High-Profile Programs With QB Controversies
Dave Curtis - SportingNews.com
May 07, 2010
At some schools, football talk goes into a quiet phase this time of year, as another spring season closed last weekend. Others, however, maintain the buzz thanks to quarterback controversies that went unsolved through spring ball and will linger into the fall.
Here are a few big-name schools that will carry a QB debate into the offseason:
Nebraska
Redshirt freshman Taylor Martinez wowed with his consistency as a runner and thrower all spring. Cody Green, last year's backup, impressed at times, too. They'll join last year's starter, Zac Lee, who missed spring ball recovering from a shoulder injury. "Having Zac down gives us a chance to develop some depth," offensive coordinator Shawn Watson said. "But one of those guys could certainly win the job."
Predicted starter: Lee
Michigan
Denard Robinson outplayed incumbent starter Tate Forcier, and coach Rich Rodriguez hinted the sophomores were neck-and-neck coming out of the spring. Neither blew away Big Ten competition a year ago, leaving fans pessimistic about a 2010 revival.
Predicted starter: Robinson
Penn State
Here's another competition in which no one emerged. Returning players Kevin Newsome and Matt McGloin, a former walk-on, each bring value but possess significant flaws. Don't count out true freshman Paul Jones if he makes major summer progress.
Predicted starter: Newsome
BYU
Riley Nelson possesses strong running skills, and James Lark looked sharp after a religious mission to Russia. But the best passer of the bunch, and best quarterback in Cougar camp, is early enrollee Jake Heaps, the No. 1 pro-style QB recruit in this freshman class.
Predicted starter: Heaps
LSU
Jordan Jefferson remains the man in Baton Rouge despite some shaky play down the stretch last season. Coach Les Miles recently talked up backup Jarrett Lee, who has big-game experience.
Predicted starter: Jefferson
USC
Much was made of starter Matt Barkley's bruised hand during the Trojans' spring game. Not enough has been made of Mitch Mustain remaining an incredible talent despite an up-and-down career. Still, Barkley's command of the offense gives him the nod.
Predicted starter: Barkley
North Carolina
The Tar Heels keep professing confidence in mistake-prone senior starter T.J. Yates (14 TDs, 15 interceptions in 2009). But with a championship-caliber defense, and UNC's hopes to contend for an ACC title, Yates is on shaky ground. Backup Bryn Renner outplayed Yates in the spring game and will contend in August and beyond.
Predicted starter: Yates
Arizona State
The winter odds favored Michigan transfer Steven Threet winning the job. But 6-8, 245-pound Brock Osweiler, who started as a true freshman against Oregon last year, looked like the best ASU quarterback this spring. The Sun Devils need stability here to avoid a third straight losing season.
Predicted starter: Osweiler
Dave Curtis is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at dcurtis@sportingnews.com.
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