2nd string QB

[crimsonk]

I think Fannuzi should be red shirted this year but he'd have to play 2nd string behind McElroy if JPW gets injured. We all remember what happened the last time Alabama played Western Carolina at BDS. Brodie injured his knee and was out for the rest of the season which turned out to be disasterous.

 

[Alabama Larry in Ky]

I'd like to ask this but first I'll say this.

My wife is a Card fan and we went to their spring game. The back up QB Hunter Cantwell is bigger than Brian Brohm, stronger arm, faster, etc. In that game he outplayed Brian. Of course Brian is the starter and there is no way Hunter will beat him out, but from what I'm hearing Hunter is right in step with Brian and on Mel Kiper's list Hunter is rated very high. (#1 backup in the nation)

Now my question, say Nick Fanuzzi just out plays both Greg and John Parker in the camp, does the coaches go with the better QB or stay with John Parker because of experince? One thing, I've said on some talk shows about Hunter replacing Brian and I got ripped. If I'm the coach the best kid plays.

 

[Bamabuzzard]

I'd like to ask this but first I'll say this.

My wife is a Card fan and we went to their spring game. The back up QB Hunter Cantwell is bigger than Brian Brohm, stronger arm, faster, etc. In that game he outplayed Brian. Of course Brian is the starter and there is no way Hunter will beat him out, but from what I'm hearing Hunter is right in step with Brian and on Mel Kiper's list Hunter is rated very high. (#1 backup in the nation)

Now my question, say Nick Fanuzzi just out plays both Greg and John Parker in the camp, does the coaches go with the better QB or stay with John Parker because of experince? One thing, I've said on some talk shows about Hunter replacing Brian and I got ripped. If I'm the coach the best kid plays.

The problem with this approach at the qb position is you've got a kid that's proved it in games and another kid that hasn't played down one of D-1 level of football. The kid that's proved it in games will not go through every play or drill in practice like his job depends on it. In a perfect world they would but the reality of it is they have the mindset of "I'm out here to hone my skills and get in shape." Where as the backups ARE going through EVERY drill like it's their last.

The second stringer and third stringer (a lot of times) can give you a "false/positive". Meaning in practice they appear to be better but when put under center during a game the truth is revealed through game situations. The approach you're talking about can be done at any other position but qb is a very sensitive position and a jump the gun type screw up here can divide an entire team. JPW should start no matter what the other two do. The real games will reveal whether JPW is getting the job done or not. So replacing him at that point is a heck of a lot more justifiable (to the team) than replacing him before the first game is even played.

Trust me, you don't won't to lose your entire team before the season even begins. JPW (based off of last season) has EARNED the respect of the entire team. His toughness and desire to win is unquestionable. Even the rumors of him not starting the season would more than likely have your team divided or have the entire offense turn on you.

 

[BamaMoon]

Who has said "JPW might not start this year?" First I've heard about it. Last I heard, he was the indisputable leader of the team.:conf2:

 

[bayoutider]

There are players who practice well and some who are game day players. All three QBs will dress out and unless we get hit with injuries at the QB position I expect McElroy to do mop up and Fanuzzi to carry a clipboard this season. If Fanuzzi doesn't play he will get his redshirt year. It's a good thing to have third string pushing the second string and first string at any position.

 

[Tide King]

I agree with BamaBuzzard, because games are A LOT different than practice. In practice, the backup QBs are working their butts off to impress the coaches and earn playing time, whereas the starter does not have to impress the coaches and he can focus on what he has to do to help the team win games. Also, there are certain qualities of a QB that can only be determined in the real games, like how well the QB handles pressure, how well he can motivate the team, his heart and will to win, and there's always the trust factor. JPW has shown all of these characteristics last season and will be the starter regardless of what GM or NF do in camp. I'm not taking anything away from either GM or NF, but it will take time for them to build that trust and earn the respect of the team.

 

[bmcklv]

Also, if the back up QB was playing against the 2nd or 3rd string Defense, nothing is proven. Stats are great, but they aren't everything.

 

[BAMAFAN IN NY]

I'm with Earle. McElroy should be #2 just because of more experience in the program but Fannuzi is looking good which is a good thing. I can remember when even #2 was the kiss of death.

everyone has been in the program the same amount of time

this is a brand new program

 

[bayoutider]

everyone has been in the program the same amount of time

this is a brand new program

Hit It

 

[BAMAFAN IN NY]

Hit It

lol
full of mice
and cheese

 

[TIDE-HSV]

CNS has said repeatedly that the best guy will play, regardless of any other factor, so I don't see why QB would be an exception. However, unless both JPW and Mac were absolutely falling on their faces, I would think he'd begin by putting, say Fanuzzi in the game for short periods of time to see how he'd perform. This is exactly what he's done in the past, even with QB. However, the order of proficiency is perfectly clear in this case, so this is strictly a moot question...

 

[Dr. Van Nostran]

How is the 6'5" transfer from Boston College looking so far? I hope we can start luring the taller NFL prototypes to Bama from now on. They have such a huge advantage being able to actually see over big O and D-Lineman.

 

[bamaslammer]

I believe Saban has stated in the past that he doesn't worry too much about red shirting players, In my opinion Fanuzzi will get his shot to win the backup roll, If not he will likely sit so that he and McElroy will not be in the same class.

But make no mistake, Saban thinks he can recruit the players he needs, so a player who isn't competing and gets passed by younger players may find themselves off the team so their spot can be given to a new recruit. When you think of it in those terms redshirting isn't as big a deal like it was for the Shula staff.

 

[Alabama Larry in Ky]

Buzzard...nice post and I agree with you. I've talked about JPW to lot of people and hope we have no injuries at QB. I just want to win.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

We've a starter w/4 years in system taking reps w/1st team. Mcelroy is beginning his second year...if you count standing around w/little or no coaching last year. From what we've seen Fanuzzi has gotten more snaps and coaching thus far than Mcelroy got all of last year...and unlike past it's quality coaching. That said, according to coaches and players Mcelroy is developing fast, appears ahead of both in the mental aspects of the game, and continues to be smooth as silk...no surprise. Fanuzzi will reshirt...if he doesn't, and/or some flavor of the day like Jackson and/or McCarron commits IOO he'll be gone...ala Barnes. Not holding my breath on the QB recruitment bit...be surprised with our ranking if we draw a so called bluechip for a year or so....could be wrong.