Ok so now we know the order, let's get the discussion going. How do you like the Utes starting a freshman quarterback?
Personally, I've been super impressed with the way Jordan Wynn has carried himself, not only in fall camp, but going back to spring ball.
He came in and did everything the coaches have asked and carried himself like a starting quarterback, not just as any other freshman.
Friday morning he was relaxed and confident too and had some great throws. Maybe, knowing he is No. 1 (for now anyway) he'll play even better.
There is always the worry his ego could become suddenly inflated, but I don't get the impression that is the kind of guy Wynn is. It's obvious he has the respect of his older teammates and I don't think he would have that if he were a cocky kind of guy.
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham reminded everyone that the depth chart is by no means finalized, something Wynn mentioned too.
"It's not final, but I'm not going to slow down at all, if anything I am going to go harder now," he said. "That mental aspect, I'll be in that film room, that's something Brian Johnson did real well, was have the mental aspect down and that's something I'm going to strive for."
Later he added, "Like I've been saying. I'm in a real privileged position right now. I'm not taking advantage of it one bit. I'm trying to go hard every play and make the most of this opportunity I've been given."
As for Terrance Cain, the now No. 2 guy on the depth chart, he had a very good day Friday too with by far some of his best passing. He said he'll keep working harder to compete for No. 1.
What of Corbin Louks? Honestly, I feel bad for the guy. Louks has always been a team player and has worked hard. I'm surprised, honestly, to see him get demoted to No. 3.
He was obviously surprised too, saying he was shocked by the decision.
Asked if he was going to stay with the Utes and Louks said he wasn't sure.
"I don't know what is going to happen or what I'm going to do because I was definitely caught off guard by it."
Whittingham said the Louks package the Utes have used the last two seasons would remain, but also said he would get "very limited reps." He didn't rule out the possibility of redshirting Louks or trying him out at another position if things didn't work out for Louks at quarterback.
However, judging from what Louks said at practice, the Utes must first convince him to stay, because he clearly wasn't happy.
"I was never really comfortable enough to say it was mine, but I definitely thought I was leading," Louks said of the QB battle. "I thought with my skills, people have seen in the games, they'd work with me to develop me, my skills, to see if I can lead this team."
Louks said he will talk to the coaches and his family more to decide what his future holds, but made it clear it he wasn't interested in standing on the sidelines.
"Everybody comes to play, it's my dream to play, we'll see what happens," he said. "I woke up this morning, came to the office, it was a surprise to me as everyone else."
11 Comments:
This was a poor decision. What is Kyle thinking. Corbin is the man. He played much better than the other two. I've talked to several players who thought Corbin Louks should get the nod. A few receivers wanted Terrance Cain to start. Every one of the players told me that Wynn will be a good qb one day, but was inferior to the other two currently.
I wouldn't be too surprised if Griff Robles transfers now, and I can't say that I blame him. He now won't be able to compete for the position until 2013.
Kyle Whittingham has led the Utes to greatness. He obviously knows what he is doing. While I am NERVOUS as a fan to be watching a freshman QB, I believe Whit knows what he is doing. I hope Louks gets utilized in another position, he must really not be able to throw. If Louks moves or transfers, then Griff Robles could be moved up in the pecking order to #3. Players get hurt Utefan99, it isn't over for Griff. Your just disappointed, Robles could still rule. Wynn could be gone in a year or two to the NFL if he is great. My guess is that Gary Anderson knows exactly how to read Corbin and Kyle couldn't risk giving the Aggies any extra help. GO UTES!
Whit recognizes that he needs a stable QB to "manage" an already-functioning team. It sounds like a business strategy, really. Any kid fresh out of Business School can run a company that's already successful. But when problems arise, they are too inexperienced to come up with the answers. I agree that Wynn is talented, and has shown maturity and drive, but that doesn't translate to the field at Oregon, TCU, and BYU if we're down a TD in the 4th and the QB needs to make something happen. Wynn isn't that guy right now. He may be that guy in 2 years, but not right now. It's not his fault, it just takes time. I'm worried about losing Robles as well. I'm worried that this decision sends a message to the other guys vying to get under center that they're out of luck for a long time. Cain seemed to me to be the best option for a heady, experienced "manager." Louks is emotional, and is a great physical specimen. I don't blame him for looking to transfer. He's a competitor and feels like he's a QB first and foremost. Problem is, Whit doesn't need that type of QB right now. I would hate to lose him from the team, though. He would make an amazing QB-turned-receiver ala Derek Mougey of San Diego State. He's blindingly fast, and would look just like Derrick Richards out there running routes.
I wonder how this decision affects DeVonte Christopher. He really wants to play QB and was told that after he plays wideout he will get another shot at qb. With Wynn the starter, will DeVonte be content to play wr or will he compete with Wynn or will he leave? Curious...
I definitely was a little disappointed with the choice of Wynn as well. I'm hoping that Whit is pulling a fast one on us and is actually going to play Louks. And with the whole private practices... I dunno.
I'm as shocked as Louks.
Just talked to someone close to the Robles family. They are very upset with todays decision and are worried that Whitt will ask Robles to change positions now. Griff is seriously considering a transfer. They are going to mull over the situation over the weekend.
This whole situation really bugs me.
Coach can't try to make people happy, he has to put the best product out there. If it hurts some feelings, let them transfer. He's paid the big bucks to make these decisions and I, for one, am glad he isn't afraid to make a tough call, knowing that it might cost him some players. I'm sure someone else will fill in the gaps.
If they stay and excel at another position, they might play on Sunday. Ask Weddle and Kruger about that.
Utfan99 give me break. I'm sure you have more insight than the coaches who's livelihood depends on these decisions. I'm pretty sure coach Whit didn't make the decision based on how Griff would feel, if he did that would be stupid. If Griff feels that it would be better for him to leave, so be it. I don't want him to leave, but, he's going to do what he feels is best for him, just like the coaches made the decision which they feel is best for the program. Frankly I would be surprised if he did leave. I think the plan is for him to redshirt, and, a lot can happen in 4 years.
I was hoping Cain was going to win the job. He seems to have a good combo of running, passing, and experience. But the coaches know infinitely more than any of us. Gotta trust them.
How could any objective person watch Louks throw the ball and think he could QB a top 20 D-1 team? I feel bad for Corbin, he obviously wants it, which is cool. He just does have the arm. I'm sure he'd tear it up in the WAC or Big Sky.
If Mac were still the coach, Louks would be good enough. But those days are gone- the U program is on a different level now. Good programs lose QB's to the depth chart all the time. That kid from Cottonwood bailed on LSU for Ok St. Portis, who committed to Urban at the U, then followed him to Fla, transferred to Maryland because of Tebow. Even Wynn bailed on his committment to CU due to their depth chart. Sam Keller left ASU for Neb. Mitch Mustain left Ark for USC. Drew Miller left BYU for Montana. Maybe Louks should transfer to a lower level division or conference that is more on his level if he does not like the talent at Utah.
If you want to see what is possible for a talented freshman QB, check out the stats of the Boise Donkees FR QB last season. He was excellent. Third game of the season- at Oregon. Sound familiar? He had an awesome game and the Donks got the W in Autzen.
Does UteFan99 have a romantic interest in Corbin Louks or what? Poor guy sounds crushed!!
DSW SLC, I am upset because of what I have seen of these three in practice. I am upset because of what players have told me about Louks vs wynn. It doesn't make any sense.
I wonder if Wynn gets the nod because he is a Schramm guy as some have aluded to.
I'm really upset at the realistic possibility of losing Griff Robles. He is an NFL caliber quarterback. He is tall, he has a cannon, and he is fast. Three things Jordan Wynn is not.
I think we will rely HEAVILY on the defense this year.
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