ESPN Insider: Syracuse has the best 2014 QB class in ACC

[orangeinjersey]

Why not back him the hilt. He doesn't have a mother or father to support him, he's only done good things, no great things , for the Cuse. If he falters the coaches will do the right thing for the team, until then he deserves a lot of support . What if he progresses and wins the first 5 games , aren't we going to be stupid for not at least having a little PR campaign . I want to see him grow into a better QB and person , and I think he will.

I like TH, i want him to succeed. Nothing would make me happier. But Heisman? Cmon man. Did you watch Winston this year? It was his first year starting. How abnout manziel last year, also his first year starting. Lots of great players have great careers and dont win the heisman, I'm just saying that post was a little to rutgersal.

 

[CuseOnly]

Eh. The head coach has said it'll be an open competition this spring. Not exactly a ringing endorsement for a returning starter who led the team to a bowl game.

Hunt has a massive head start on his competition, and whether the coach's decision is a motivational attempt or he honestly thinks another guy can win the spot is to be seen.

I don't think I'd be guaranteeing anything right now regarding the QB position. I know this...no matter what happens, the position will be upgraded next fall. That's all we ask. I think this staff wants a QB with wheels, and I mean above average speed.

Much of what McDonald wants to do depends on defenses having to account for the QB on every play. Not sure Hunt is that guy.

Teams that didn't account for Hunt last year lost. He is that guy that you have to account for. If he had a little more speed, which is something that can be improved, he would be twice as dangerous. Some improvement on accuracy, especially with the deep ball, and he will have all the tools needed. Lester and Hicks will have him ready for next year.

I am more worried about getting a stud O-Line coach.

 

[PhatOrange]

I pull for Hunt but he needs to improve. It would not surprise me in the least to see either Wilson or Kimble win the job. Don't know much about their running ability but I think their passing might suit the offense better. It should be a great competitive spring.

Sample size is small but we do know these coaches are not afraid to make a change.

I would be very surprised if Edouard or AJ won the job as true frosh but AJ has the benefit of winter workouts, the film room and spring ball. Still even he'll be behind Austin and MItch in terms of speed and etc.

 

[CousCuse]

I pull for Hunt but he needs to improve. It would not surprise me in the least to see either Wilson or Kimble win the job. Don't know much about their running ability but I think their passing might suit the offense better. It should be a great competitive spring.

Sample size is small but we do know these coaches are not afraid to make a change.

I would be very surprised if Edouard or AJ won the job as true frosh but AJ has the benefit of winter workouts, the film room and spring ball. Still even he'll be behind Austin and MItch in terms of speed and etc.

Maybe Hunt should transfer , it doesn't sound like he has much coach or fan support here. All that he did here was pull the season out of the garbage and put is in and win us a bowl game, against an 8-4 B!G team. I suppose that didn't help bring in this recruiting class.

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

Terrel Hunt is not going to be unseated. The offense will come together with a full year under GMAC and will be much more productive. When is the last time that a QB from a NYC high school was put up for the Heisman?

Well, whenever it was, Hunt won't change the answer to the question.

 

[orangepassion]

I pull for Hunt but he needs to improve. It would not surprise me in the least to see either Wilson or Kimble win the job. Don't know much about their running ability but I think their passing might suit the offense better. It should be a great competitive spring.

Sample size is small but we do know these coaches are not afraid to make a change.

I would be very surprised if Edouard or AJ won the job as true frosh but AJ has the benefit of winter workouts, the film room and spring ball. Still even he'll be behind Austin and MItch in terms of speed and etc.

I will be very surprised if someone beats out Hunt. he ended off the year very strong. What makes you think Kimble or Wilson would be better?

 

[anomander]

I know one thing if Hunt doesn't start the season there will be a player revolt. The team loves him

 

[CousCuse]

Well, whenever it was, Hunt won't change the answer to the question.

If I hadn't been a Syracuse fan for the last 40 years and heard the same kind of crap about Beohiem until the last few years it would strike me as odd that someone who posts on a Syracuse site and I assume is a fan would say such things. I think I've seen it referred to as milltown mentality.

 

[Czar]

I'll just say I won't be shocked if Hunt doesn't win the starting job, but I will be shocked if it's Eduoard. Either Long comes into Spring practices and seriously shows something, or Hunt's starting. That job is being won in the spring. If Long doesn't light the world on fire then I think Hunt's starting is pretty assured.

 

[TheCusian]

Hunt is the starter. He will have better weapons and a year of experience - and maybe, most importantly - the team.

I do think they open up a "competition" - but in the end it will be for #2.

 

[anomander]

I'll just say I won't be shocked if Hunt doesn't win the starting job, but I will be shocked if it's Eduoard. Either Long comes into Spring practices and seriously shows something, or Hunt's starting. That job is being won in the spring. If Long doesn't light the world on fire then I think Hunt's starting is pretty assured.

There is basically 0% chance of AJ starting next season

 

[anomander]

Hunt is the starter. He will have better weapons and a year of experience - and maybe, most importantly - the team.

I do think they open up a "competition" - but in the end it will be for #2.

100% agree. I am kind of surprised this is even being discussed.

 

[zjscuse]

Only person I really think can compete with hunt this year is Kimble go watch his highlight tape on YouTube. Kid can run and has only gotten better since he arrived he also has the body to be productive. I don't know long could also put lights out, he's a hard working kid . Either way hunts story alone makes me want to see him start! The icing is literally seeing just how drastically he improved from the short time between bc and Minnesota I mean I was really asking myself is this the same kid? He's only going to get better and turn non believers it believers really I see the real qb battle in 2016

 

[Rocco]

Hunt will be the starter against Villanova. Whether or not he finishes the season as the starter remains to be seen, but let's hope that he does. If not, either the offense isn't clicking or he got hurt... neither are good scenarios.

From what I've seen, Kimble is the #2. He's quick on his feet and can spin it.

Wilson also has a great arm, but I don't think he fits in due to his lack of speed IMO.

Edouard weighs about 7 pounds. Great prospect and is an ideal QB for McD's offense, but he needs at least a year in the S&C program before he gets a chance. They would be sending his mother flowers if he got hit by a Fla St linebacker.

AJ Long is quick, but it's really hard to tell how he will fit in. His HS tapes don't show a whole lot and he was hurt quite a bit. Good runner though.

Game experience is really being undervalued in this thread. Hunt played admirably down the stretch and pulled us out of some pivotal games (BC to become bowl eligible and against Minny to win the bowl). He struggled against the elite competition, but he was a first-year starter. I have more confidence in him to beat one of those teams than any of the other guys right now. He might not possess great speed, but he is productive with his feet. Go back and watch some of the games from last year. He rarely goes down on first contact and never really took a big hit.

I look forward to watching Hunt's development and I also hope he's our starter for the next 2 seasons. Both Long and Edouard should redshirt and Kimble and Wilson will be the #2 and #3, respectively.

 

[PhatOrange]

Maybe Hunt should transfer , it doesn't sound like he has much coach or fan support here. All that he did here was pull the season out of the garbage and put is in and win us a bowl game, against an 8-4 B!G team. I suppose that didn't help bring in this recruiting class.

Ok - well I said I pull for Hunt. That translated means I root for him, I want him to succeed and do well, I want him to keep the job and win football games.

However, that doesn't mean I don't think he needs to improve. He does. The two kids behind him might be good enough to unseat him. That's the reality.

 

[PhatOrange]

I will be very surprised if someone beats out Hunt. he ended off the year very strong. What makes you think Kimble or Wilson would be better?

Oh I believe Hunt starts the season. I just don't believe he's so far ahead that they can't catch him. If he struggles and they're right there in terms of competition, he'll get pulled.

I really don't know if either Kimble or Wilson are better, I do believe both are better short to intermediate passers but I don't know if they're mobile, I don't know anything about their pocket presence. I don't know if they lock onto receivers etc.

Wilson was Marrone and Hackett's guy as well and he was offered early. He may have been offered before Zach Allen. I am very interested in this kid's development.

 

[orange79]

To be honest I wouldn't be suprised at all if Edouard just flat out won the job this year.

There is so little a chance of this happening. A freshman unseating an experienced QB who led the team to a bowl win? As much as some people want this to happen, it won't. Not that concern over Hunt isn't warranted, but a healthy Hunt will not be replaced by a true freshman.

 

[Chip]

There is basically 0% chance of AJ starting next season

Yeah, we tried the 'he was here for the spring' routine before. Joe Fields. It didn't work.

QBs who are ready to play as a true freshman are anomalies. It's often the case with redshirt freshmen as well, but given the quality of the guys coming in this year, they have a better shot at that point.

It's Hunt's job, and we should expect him to improve. I know the coaches say open competition, but that's a line we should get used to. No one gets too comfortable.

We've been down the list of QBs here whose senior year was clearly better than their other years, so they all get better over time. For Hunt, this will only be his junior year, in some cases that has been a trap year (Nunes, RJ, Perry, Nassib). That's what he needs to guard against.

He's not McNabb, and hopefully one of the younger guys will be something closer to that level. But Hunt can still be a good one.

 

[NovaOrange]

You are living on pluto...

I got a similar response when I called Hackenburg starting against us in the opener for PSU. It's a different situation so I could see Hunt getting the nod because of the experience but to think this kid isn't going to make a big push for the job is crazy. I guess time will tell

 

[cuseincincy]

Terrel Hunt is not going to be unseated. The offense will come together with a full year under GMAC and will be much more productive. When is the last time that a QB from a NYC high school was put up for the Heisman?

I am just a little curious...what about a regular season where Hunt had 3 TD passes and 8 INT in 10 games against BCS level competition is making you think Hunt is Heisman caliber? Hunt is a great story, great kid and by all signs a very good leader. He was not a good QB last year. He basically made 2 plays that made the masses fall in love with him, an 8 yd TD pass to win the BC game and a 12 yd TD run to win the bowl game. In my opinion the best he did all year was in the bowl game where he played controlled and didn't try to do too much. (Still without Estime's punt return we lose that game.) Odds are he will be the starter next year but if one of the kids beats him out that would be a very good thing for SU football. He's a poor passer and a slow runner and most of all a poor fit in the new offense. It may be real world cruelty but I'm not 100% sold that MacDonald wants to wait another 2 years to install his offense. That may be Hunts biggest hurdle to keeping the job.

 

[RMH44]

The Heisman thing is about is about marketing and you need to be out front on that . Donny MacPherson lost the Heisman because Notre Dame had a real campaign. If that were to happen again , that would be horrible. Sometimes when you put high expectations on a person , they will meet the challlange and live to them. As I said before , I believe Hunt will be that guy.

Terrel is a great kid and he has a great story but Heisman talk is ridiculous. I'd be happy if he became a consistently above average college QB...which he has yet to do.

 

[KaiserUEO]

id be stunned if hunt doesnt run out there with the 1s v nova and likely the 1st 4 games.

id also be stunned if we dont see anyone else take a few snaps along the way.

because once that underbelly is over and the ORANGE better be 3 and goddamn 0, things are going to get interesting. and if we get the colossally horrible hunt that we saw for a 5 or 6 game stretch (millhouse, wheres your chart?) then i expect change to be afoot.

i refuse to sit through that nonsense again.

now if hes somehow winning, i could stomach it. a free pass is in place for fl st, but we need to beat wake before another pass is given for clemson and we hit a difficult, but doable stretch run.

in other words we got 5 games to get the bullpen warm before we clock watch the nole game, take inventory and be in position to make a regular season shot at 8 or 9 wins.

 

[CousCuse]

I am just a little curious...what about a regular season where Hunt had 3 TD passes and 8 INT in 10 games against BCS level competition is making you think Hunt is Heisman caliber? Hunt is a great story, great kid and by all signs a very good leader. He was not a good QB last year. He basically made 2 plays that made the masses fall in love with him, an 8 yd TD pass to win the BC game and a 12 yd TD run to win the bowl game. In my opinion the best he did all year was in the bowl game where he played controlled and didn't try to do too much. (Still without Estime's punt return we lose that game.) Odds are he will be the starter next year but if one of the kids beats him out that would be a very good thing for SU football. He's a poor passer and a slow runner and most of all a poor fit in the new offense. It may be real world cruelty but I'm not 100% sold that MacDonald wants to wait another 2 years to install his offense. That may be Hunts biggest hurdle to keeping the job.

Everybody on this and most other sports boards wants to be the coach . A fan supports the players , Hunt was thrown into a very difficult situation last year. Didn't get all the reps in preseason because of Allen , New coach , OC , Conference . The no.1 receiver , Flemming , out for the season. FSU and Clemson at the top of their cycle. Let me ask you one question , do you think a player performs better or worse knowing they have deep support with the fans? I'm trying to build the guy up , why can't Syracuse fans get that.

 

[RMH44]

Hunt will be the starter against Villanova. Whether or not he finishes the season as the starter remains to be seen, but let's hope that he does. If not, either the offense isn't clicking or he got hurt... neither are good scenarios.

From what I've seen, Kimble is the #2. He's quick on his feet and can spin it.

Wilson also has a great arm, but I don't think he fits in due to his lack of speed IMO.

Edouard weighs about 7 pounds. Great prospect and is an ideal QB for McD's offense, but he needs at least a year in the S&C program before he gets a chance. They would be sending his mother flowers if he got hit by a Fla St linebacker.

AJ Long is quick, but it's really hard to tell how he will fit in. His HS tapes don't show a whole lot and he was hurt quite a bit. Good runner though.

Game experience is really being undervalued in this thread. Hunt played admirably down the stretch and pulled us out of some pivotal games (BC to become bowl eligible and against Minny to win the bowl). He struggled against the elite competition, but he was a first-year starter. I have more confidence in him to beat one of those teams than any of the other guys right now. He might not possess great speed, but he is productive with his feet. Go back and watch some of the games from last year. He rarely goes down on first contact and never really took a big hit.

I look forward to watching Hunt's development and I also hope he's our starter for the next 2 seasons. Both Long and Edouard should redshirt and Kimble and Wilson will be the #2 and #3, respectively.

From what I've heard, Kimble is the real deal. Very, very athletic kid with a much stronger arm than Hunt. He runs a legit 4.5 forty.

I think Kimble has an advantage over Wilson because he ran a zone read offense in HS while Austin's HS ran more of a pro-style.
He came in as a 17 year old, 195 lb frosh last year. I'm curious to see what a year in the S&C program has done for his physical maturation. If he doesn't pan out at QB, I think his athletic ability makes him a candidate for a position change.

 

[RMH44]

Everybody on this and most other sports boards wants to be the coach . A fan supports the players , Hunt was thrown into a very difficult situation last year. Didn't get all the reps in preseason because of Allen , New coach , OC , Conference . The no.1 receiver , Flemming , out for the season. FSU and Clemson at the top of their cycle. Let me ask you one question , do you think a player performs better or worse knowing they have deep support with the fans? I'm trying to build the guy up , why can't Syracuse fans get that.

I bet there isn't one SU fan on here that wouldn't want Hunt to win the Heisman...hell, I hoes he wins two years in a row. But let's face reality. Heisman winners don't come from teams with 3 or 4 losses and that probably our best case scenario for next year.