Rank the QBs of the CAA

[BDKJMU]

Devlin gets the nod here, and it's not all that close either. Did wonders last year without even an offensive line in front of him or a running game to lean on.

As for Whitney, I like the kid, and he's real gutsy. But the real spark on the offense happens when he doesn't touch the ball (i.e. Sczsur handles the snap). And he had a virtual wall in front of him in terms of a offensive line. I don't think the analogy to Trent Dilfer is fair - I think Whitney is more capable than Dilfer was, relatively speaking of course. But Whitney only has to play a small part for his team to win.

And it's hard to really pick anyone else out of the pack after these two. Some guys could really develop into nice QB's, but it's a collection of guys with little to no experience (Corp) or guys who didn't overly impress the first time around (Havens). Somebody, or more, will emerge as time goes on, but time hasn't gone on yet.

Szczur's a special talent and his highlites alone are overwhelming. Whitney was surrounded by a lot of talent in 09. Brandyn Harvey made many a sideline catches with toes just inside the sideline like a ballarina, or making 4th & forever TD catches to win @ #1 Richmond. Dorian Wells, MIkey Reynolds, Norman White, Tony Cianci, et al all making catches for TD's, to move the sticks, to keep drives alive. Whitney was on the passing end of all those receptions.

When Whitney couldn't find a receiver or was flushed from the pocket he picked up yards with his feet. Whitney ran the offense that came from behind and beat Temple in the opener and did the same against W&M and Montana. In the NC game, Whitney hit Sczcur on a post pass up the middle on 3rd and long to put the Wildcats in position to score the TD giving the Cats their final score.

How many times does a guy have to win to be given his just due?? In 2011, Devlin may get drafted higher, but Whitney will most likely have a pair of NC rings.

Whitney has the best chance to get another ring. But not most likely he will get another. Nova probably has the best chance to win it next year of any team, but repeating doesn't happen often, and the odds are still well less than 50-50. Probably more like 1 in 4 at best. Historically whoever wins the NC repeats about 20% of the time:

Its only happened 6 of 31 times going back to the 1st NC in 78':
1.GSU 85' & 86'
2. GSU 89' & 90'
3. YSU 93' & 94'
4. GSU 99' & 00'
5. ASU 05' & 06'
6. ASU 06' & 07'

[ChickenMan]

We are talking about collge football here.. not the NFL so I think you have to rate Whitney at the top.. ahead of Devlin and everyone else in the CAA. While there is no doubt that Devlin is the superior passer.. quarterbacking in the CAA and the rest of college football often times requires more than just an outstanding ability to throw the football. Whitney is a very effective.. if not a great passer.. but his ability to really hurt opponents with his feet.. combined with the fact that he is a 'proven' winner has to put him at the top going into this season.

[foghorn]

While I watch every Hen game that's available to watch, I also watch our CAA compadres when I can. I watched Villanova several times on TV last year, and I attribute VU's great success primarily due to its superior offensive and defensive lines. While Whitney is a good QB, I don't think he passes well enough to consider him the best in the CAA. He is very strong and seems to possess excellent leadership ability, but so does Devlin, and Pat can outright throw, both accurately and with plenty of zip. Big edge to Devlin.

[tribe_pride]

Here's what I wrote on the CAAZONE

Having had the opportunity to talk to 8 head coaches and 2 SID's, I have a little better idea on how the QB's can be ranked. This also takes into account the OL's that will be protecting them.

Whitney has to be #1 because of all of the talent he has around him (YES, SZCZUR'S COMING BACK), his ability to run and pass, coaching schemes, and protection.

Devlin would be my #2, as the Blue Hens probably have the second best OL in the CAA.

Toman is #3 right now, but by a slim margin.

Smith/Treister (yet TBD, but Smith has slight advantage) #4.

Paul-Etienne #5 has the athleticism, not sure he has the blocking.

Dudzik, #6, unfortunately does not have a great OL in front of him. Hopefully, his OL can reach the level of average.

Havens, #7, nudges out Athens as he has the better team.

Athens, #8, is probably the better QB than Havens, but his OL is still young.

Corp, #9, is a talented QB, he just doesn't have a line to protect him.

W&M QB, #10, TBD, None of them are ready to start.

I'll admit to not knowing everything but I highly doubt that a Laycock coached QB at W&M will be last in the CAA. Are you sure the answer was "None of them are ready to start" and not "there is a competition between 2 or 3 guys and the starter is not known"?

W&M's running game should be strong. It was 3rd in the conference last year behind Nova and JMU and the OL loses only 1 guy from the line to graduation (2 if you want to include the TE). The running should set up the QB well. While I agree that that there are questions until the starter is picked and plays some games, I would be shocked if W&M has the worst QB in the conference.

[Tribe4SF]

Here's what I wrote on the CAAZONE

I'll admit to not knowing everything but I highly doubt that a Laycock coached QB at W&M will be last in the CAA. Are you sure the answer was "None of them are ready to start" and not "there is a competition between 2 or 3 guys and the starter is not known"?

W&M's running game should be strong. It was 3rd in the conference last year behind Nova and JMU and the OL loses only 1 guy from the line to graduation (2 if you want to include the TE). The running should set up the QB well. While I agree that that there are questions until the starter is picked and plays some games, I would be shocked if W&M has the worst QB in the conference.

jstcmlet is new to covering the CAA,and deciphering "Laycock speak" can be difficult. He's probably the most close-mouthed of the CAA coaches. That being said, it wouldn't surprise me if he saw the QB candidates as "not ready to start" after the spring. He expects consistency from his QB, and I'm sure neither Caprio or Paulus met his expectations in that regard during the spring. In the spring they also faced what RJ Archer faced last year, which is a defense that can make pretty good QBs look mediocre.

I'm more intrigued by jstcmlet's evaluation of Delaware's OL as the second best in the CAA.

[TribeNomad]

Long time W&M fans know Laycock is always somewhat guarded in what he says about the team in pre-season, so I would not read too much in any QB related comments. That being said, we are aware we are breaking in a new QB, and since Laycock seeks perfection in the QB play, he is not going to crow about the position at this point in process.

As SF wisely points out (he knows his W&M football!!) the defense tends to make QB's look average. I walked away from the Spring game in '09 thinking our offense was terrible....as it turned out, the defense made other offenses look terrible as well. We are looking for a very solid defense again this year, and I walked away from the '10 Spring game feeling really good about the defense.

The QB position should work out just fine, we may not see a Lang Campbell year out of the candidate, but we expect solid QB play.

[jstclmet]

jstcmlet is new to covering the CAA,and deciphering "Laycock speak" can be difficult. He's probably the most close-mouthed of the CAA coaches. That being said, it wouldn't surprise me if he saw the QB candidates as "not ready to start" after the spring. He expects consistency from his QB, and I'm sure neither Caprio or Paulus met his expectations in that regard during the spring. In the spring they also faced what RJ Archer faced last year, which is a defense that can make pretty good QBs look mediocre.

I'm more intrigued by jstcmlet's evaluation of Delaware's OL as the second best in the CAA.

CSN wanted their 2010 FCS conference profiles in by mid June. Thus, my evaluations largely depended on conversations with the coaches/SID's and who was coming back. I wasn't able to get out to any of the Spring practices. My OL evaluations may change after I've had a chance to see the teams up close and in person in Aug. My goal is to get out to the New England schools (UMass, UNH, URI) the first weekend teams meet (Aug 7) or maybe during the week. I want to get to the Va schools (W&M, UR, JMU, and maybe ODU) the weekend of the 14th, then hit Nova, UD, & TU the weekend of the 21'st or whenever the teams last take the practice field. I'll have to wait for the regular season to see Maine.

But based on what I've heard and read thus far with regard to OL, UD nudges W&M & Maine.

It's the development of the DL's that may determine this year's conference champion. Maine seems to be the front runner here as having the top DL.

[YoUDeeMan]

I think Hen fans will be pleased with our line this year.

From what I've heard, one of our previous starters will not be starting...and the rest have beefed up. The young guns (and big guns they are) will be pushing for playing time.

We will have size and depth this year...and they all will have had two years in the new offensive system. We will see a big difference in OL performance in 2010.

Too bad Baker won't be back. However, if he wins his appeal, we will be set.

Cluck- would that new 2nd stringer-former starter be an OT?

Yes. Unless he turns things around in a big way, he won't be starting. The injury certainly didn't help things, but he is getting out worked by others. The OL competition is a good thing...some kids are hungrier. 2010 should be a good line...2011, if everyone stays healthy, should be a year we blow people off the line.

[MaineBlackBear]

It's the development of the DL's that may determine this year's conference champion. Maine seems to be the front runner here as having the top DL.

I agree that Maine's DL can be very good but they have gone under the radar thus far, it really comes down to if we can have another end step up to replace Stevens. If we have an end step up we could be good because we will be much better on the inside Nani should be a dominant DT in the league this season. Also I think which ever QB wins our QB battle (Smith/Triester) will have a breakout year in the league.

[Tubby Raymond]

93henfan

If Delaware has the second best OL in the CAA, that's a pretty sad indictment of the rest of the conference. OL has been holding Delaware back for a few years now. As far as Whitney goes, I'm OK with your list, since you qualified it as being based on the talent around him. In a vacuum, Devlin is a way better quarterback, IMHO

There are a ton of talented QB's (very highly ranked) who have never won a ring. Take Dan Marino. Great QB, but no rings, although he did get to the dance once. You also have guys that were not as talented (Dilfer) or over the hill (Plunkett) who have rings.

At the end of the day, which would you rather have, a proven winner, the guy with the ring, or the super talented, but no ring wearing guy.

Whitney is a good "football player", Devlin is an exceptional QB. There is a distinction and it isn't solely based on the talent around either of them. I watched Whitney play 5 times last year and Devlin 7, I don't see the close second SF does but I trust his assessment.

[jstclmet]

Whitney is a good "football player", Devlin is an exceptional QB. There is a distinction and it isn't solely based on the talent around either of them. I watched Whitney play 5 times last year and Devlin 7, I don't see the close second SF does but I trust his assessment.

If you were to put them into one of those "QB Challenges" type of contest where you measure accuracy, arm strength, and throwing on the run, Devlin might hold the upper hand. If you were able to put both QB's in the same situation with the same offenses and defenses, I'd have to say that Whitney would have more success. Whitney is a proven winner, PERIOD. Devlin has not shown that he can/will do whatever is necessary to win a game (or make a play) for his team. Devlin is "ME FIRST", whereas Whitney is "TEAM FIRST".

Sure, Devlin will have the stats, but Whitney will have the W's & rings.

[bluehenbillk]

If you were able to put both QB's in the same situation with the same offenses and defenses, I'd have to say that Whitney would have more success.

I'll give you 32 independent opinions that will strongly disagree with that.

[jstclmet]

If you were able to put both QB's in the same situation with the same offenses and defenses, I'd have to say that Whitney would have more success.

I'll give you 32 independent opinions that will strongly disagree with that.

32??? That wouldn't be 32 NFL teams, would it?? Maybe you mean 32 like minded fellow UD fans. Assuming you're referring to the former, please remember a number of teams passed on Tom Brady (a 6th/7th round pick). Brady has gone on to prove to the world he's a winner. It may be my age, but I cannot remember the names of the QB's that went in the first round that year.

Assuming Devlin has a great (not average or above average) year, he may very well get drafted higher than Whitney. But mark my words, Whitney, if given the chance will be a winner on Sundays.

[bluehenbillk]

I'll give you 32 independent opinions that will strongly disagree with that.

32??? That wouldn't be 32 NFL teams, would it?? Maybe you mean 32 like minded fellow UD fans. Assuming you're referring to the former, please remember a number of teams passed on Tom Brady (a 6th/7th round pick). Brady has gone on to prove to the world he's a winner. It may be my age, but I cannot remember the names of the QB's that went in the first round that year.

Assuming Devlin has a great (not average or above average) year, he may very well get drafted higher than Whitney. But mark my words, Whitney, if given the chance will be a winner on Sundays.

"May very well get drafted higher than Whitney"?? You do realize Devlin has been prognosticated by some to be a 1st round pick next April right?? I think you'll see a pretty good leap this year with his 2nd year in the offense. And yes, it was 32 NFL teams I was referring to. Yes, where you get drafted or even if you get drafted only means so much. Otherwise, guys at the FCS level would have no shot at pro careers assuming there's triple digit FBS schools.

[foghorn]

jst,etc.:

. But mark my words, Whitney, if given the chance will be a winner on Sundays.
Image

Does the Arena League play on Sundays?

[jstclmet]

"May very well get drafted higher than Whitney"?? You do realize Devlin has been prognosticated by some to be a 1st round pick next April right?? I think you'll see a pretty good leap this year with his 2nd year in the offense. And yes, it was 32 NFL teams I was referring to. Yes, where you get drafted or even if you get drafted only means so much. Otherwise, guys at the FCS level would have no shot at pro careers assuming there's triple digit FBS schools.

You guys are really on a roll here. I forgot to mention Whitney is 3 - 0 against UD.

In his freshmen year, he beat a Flacco led Blue Hen team 16 - 10.
In his sophomore year, he beat a Schoenhoft led team 21 - 7.
Last year, he beat a Devlin led team 30 - 12.
See any kind of a trend here??

No disrepect to Devlin, there have only been 4 FCS QB's in the last 3 years who have beaten Whitney;
Coen (UMASS - 07), Ward (UR - 07), Landers (JMU - 08 2x's), and Toman (UNH - 09). Toman is the only QB remaining with a win over Whitney, and Whitney is 2 - 1 against him.
The kid's a winner. The draft next April will take care of itself. Right now, you have to give Whitney the #1 stamp of the top QB in the CAA.

[Tribe4SF]

Whitney is a good "football player", Devlin is an exceptional QB. There is a distinction and it isn't solely based on the talent around either of them. I watched Whitney play 5 times last year and Devlin 7, I don't see the close second SF does but I trust his assessment.

If you were to put them into one of those "QB Challenges" type of contest where you measure accuracy, arm strength, and throwing on the run, Devlin might hold the upper hand. If you were able to put both QB's in the same situation with the same offenses and defenses, I'd have to say that Whitney would have more success. Whitney is a proven winner, PERIOD. Devlin has not shown that he can/will do whatever is necessary to win a game (or make a play) for his team. Devlin is "ME FIRST", whereas Whitney is "TEAM FIRST".

Sure, Devlin will have the stats, but Whitney will have the W's & rings.

That's a harsh judgement on Devlin, and I know of no justification for it. He showed his heart and "team" approach against Ohio State before he even became a Blue Hen. Whitney is a fine QB, and a fine football player, but I don't agree he'd outperform Devlin in a same situation match-up. Be careful with your "homerism" before it renders your column an afterthought to other CAA fans.

[andy7171]

ouch

[93henfan]

Be careful with your "homerism" before it renders your column an afterthought to other CAA fans.

Too late for that. Jay Saint Clam exposed himself as a biased Nova homer a couple of years back.

The gems in this thread have been priceless. Dilfer is a better quarterback than Marino. Whitney, with a delivery that makes me question if he even has male genitals, is better than Devlin. Whitney will be "a winner on Sundays".

Good stuff!

[bluehenbillk]

If you were able to put both QB's in the same situation with the same offenses and defenses, I'd have to say that Whitney would have more success.

Look at your "own words". Talk all you want about Whitney's record versus UD. You telling me Whitney would have won against 'Nova in the past 2 years playing on UD?? Whitney is a good QB, don't get me wrong, but there are a bunch of players on 'Nova's team I'd say are more valuable to their success. Devlin stands out as not only the best player on his team, but one of the best in the country, which is why we're all chuckling here.

[GannonFan]

Man, it's very rare that you see a guy's credibility evaporate right before your eyes, but you have to feel sorry for jstclmet. This thread is a cautionary tale in how you can let your homerism completely blind you to reality. Is it me, or has jstclmet just nominated himself to be nova's version of umassfan?

[jstclmet]

That's a harsh judgement on Devlin, and I know of no justification for it. He showed his heart and "team" approach against Ohio State before he even became a Blue Hen. Whitney is a fine QB, and a fine football player, but I don't agree he'd outperform Devlin in a same situation match-up. Be careful with your "homerism" before it renders your column an afterthought to other CAA fans.

4SF,

Word leaked out to me from Blue Hen camp towards the end of last season that Devlin snaps at his OL when they miss a block. That was the first time I was given the "ME FIRST" impression.

After the Nova vs UD game in the post game press conference, I asked Devlin why he did not run for a first down when he had an opportunity to do so (3 to 4 yds) to keep the sticks moving early in the 3rd qtr, also asking if he didn't like to run. Devlin replied that he would run if the team needed him to run, but his answer was not convincing. On the play he was caught from behind by a Nova DL and there was no one in front of him. K.C. Keeler followed up on Devlin's answer by recalling the play and stating Devlin could have picked up the FD, and that is something Devlin still needs to learn to do. Both the play, and the post game press conference reaction is something you had to have seen. My writing skills cannot accurately depict the scenes.

I don't deny Devlin has skills, and I've always given credit where credit is due. However, as the title of this thread is rank the CAA QB's, I look for the guys with heart, and the guys that will make and/or fight for a play. I also took in consideration the team surrounding the QB. Whitney wins IMHO.

[bluehenbillk]

Whitney fits into the 'Nova system & is sometimes covered by the system. Devlin makes the whole UD system better. Hard to make it more clear than that.

[foghorn]

jst..... :

I forgot to mention Whitney is 3 - 0 against UD.

No, Villanova has beaten UD three years in a row. That's your problem, you can't seem to separate the team effort from the individual's. Your team was superior and deserved to win. There were more contributors than just Whitney and several with more impact.

[foghorn]

jst:

Word leaked out to me from Blue Hen camp towards the end of last season that Devlin snaps at his OL when they miss a block. That was the first time I was given the "ME FIRST" impression.

What, "ME FIRST"? Hardly, that's what a leader on a football team does, especially QBs. Make on the spot corrections and give 'em hell if necessary. Is this a new concept to you?