As we have discussed on this board at least a dozen times in response to this video, our coaching staff has evaluated different brands and models of football several times with our quarterbacks and kickers. They tested several last spring and elected to stay with the Wilson GST.
To clear up a few bits of incorrect information on this topic in the thread:
- Teams bring their own balls to road games. The only time a team touches a ball they didn't bring with them is on a kick return, punt return, and interceptions.
- Adidas DOES make a collegiate football, and several of their schools use it. we choose not to.
- Our contract for footballs (and basketballs) is completely separate from our apparel contract with Adidas. Our basketball teams use Wilson balls because that is the SEC and NCAA Tournament Ball.
- If we wanted to use a Nike football, there is nothing in our Adidas contract that prevents it. I'm sure they wouldn't be enthused with the idea.
- When testing footballs last spring, we tried out several NCAA approved models from Adidas, Wilson and Nike.
- After having the kickers/punters test out all of the models of ball, there was no measurable difference in distance or accuracy between the Wilsons and the Nike and Adidas balls. We elected to continue using the GST because it is what the quarterbacks and receivers preferred.
- We have Nike balls that are used in practice by kick returners and punt returners, since they handle opponent's football on returns. I assure you that if our kickers and punters were bombing away with these balls in practice on a regular basis, we'd make a change.
Certainly, I respect the opinion of James Wilhoit and his pupils are having great success in high school and college. However, UT conducted a similar test to him and had different results with the players that actually perform in games.
