I am interested in everyone's thoughts relative to next year's starting quarterback. Does Lyles maintain as the starter? Does Nick open it back up for competition with Stone, Lyles, and even Baker? Lyles has a tight spiral and strong arm, but often made poor decisions and held on to the ball too long resulting in sacks. Stone frankly looked not very athletic in his time on the field though accurate as a passer. I think his arm strength is the weakest of the three. Baker I believe has the strongest arm and is a play maker, but confidence seemed impacted by terrible pass on the fake field goal in addition to receiving little opportunity. I am not convinced Lyles is the "man" at this point and wonder others' opinion?
Pretty sure we'll see a one or two JC QB's recruited to compete for position.
I can see bringing in Juco's to compete. Interestingly, when I saw the three QB's this past summer (three or four times scrimmages and such) I actually thought Baker was the lead and then Stone and Lyles was number three to me. I think they need more at QB for sure as Lyles just tends to make too many mistakes.
Lyles is not the man in my opinion. In addition to making some bad decisions, he does not have escapability. He finished with 62.9% comp., which is higher than I thought. I think it was obvious that Hill didn't have much confidence in him as a passer. We have some very good receivers - need that passing game. Definitely need to open up the competition.
My first option would be Javon Williams. I wanna see his passing game, because we know he can run! I'm betting he's as good or better passer than Lyles.
Stone played great at UMass - 4td, no ints, 73% - and seems to have that pocket awareness and quick enough feet to often escape the sack. Not so great at SEMO, but he was pressured a lot, and I don't think Hill called a very good game.
I wish Baker had gotten more chance in some of those blowout wins. Never got to see what he could do.
Also have Zach Zebrowkski (Dad is QB coach at Buffalo.) Don't know if he redshirted. Was All-conference QB and in bball in a suburb of Minneapolis.
I'm sure Hill will be recruiting a QB or two also - or looking for a transfer.
Check out NDSU's freshman QB Trey Lance: 68.9% comp., 23 TDs, NO ints., also averaged over 60 yds/game rushing! I'll be shocked if he doesn't win the Walter Payton and Jerry Rice awards.
What I saw from Javon during the summer was that he was inaccurate as a passer. Had a difficult time throwing into windows and hitting targets. Now, as a dual threat mixing in some specific pass plays I think he can be a threat, but carrying the load passing wise I think he would be suspect. True about Stone on UMass game, not sure he read giving the ball enough to Javon, but with his emergence I suspect he would let the ball go more. Agree on giving Baker more real game opportunities. Should be interesting to see how it develops and I think may be key to next season. Also, hope we don't have any academic issues with some of our players as well.
Lyles got better as the season went on, but he can struggle at times. I would hope he doesn't become the starter by default next season. I would love to see what Baker has to offer or even know why he hasn't seen the field.
It would be great to see us work in some short passing plays for Javon to run out of the wildcat. I know he isn't very accurate, but it could be devastating if he could make an occasional 5 or 10 yard hit to keep the defense honest against him.
He was 7 - 11 with two TD passes and an int. I don't know that he's inaccurate. Really like to see him try it out during a game, rather than just a spot pass here and there. He passed for 1967 yards his Sr. year, with 22 TD passes and 8 ints, 59.9% comp. .. not too bad and who knows how many his high school receivers dropped. I'm betting he's just as accurate as Lyles ... but a way better athlete and runner.
IMO, Lyles was the beneficiary of a couple of excellent WRs in Cox and Lenoir. A lot of his completions were off, but they managed to pull them in. His completion percentage could easily have been a lot lower with lesser wideouts.
Mr. Woggers I think those numbers may not tell the whole story as many of his completions were to wide open down field receivers when the defense was drawn in or air it out and miss long if it is not caught passes. I agree he is multi-threat compared to Lyles and I also think Lyles improved as the season went on, but he still holds it until he gets sacked and makes poor choices at times in throwing into coverage. Would like to see him be able to look off one side and come back to another receiver rather than determine pre-snap where he is going and forcing things at times.
new to this thread. watched a lot of games this year. If the dawgs are better next year they need a QB that can keep defenses honest. Defenses started to load the box when Williams was in the game and Lyles God bless him, is not a d-1 or d-2 qb. He lacks zip on his throws. He can't throw the long ball, so you only have to defend the short pass and the medium pass. He's inaccurate. IMHO he is also nervous in the pocket and can't find second or third options.
He's done well with what he has but if the Salukis are to move forward they need a QB that can stretch the field to open up running lanes for Williams, Elliott, etc. You have 2 very good wideouts in Cox and Lenoir and maybe three with the Cox brother. This offense could be special with a QB that is good and I think the defense will continue to get better
Terrier 1 I would tend to agree with you. Rarely did it seem Lyles went through his progressions very effectively and too many poor choices with interceptions and such. Not sure about Labanowitz (sp) either as he was so non-athletic out there. Much better passing numbers in the short time on the field, but have to wonder what the shoulder is going to be like. I watch a great deal of spring and summer practices in scrimmages and such and frankly thought Baker was the man all along and was surprised it was SL that got the nod and Baker was #3?! Tells you I don't know squat about QBs so take what I say with a grain of salt.
SL definitely showed better escapability, better field vision, better judgement, and better accuracy than Lyles.
The new QB recruit was first team all-state in Class 2A. Iowa has four classes - 4A is the big schools. His shuttle time is 4.83 (not impressive), threw for 2,358 yards, 29 touchdowns and only seven interceptions last year.
Be interesting to see who is the starter next year.
SIU now has a direct connection to Rochester High School. While it will not help next year they have a stud QB for next year. Finding a way to get him would be very very helpful
