Ive re watched LSU’s spring game. Collins has great arm talent but he needs development.
Just from watching the spring game it looks like he can throw the ball off platform pretty well but he has happy feet in the pocket. He tucks and run after his first read is taken away. Tends to throw off his back foot at times. Didn’t complete his down field throws but was accurate on swings and boundary out routes. Good arm talent and athleticism. He has off script play making potential. All this can improve with coaching and repetition.
If no McCord then we have 3 young talented guys that will battle it out. Could be a transition year. The following year we will have an experienced starter
I do not agree with your assessment of Rickie Collins throwing motion or of his "happy Feet". Google Rickie Collins Elite 11 and watch him throw.
His mechanics are very good from start to finish. He's over the top throwing a very tight spiral which derives from holding the ball in front of his right pec at mid chest level elbow relaxed. 65% of his weight is on his back foot stacked above his head, knee and foot. He's very energized and quick.
This is the way I was taught and I became a dual threat All-State prep QB recruited by five schools. They did not have my major, so I walked onto SU beat out the QB and they gave me a scholie. I ran a 9.7 100 yard dash and was the NJ state champion in that event. The speed helped overall but in some throws while running added to the acceleration and accuracy of the throw. As a senior I threw for 25 TD’s and ran for 20.
I have taught the following to other HS/college QB’s who have gone on to be very successful at their schools.
What I see in the Elite 11 of Rickie is:
Collins has proper sequencing through the "wind-up," "cocking," "acceleration," "deceleration," and "follow-through" stages, ensuring a smooth transition between each phase, utilizing the hips effectively for power, and maintaining a consistent release point with a tight spiral by properly gripping the ball and applying pressure with the index finger as the last point of contact.
Key aspects of each throwing phase:
Wind-up:
Minimal shoulder tension
Ball held comfortably in the throwing hand
Establish a balanced stance
Cocking:
Elbow raised to shoulder height
Weight shifted slightly back on the rear foot
Shoulders begin to rotate slightly towards the target
Acceleration:
Step forward with the front foot towards the target
Hips aggressively rotate through the throw
Elbow drives forward, wrist snaps to release the ball
Deceleration:
Weight transfers fully onto the front foot
Throwing arm extends fully towards the target
Chest faces the target
Follow-through:
Arm finishes across the body with the throwing hand pointing at the target
Maintain balance and stability on the front foot
Throwing thumb pointing down
Important considerations:
Grip: A proper grip with the index finger applying the most pressure helps create a tight spiral.
Body mechanics: Utilizing the entire body, especially the hips, generates maximum power.
Eye focus: Maintaining focus on the target throughout the throwing motion
Practice drills: Implementing drills that focus on specific throwing phases, like "wall drills" for release point accuracy or "ladder drills" for footwork and balance.
