Michigan Wolverine Recruiting: Dilfered Again — Not to Worry

June 29, 2013; Beaverton, OR, USA; Elite 11 coach Trent Dilfer looks on during the afternoon session of the Elite 11 at Nike World Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

Posted at 6:00am — 7/14/2014

Michigan Wolverine Recruiting: Malzone — Dilfered Again

Dilfered Again — Not to Worry

So, what is one to think of another somewhat unsolicited analysis of a Michigan quarterback recruit by the King of quarterbacks, Trent Dilfer. It may, after all, end up more meaningless than meaningful. This recent phenomenon continues to be a small annoyance to some, similar to a mosquito bite in November, when common experience tells one that such occurrences should have passed in time. Others simply take it as a small publicized comment, perhaps accurate, perhaps not, and quickly put the opinion into the lost recesses of memory.

Sep 30, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Former quarterback and ESPN NFL analyst Trent Dilfer has makeup applied to his head before Monday Night Football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Miami Dolphins at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY SportsWeb sites proclaim Dilfer as a true expert in developing quarterbacks. One site has maintained he is obsessed with his new “mission.” Dilfer clearly has accepted the mantra given him by the media who are, of course, truly savvy about quarterback development.

Only some interpret his vision for young quarterbacks, and associated advice and analysis, as gospel, as there appears to be no long line of NFL teams standing in line to seek personal quarterback advice or offer up a coaching position. Why not, he is after all linked to ESPN and the now highly ballyhooed Elite 11 competition? Is this venture a true opportunity for a young quarterback to undertake a metamorphosis toward greatness, or merely a passing chapter and a happening that comes and goes as the prospect enters college under the tutelage of his own quarterback coach?

The message of Dilfer seems to be something attune to: give me your huddled failures, get them away from the repetitive, poor technique guru’s, and I will give you a quarterback for life; a success, a gem. That again begs the question: how many NFL teams are knocking on his door to create Tom Brady and Peyton Manning-like products?

Nov 11, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; ESPN MNF announcer Trent Dilfer prior to the game between the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsDilfer is harmless in that he only works with most recruits for a short period of time. His background is interesting and somewhat forgotten until his ascension as an Elite 11 personality. Dilfer had good success in college in the pass happy Fresno system at its peak; he left early, was drafted in the first round by Tampa Bay during a time when the Bucs were atrocious, and had an up and down career, like the majority of NFL quarterbacks. He was best known, perhaps, for inconsistency and throwing plenty of picks. Dilfer had a couple of shining moments, being named to one pro bowl and being on the roster of a Super Bowl champ.

His media techniques and how he goes about his new role as anointed quarterback guru is glorified by some and vilified by others. Neither assessment is necessary. Dilfer is simply more visible than the others in the new parade of personal quarterback developers that has become quite the career maker. He has his ways and his beliefs.

That brings us to Alex Malzone and Dilfer’s comments that he must shed his baseball throwing mechanics. There are three types of purposely-taught baseball throwing arm slots. The first belongs to pitchers and outfielders and is termed the long-arm circle. In this throwing motion the wrist and ball goes below the waist, the arm circle is longer due to the increased arc distance. The result is a longer and slower pathway that puts more torque on a shoulder and greater speed at the shoulder fulcrum.

The second type of throwing motion is termed the short-arm circle. This is used by infielders that must get rid of the ball quickly and cannot afford the extra time of long- arming the throwing radius to gain speed. The speed is in the quickness or release. This originates in the shoulder, which is the fulcrum of the movement. The ball breaks out of the hand above the waist level. Infielders can either throw sidearm or use a short overhand circle, Quarterbacks can and have used the short-arm method.

The third type of throw is the fly-rod technique. This is used by catchers who have the unenviable task of trying to gun down runners by taking the ball behind the ear, past the shoulder and flicking it to the base with a fly-rod casting motion. This throwing method is closest to the classic stand tall, fundamental, quick release quarterback.

Quarterbacks have used all of the above throwing methods. The side-arm and long-arm methods get instant scrutiny as few have succeeded at a high level with the associated flaws. The amount of time taken as well as poor ball security hinders the long-arm practitioners. Sometimes the ball tends to sail due to the increase in error from the long motion. The time needed by long-armers to make a throw mandates the line providing premium protection.

Many quarterbacks use the short-arm method, but as you have seen, the pass rushers know exactly where this arm slot path takes the ball and they put a disruptive paw right into harm’s way as the ball comes downward. Yes, this comment is made with the knowledge that perfect classic stand tall and hold the ball high types also can get the ball slapped out with a good hit. The standard hold the ball with two hands at armpit level stance, once the norm, now all of a sudden does not look bad at all. If the quarterback tucks the ball and protects, less turnovers should result.

Many coaches in the contextualist model label what works as the truth. Bernie Kosar, the King of sidearm motion, had decent success until his lessening velocity led to the out patterns getting broken up or intercepted. There have not been many long-arm throwers in football. The exception is when a guy just winds it up and fires the Hail-Mary. There are short-armers and the common technique talk is to tighten up the motion and live with the results.

Part Two will be about Malzone and His Arm.

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — Doc4Blu

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