Just proves in my mind that this current staff cannot develop players. I can't think of one offensive player that is significantly better today than when he walked on campus his freshmen year.
Too bad - I was hoping to see what this type of athlete could do for us under center.
Too bad - I was hoping to see what this type of athlete could do for us under center.
I think it's a timing thing for the coaches, which is an incredibly stupid move seeing as they probably won't be coaching here in 2011. I think they're looking at the roster and see Hansen and Cody with Lobato and Hirschman backing them up. That's four guys, with the ability to redshirt Hirschman. Just a hunch, but I believe they saw the distinct possibility that Evans wouldn't ever play QB, and decided to move him to a spot where he might see some playing time. Redshirt Hirschman this year so he's a RS Sophmore with two full years in the program before taking over as starter in 2012 (which, coincidentally, would be our first year in the 12-Pac).
I kind of wonder if these younger guys look at the way the QB situation has been handled and just say "hey, I'd rather play than sit on the bench for 4-5 years. Find me a spot where I can contribute."
I don't think the coaches knew Ballenger would leave, that Evans would not be a superstar and consider a change of positions, etc. They also had Jordan Wynn, who changed his mind about us, but Hawkins appeared to be trying to have a nicely spaced stable of QBs - regardless of who was on the field.That requires "spacing", but I guess Hawk doesn't believe in that or we wouldn't be in the situation to begin with.
First off, I don't know what to make of the Clark Evans move. Is it partly that they don't have faith in him to "clean up his act" and don't want a QB with those issues? Is it Kai Maiava type situation? Will he be happy and content and work hard at TE?
While it is easy to say we don't have depth at TE yet, due to academic issues with the freshmen class, and this helps us shore that up, the QB depth isn't exactly rock solid academically.
I really, really, really like Nick Hirschman and avoiding any QB controversies once Hansen is graduated is fine with me, but we are getting real thin at the QB spot in regards to scholarship athletes. Maybe Evans never would have made a good QB, who knows, but this puts a lot of pressure on Lobata/Hirschman to be in a position to take over the team in case of injury. (maybe that pressure was already there)
I am sure that we will recruit more QB's in the 2011 class (we damn sure better get another good one). We should always have a kid coming in each year that can develop into the starter. IMO, we need to be grooming kids to take over as juniors, not as true sophomores and red-shirt freshmen, or even true freshmen. That requires "spacing", but I guess Hawk doesn't believe in that or we wouldn't be in the situation to begin with.
One of these guys breaking out and playing great will make the QB depth look like no problem!
At the time he was recruited, it was well known that Evans eventual position could end up being Tight End.
Frankly, if it was clear during the fall that Evans was unlikely to be a starting QB for us, then I'm glad they didn't waste time making this switch. At 6'3" 220 lbs when he came in as a true freshman, he has the frame to play next season at a solid 235 with more room to grow. If he can do that while maintaining a 4.7-4.8 forty, Evans could be a great tight end.
Jebus, why is it every kid shrinks after getting on campus. Jon Major was 6-4 while he was being recruited, he's now 6-1. Clark was 6-4, 6-5 and now he's 6-3.
Couldn't make the required throws, huh? I don't really care about where Moten plays here, but considering the limitations of the quarterbacks Hawkins has used, I find that particular comment to be... hilarious? We certainly had no problems playing a guy for the better part of three years who had to loft 15 yard passes.
Consider the talent we've had here. Moten may have been competing here if he was here to compete with BJax and Nelson, etc. He now has to compete with Lobato and Hirschman and I'm hearing good things from both. Whatever the reason, Moten did NOT hesitate on the move. He was practicing at CB in January.
And to be fair, from the day he walked on campus, we've heard that Clark had a lot of work to do to become a candidate for starting QB.