To the Devito doubters

[Redrum]

That would be us AKA Australia way down under

 

[TheCusian]

It’s just a lot tougher to recruit, as there’s not many dudes out there that are big, strong and agile. The ones that are go to about 4 schools... Bama, Georgia, Clemson and OSU with some other SEC teams picking up the rest. Even Clemson just started entering this conversation.

BC, PITT, Wake, Indiana, Purdue, Vanderbilt - the list goes on ... and all of those programs don’t automatically think they must have a dual threat to compensate.

We can do better on the line. Recruiting, coaching, etc. Tommy can and was getting better at pocket awareness, Tucker running will help. I think our OL might be ok next year if we keep some seniors, stay healthier, and continue to improve.

 

[gocraz4dasu]

I think Devito has SIGNIFICANTLY more arm talent than Culpepper, which is evident right away when watching them. But, watching our offense these past 2 weeks hasn't made me long for our offense in weeks 1 through 4 either. It's still bad, just a marginally different flavor of bad.

Rex's throws are more erratic and he lacks the necessary D1 arm strength currently. His completion percentage is awful (43%) but it's not like Devito's was much better (50%). That stat is also partially the fault of our receivers for consistently dropping the ball though.

Devito has the arm talent and potential to be a genuinely good college quarterback but the jury is still out on whether he can put together all of the aspects of playing the position on a consistent basis. He has drives where he looks all the 4 star prospect we expected him to be but there are drives/games where you can see him panicking and not progressing through his reads. Sometimes justified, sometimes not. The offensive line last year certainly didn't help his inner clock to sense the rush. That said though, he does take some unnecessary sacks.

Devito is better and has more potential than Culpepper (I don't think anyone argues that though). I want nothing more than for Devito to come back, light up the score board next year, and then have his dad parade around this forum telling everyone that we know nothing and Tommy is going pro. But until everything is put together for a season, it's still just unrealized potential.

 

[TheCusian]

Depends what your definition of good is. For me it would be a Top 25 OL. Since an OL consists of 5 guys, is only as strong as its weakest link, and SU won't have many Top 25 recruiting classes, it would be very difficult for us to have a good OL. Definitely won't happen on a constant basis. Especially without an OL guru coaching. We certainly can and should have decent OLs. We should IMO be in that 40-60 range most seasons with the occasional higher or lower unit. The problem IMO is we likely will be in that 60-75 range next year with an experienced OL.

I’m more bearish on the OL for next year. Another year after this “bonus” season might be what we need. Especially if we can redshirt the younger guys (like banking depth)