Coaches Corner: Ranking the Quarterbacks — Part 2
Based on film and seeing Forcier in person thought it would be fun to compare and get some dialogue going. We will be discussing Tate Forcier, Denard Robinson, Devin Gardner , and Cornelius Jones. We have excluded David Cone and Nick Sheridan in this comparisons.
Using following criteria, arm strength, speed, intangibles, mechanics, accuracy, and elusiveness. These are strictly opinions based completely on film and what we witnessed.
Elusiveness:
1) D. Robinson: This kid is scary in space, Shows ability to choke motor, set up blocks, and explode past defenders. Might be Michigan’s most dangerous offense weapon in space period.
2) Going to cheat again and call draw between C. Jones and D. Gardner: It is very close with both having different strengths. Think Jones is bit quicker and Gardner bit better moving laterally. Both are very good and will give defenses problems with their elusiveness.
3. T. Forcier: Surprisingly quick feet gets out of trouble in a hurry. Does not have the overall speed or athletic ability of top three. But more than enough to be successful.
Mechanics: Poor quarterback mechanics, bad habits can be one of the most difficult things in football to change or correct.
1) T. Forcier: One of the strengths of Tate’s game in our opinion. Throws over the top, sets feet well, nice quick release and throws well on move.
2) D. Robinson: Really nice mechanics, sets his feet, throws over the top. Only negative is has a bit of longer wind up, instead of compact delivery ala Forcier.
3) D. Gardner: Three and four were very close and reasonable argument can be made for reversing the two. This is completely on what we have seen. His short, semi sidearm wind up motion will have to improve.
4) C. Jones: Made him last strictly do inconsistency. Looks great on one throw, raw and clueless on next.
Intangibles: In our opinion this is the #1 criteria to look for in quarterbacks! Leadership, swagger, and feel for game.
1) T. Forcier: If mechanics are not strength of Forcier’s game this sure the Hell is. Kid has that swagger, confidence that helps entire team, but he also shows a feel, knowledge, playmaking ability that is fun to watch. And of course the #1 intangible, coming in early and having complete spring under his belt.
2) D. Robinson: Close between D. Robinson and D. Gardner. They both have that playmaking ability that is scary. D. Robinson overall elusiveness and feel for finding open receivers won out for us. But it was close between all three actually. Also liked patience D. Robinson shows on film.
3) D. Gardner: He is definitely has a ton of playmaking ability, and is a outstanding leader. Playing split end at 7 on 7 shows a confidence and maturity that is key. Just a 1/2 notch below D. Robinson.
4) C. Jones: Only two years of experience shows here. Brings ball down early and gets a bit fancy. But again playing other positions at camp is major plus. He could make up quite a bit o this with added experience.
Rating the Quarterbacks:
If was to rate them off high school performance, which is not scientific. Two still having senior years to compete.
1) T. Forcier
2) D. Robinson
3) D. Gardner
4) C. Jones
Off Potential / Highest Ceiling
1) D. Gardner
2) D. Robinson
3) C. Jones
3) T. Forcier
Cheating a bit on last one. but it is real tough call, Forcier’s intangibles vs. Jones’ athletic ability.
Overall:
It is natural for all to be very excited with the quarterback talent Coach Rod and staff are accumulating. Especially after what happened at quarterback last season. Please show some patience and give these kids time to gain experience. This is not a difficult offense to learn. It is extremely difficult to execute, especially for quarterbacks. Do not expect miracles or you are setting yourself up for disappointment and kids for failure.
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Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine
