quarterback and bounced around to three different programs, having to wait five years before he played his first snap at Portland State in the '70s.

That informed his approach to talent evaluation, especially as it pertains to new quarterback and Texas transfer Garrett Gilbert.

"I don't evaluate guys until they come to me," Jones said. "I transfered three times, didn't play for five years. I know there's a lot of different things that go into it. I wasn't a bad kid. I just didn't play."

But once Jones did get a look at Gilbert, he was impressed.

"I really like his vision on the field," Jones said. "He sees things very well. He anticipates things. He's an accurate passer and he moves around a little better than I was thinking."

As for the challenges Baylor's defense faces, Gilbert says they'll come from Jones' unpredictable Run and Shoot scheme, which allows for a bevy of off-the-cuff adjustments.

"It gives quarterbacks and receivers a lot of freedom," Gilbert said. "While we all have to be on same page, we have to see what we see and make adjustment on that basis in terms of running routes. I think the receivers really like that because they get to see coverage and find their way open."

Jones is optimistic that Gilbert's maturation is coming along swimmingly. With a truncated offseason and the Baylor opener just days away, it'll have to be.

"I'm excited," Jones said. "He's still got to kind of fit into our offense. He's only been here (three) weeks, so its like he's a vet but he's a rookie. He's got a bunch of learning to do still, but every day I see him seeing things better and doing things better. I think once he gets comfortable he has a chance to be a special guy."

http://www.wacotrib.com/blogs/staff/col ... rback.html

[DiamondM75]

maturation is coming along swimmingly

WHAT?