Thank God AJ Long got here for spring practice...

[RF2044]

I was just thinking of how improbable it is to have a true freshman QB who can actually run the offense effectively, and it made me think back to some beneficial circumstances that might have led him to be in this position.

• The kid arrives in January--getting acclimated to college, getting a head start on learning the offense, getting immersed in a S&C program, getting a chance to develop some chemistry with teammates.

• He gets to participate in spring practice, including a "live" scrimmage where he got a taste of the speed of the college game.

• He heads into the post-spring practice offseason no longer a complete rookie / novice, with the ability to take what he learned and improve his understanding of the playbook.

At the end of the day, Long's performance against FSU, while impressive, was just one data point. If he shows the same ability to move the ball effectively this weekend, then we might be onto something. But I can't help but think about how beneficial having him in for the spring was given how things have circumstantially worked out.

I doubt he'd be in this position if he'd shown up in July.

 

[SmilinBob]

Very true and it was a bowl game practice for the kid to get a jump on the playbook. Some seize the opportunity and we'll have 3 to 5 more games to see what he can do with it.

 

[Finwad32]

And I'll be honest, I have to eat crow on this... When I saw AJ in Spring Practice, I just didn't see it. I saw enthusiasm and work ethic, I didn't see the ability or size I had hoped for.

Yes, it's only been one game. As a true Freshman he's already surpassed my thoughts/opinions, and I'm happy about that. But, it also reminds me of something my father always told me. The minute you think you know everything is the moment you better realize you know nothing.

 

[RF2044]

And I'll be honest, I have to eat crow on this... When I saw AJ in Spring Practice, I just didn't see it. I saw enthusiasm and work ethic, I didn't see the ability or size I had hoped for.

Yes, it's only been one game. As a true Freshman he's already surpassed my thoughts/opinions, and I'm happy about that. But, it also reminds me of something my father always told me. The minute you think you know everything is the moment you better realize you know nothing.

I want to be clear: in no way am I suggesting that Long is a finished product, that he's 'good' at this stage of his developmental curve, that he's anything close to as effective as he'll be two years from now, that he's fully mastered the offense, that he'll be able to sustain his play from the first game, etc. He has a lot more proving to do this year to even be considered the front runner for starting QB heading into the offseason.

I'm just pointing out that getting here in the spring was fortuitous to both Long and SU, given how things worked out, because it enabled him to jump start his readiness--physically [he's put on about 10 pounds of muscle since arriving in January] and mentally.

 

[SmilinBob]

Out of curiosity, can NY kids do this if they are in honors/accelerated classes and with regents?

 

[Finwad32]

I want to be clear: in no way am I suggesting that Long is a finished product, that he's 'good' at this stage of his developmental curve, that he's fully mastered the offense, that he'll be able to sustain his play from the first game, etc. He has a lot more proving to do this year to even be considered the front runner for starting QB heading into the offseason.

I'm just pointing out that getting here in the spring was fortuitous to both Long and SU, given how things worked out, because it enabled him to jump start his readiness--physically [he's put on about 10 pounds of muscle since arriving in January] and mentally.

Agreed on all fronts. It is funny how things work out, because, if you'd asked me if we'd ever see Long at all let alone this year I would've said no way.

And, I remember how he rubbed a lot of guys the wrong way with comments he made when he got here, including Hunt. It's funny how quickly perception changes. And I'm not saying you, just in general.

This young man has some traits that are indicative of success on and off the field. I hope he utilizes them. I think we'll all be pleased if he does.

 

[SmilinBob]

You bring up an interesting point Finwad...the dynamic between freshmen and seniors or the new and old guard. I like the way the linemen put it out there to protect the 2 young qb's and that means something to me, it's not an us vs them it's team.

 

[RF2044]

Agreed on all fronts. It is funny how things work out, because, if you'd asked me if we'd ever see Long at all let alone this year I would've said no way.

And, I remember how he rubbed a lot of guys the wrong way with comments he made when he got here, including Hunt. It's funny how quickly perception changes. And I'm not saying you, just in general.

This young man has some traits that are indicative of success on and off the field. I hope he utilizes them. I think we'll all be pleased if he does.

Yup. And he demonstrated that leadership early on, by being so active in recruiting. Kid just seems like a natural leader. AND perhaps more importantly, he also has the tools to develop into a very good QB.

 

[Finwad32]

You bring up an interesting point Finwad...the dynamic between freshmen and seniors or the new and old guard. I like the way the linemen put it out there to protect the 2 young qb's and that mans something to me, it's not an us vs them it's team.

Seeing guys hustle to Long to help him up after taking a shot shows me a lot about our team dynamic. And even though the kid might've been too big for his britches initially, I think, he's earned his stripes amongst teammates.

 

[Chip]

And I'll be honest, I have to eat crow on this... When I saw AJ in Spring Practice, I just didn't see it. I saw enthusiasm and work ethic, I didn't see the ability or size I had hoped for.

But I think that's ok. I thought the same thing, then had to remind myself where the kid was in his development. I just remember thinking how on earth is he going to make all the throws necessary with that arm. He just looked like an athlete that someone threw in at QB. I re-watched the FSU game last night, and his passing is so much further ahead than it was that spring game. There's still so much for him to learn, but as a college QB, where you can have success without size (remember that 5 foot 9 kid that took Kansas to an Orange Bowl?), the sky's the limit for this kid.

Wake Forest's QB this weekend, is the example of the true freshman who arrived in July and was thrown into the starting job right away. I'd hope our blitzes just Savagely (see what I did there?) confuse the crap out of him.

 

[Pyle]

Seeing guys hustle to Long to help him up after taking a shot shows me a lot about our team dynamic. And even though the kid might've been too big for his britches initially, I think, he's earned his stripes amongst teammates.

It's about time we had someone too big for his britches. Remember Arob and how he wouldn't come here unless Gerg promised not to recruit another QB? Yeah that led to Cameron Dantley by year 4. AJ doesn't care who's got the job or who we recruit, he thinks he's gonna beat them all. Bout time!

 

[SmilinBob]

But I think that's ok. I thought the same thing, then had to remind myself where the kid was in his development. I just remember thinking how on earth is he going to make all the throws necessary with that arm. He just looked like an athlete that someone threw in at QB. I re-watched the FSU game last night, and his passing is so much further ahead than it was that spring game. There's still so much for him to learn, but as a college QB, where you can have success without size (remember that 5 foot 9 kid that took Kansas to an Orange Bowl?), the sky's the limit for this kid.

Wake Forest's QB this weekend, is the example of the true freshman who arrived in July and was thrown into the starting job right away. I'd hope our blitzes just Savagely (see what I did there?) confuse the crap out of him.

Yep make him a donner with all that blitzen.

 

[RF2044]

But I think that's ok. I thought the same thing, then had to remind myself where the kid was in his development. I just remember thinking how on earth is he going to make all the throws necessary with that arm. He just looked like an athlete that someone threw in at QB. I re-watched the FSU game last night, and his passing is so much further ahead than it was that spring game. There's still so much for him to learn, but as a college QB, where you can have success without size (remember that 5 foot 9 kid that took Kansas to an Orange Bowl?), the sky's the limit for this kid.

Wake Forest's QB this weekend, is the example of the true freshman who arrived in July and was thrown into the starting job right away. I'd hope our blitzes just Savagely (see what I did there?) confuse the crap out of him.

I'll tell you what--I doubt that Syracuse is ever going to be an NFL feeder program for QBs. But I'd be okay with Chase Daniel-esque QBs who are undersized but very good college playmakers all day long.

Sign me up.

 

[SmilinBob]

I'll tell you what--I doubt that Syracuse is ever going to be an NFL feeder program for QBs. But I'd be okay with Chase Daniel-esque QBs who are undersized but very good college playmakers all day long.

Sign me up.

Look at OSU and Penn State, as good as they have been in the past they have struggled in a huge way to put any qb's in the NFL. I agree...give me a solid college qb that can make plays running and hit receivers on the run and that are open and I'm a very happy camper.

 

[Finwad32]

It's about time we had someone too big for his britches. Remember Arob and how he wouldn't come here unless Gerg promised not to recruit another QB? Yeah that led to Cameron Dantley by year 4. AJ doesn't care who's got the job or who we recruit, he thinks he's gonna beat them all. Bout time!

Love a kid that's always looking for competition. That's the way it should be at this level. Saying you don't want any other QB's recruited tells me a little something about your self confidence whether you show it or not.

Even if someone with AJ's demeanor doesn't win the job, bet your bottom dollar he's pushing guys day in and day out. Doesn't matter if it's the weightroom, classroom or the field, people tend to follow people who take the lead and own something.

 

[SmilinBob]

Love a kid that's always looking for competition. That's the way it should be at this level. Saying you don't want any other QB's recruited tells me a little something about your self confidence whether you show it or not.

Even if someone with AJ's demeanor doesn't win the job, bet your bottom dollar he's pushing guys day in and day out. Doesn't matter if it's the weightroom, classroom or the field, people tend to follow people who take the lead and own something.

I can dig that. It's always interesting to see how kids handle failure...do they turtle or learn from it and execute. Leaders do the latter.

 

[Pat Kelly]

And I'll be honest, I have to eat crow on this... When I saw AJ in Spring Practice, I just didn't see it. I saw enthusiasm and work ethic, I didn't see the ability or size I had hoped for.

Yes, it's only been one game. As a true Freshman he's already surpassed my thoughts/opinions, and I'm happy about that. But, it also reminds me of something my father always told me. The minute you think you know everything is the moment you better realize you know nothing.

I don't get the whole "size" issue everyone has… there have been plenty of short QBs who are good and plenty of tall QBs who are bad. I noticed in the spring game he was very fast and had a solid arm...

 

[Pat Kelly]

I'll tell you what--I doubt that Syracuse is ever going to be an NFL feeder program for QBs. But I'd be okay with Chase Daniel-esque QBs who are undersized but very good college playmakers all day long.

Sign me up.

I think he's talking about Todd Reesing, but I agree with the point.

 

[SmilinBob]

I don't get the whole "size" issue everyone has… there have been plenty of short QBs who are good and plenty of tall QBs who are bad. I noticed in the spring game he was very fast and had a solid arm...

How can you find our comments on the spring game? Should be interesting to read what we wrote.

 

[Pat Kelly]

How can you find our comments on the spring game? Should be interesting to read what we wrote.

I remember everyone seemed excited by Austin Wilson, even though he was at 4th string at the time. I wanted someone faster.

 

[SmilinBob]

I remember everyone seemed excited by Austin Wilson, even though he was at 4th string at the time. I wanted someone faster.

It was pretty easy to see that Wilson had a better arm to stretch out defenses and if I remember correctly AJ threw a heck of a lot of those bubble screens. Accurate though. To be honest I still don't see AJ as extremely athletic speed wise but enough to do some damage if he reads his runs right.

 

[TheCusian]

That Eskridge wanted to room with AJ should tell us all we wanted to know about his leadership.

 

[Pat Kelly]

It was pretty easy to see that Wilson had a better arm to stretch out defenses and if I remember correctly AJ threw a heck of a lot of those bubble screens. Accurate though. To be honest I still don't see AJ as extremely athletic speed wise but enough to do some damage if he reads his runs right.

He's much faster than Hunt and I remember they stopped a bunch of plays he probably could've gotten out of because they didn't want the QBs to get hit. Only issue is he won't have the same strength running the ball as Hunt.

 

[SmilinBob]

He's much faster than Hunt and I remember they stopped a bunch of plays he probably could've gotten out of because they didn't want the QBs to get hit. Only issue is he won't have the same strength running the ball as Hunt.

Hunt wasn't fast but strong as you say and strangely elusive. I want AJ to be smart when he runs and run with a purpose. If (and I do believe he will) keep his head up while scrambling we could have some pretty sweet things happen offensively...that is if the receivers run the routes correctly instead of blocking.

 

[Pat Kelly]

Hunt wasn't fast but strong as you say and strangely elusive. I want AJ to be smart when he runs and run with a purpose. If (and I do believe he will) keep his head up while scrambling we could have some pretty sweet things happen offensively...that is if the receivers run the routes correctly instead of blocking.

Actually, I was talking about them stopping the plays with Long running around out there, but yes, Hunt is very shifty. I just think Hunt seems at times too deliberate with his throws… like he's taking too long or thinking about it too much or something. Just too many of his throws seem telegraphed.