(03-16-2018, 09:49 AM)OklahomaAviator Wrote:

(03-16-2018, 04:13 AM)Andy G Wrote: Really interesting insights. Thanks!

A question, how do you think he would adapt to running the run-first offense we seem determined to have?

Would his talents/flaws suit it? Or would they be wasted and a bad fit?

Good question!  Let me try to break it down a little bit:

OSU and the run game:

Obviously, OSU (like so many college teams) operates out of the shotgun and employs a spread-like offense, but what often goes unnoticed is that OSU stays extremely balanced on offense and has been on the "cutting-edge" of bringing the power run game to the spread offense.  There's quite a long history to OSU developing the power run game in the spread offense, but that's not exactly helpful information to this question so I'll avoid it, but OSU isn't as "pass happy" as many think.  In fact, last year OSU ran the ball more than it threw the ball- 505 rush attempts to 503 pass attempts.  The year before was even more run-reliant with 491 rushes to 465 passes.  

Why they run the ball so much:

This has nothing to do with QB talent or WR talent, but rather speaks to Mike Gundy's desire to run the ball.  Gundy has always wanted to have a power running game because he's a big believer in running to set up the pass, and it's hard to argue with his success.  It wasn't just Gundy's influence that led to such a prevalent running game though, it was also due to the fact that the offensive line was poor in pass protection but pretty good in run blocking and that OSU has an exceptional young running back (Justice Hill) who I believe can be a first round pick whenever he decides to declare.

Bottom line:

I don't think there will be much change in his game, to be perfectly honest.  This could be good news or bad news, but it's not like he's been playing in a pass-happy offense.  In some areas, it's going to help him where he can be weaker than some prospects, such as reading the defense and finding defenders in the middle of the field.  With linebackers unable to drift back into coverage as often, it will help him with crossing routes in the short to intermediate distances.  In other areas you probably won't see much change, such as helping cover up his poor footwork on quick passes.  That said, he can make all of the throws and with defenses unable to ignore Fournette and the running game, he can take the top off of defenses and won't be afraid to pull the trigger.  It's not just the long ball though, he will take advantage of what the defense gives him and he has the arm strength to thread the needle or hit receivers running the "Out" routes.

Oklahoma Aviator...

First off I commend you for your insight.  Thank you.

You touched briefly on his footwork, indicating it is his biggest weakness and is largely a function of being in the shotgun most of the time.

Could you elaborate on this?

What are the footwork struggles a QB typically has transitioning from an offense like he had at OSU and one in which he will likely operate in the NFL?  Do you think these flaws/struggles will be relatively easy for him to overcome?  Does he have athletic limitations that could slow that transition?  Do you think he should sit a year or so before starting?

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