QB competition..

[MFL]

I would like to see Ferguson start just to get it in or out of many minds. I'm sure it will be Worley though and a solid win over Utah and he's the man.

 

[sjt18]

Good, I miss seeing a junior QB throwing into the dirt...not that Worley did any of that last season, right?
We love to see us some lobed passes.

No. He actually DID NOT do that very much... no more than Bray.

The hate on Worley gets more irrational every day here it seems.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

No. He actually DID NOT do that very much... no more than Bray.

The hate on Worley gets more irrational every day here it seems.

People seem to forget that the WR had some bad drops last season. With Worley as the starter, I think we would have beaten Vandy and went bowling.

 

[govols105]

the bottomline is the sooner the coaches decide to name a leader the better off the whole team will be. if they wait til the utah state game i think they are hindering the offense and defense. won't allow the wr and qb chemistry to develop like it must over the summer for us to have a offense outside of running the ball.

 

[GrowVol]

No. He actually DID NOT do that very much... no more than Bray.

The hate on Worley gets more irrational every day here it seems.

Actually he did not? Is that why most vol fans where crying before FLA last year? Why was Peterman put in against FLA in the SWAMP last season.....just for kicks....come on man????

 

[Skullbone]

Worley is the best QB on the roster this year. Riley may be the future, but Justin Worley is the present. Throwing a QB with no SEC game experience in as a redshirted freshman is something you do only when you have to. We don't have to. I expect Worley to step it up this year and distribute the ball like a senior QB should. Riley will be better served to play behind Worley and have a chance to develop physically while gaining experience in a controlled setting.

 

[GrowVol]

Worley is the best QB on the roster this year. Riley may be the future, but Justin Worley is the present. Throwing a QB with no SEC game experience in as a redshirted freshman is something you do only when you have to. We don't have to. I expect Worley to step it up this year and distribute the ball like a senior QB should. Riley will be better served to play behind Worley and have a chance to develop physically while gaining experience in a controlled setting.

Really?:hmm:

 

[KBVol]

Treece and Darago were at practice yesterday and said that Worley was the most consistent and was making not good , but great throws. Said Worley really separated himself yesterday from the pack and that if the season started today that, hands down, Worley would be the starter in both their opinions.

Add Swain to the list....said the same thing.

 

[govols105]

worley and dobbs all the way.

 

[Skullbone]

Really?:hmm:

Really. I hate to break it to you, but Riley Ferguson is not Johnny Manziel or Nick Marshall or Jameis Winston. He's more of a traditional, developing underclassman QB with a bright future. Worley is the starting QB until we absolutely have no choice but to make a change. That very well could happen, but I wouldn't be so quick to write off Worley just yet. Now 2015 is a different story. Then we'll see for sure if Ferguson is prime time ready.

 

[GrowVol]

Really. I hate to break it to you, but Riley Ferguson is not Johnny Manziel or Nick Marshall or Jameis Winston. He's more of a traditional, developing underclassman QB with a bright future. Worley is the starting QB until we absolutely have no choice but to make a change. That very well could happen, but I wouldn't be so quick to write off Worley just yet. Now 2015 is a different story. Then we'll see for sure if Ferguson is prime time ready.

Hate to break to you, but...none of them are Johnny Manziel. I'm not for any one QB....but with our schedule and our young OL, we need mobility and and quick/accurate passes...no more "deer in the headlights" QB.

 

[Darth_Shiveman]

Ferguson and Worley will both likely play start at different times. $#!+ happens.

The question is which one ends the season as the starter.

 

[UTProf]

My opinion (alphabetical order):

Dobbs
Strengths- very smart, takes coaching, runs well, throws a nice looking short pass
Weaknesses- made poor decisions with the ball, doesn't throw the deep ball well, did not appear to have good command of the O, took MUCH longer to get plays off.

The irony of that is his worst throws were shorter ones both at Bama and UK.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

Hate to break to you, but...none of them are Johnny Manziel. I'm not for any one QB....but with our schedule and our young OL, we need mobility and and quick/accurate passes...no more "deer in the headlights" QB.

You're right, they are better than Manziel was. Except for RF of course. We don't know who the starter will be or how good they are going to be. We need a QB who has good arm strength, accuracy and good decision making skills. Mobility should not be above any of the previous things I mentioned.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

Actually he did not? Is that why most vol fans where crying before FLA last year? Why was Peterman put in against FLA in the SWAMP last season.....just for kicks....come on man????

He had the better week of practice, that's the reason. That is one of my problems with CBJ last year. Also I wonder why Worley was the starter in every other game we played in until his injury? I mean if all he threw was bad passes it seems someone else would have been the starter.

Also Worley did not have a game that approached as bad as NP had against UF. Butch made a mistake and paid for it. If Worley would have started the UF game, I actually like our chances of winning that game.

 

[UTProf]

You're right, they are better than Manziel was. Except for RF of course. We don't know who the starter will be or how good they are going to be. We need a QB who has good arm strength, accuracy and good decision making skills. Mobility should not be above any of the previous things I mentioned.

Mobility is obviously a crucial factor in this offense though. We run a play that makes it crucial. One of Worley's problems last year is he never kept it. Keeping the ball keeps the defense honest especially given that the play slows down how fast a QB can pass the ball. That's the sacrifice of opening up both an RB and QB option on those plays but it pays big dividends when the QB can keep the D honest. What I can't fathom is that Worley was a surprisingly good runner when he actually did decide to keep it.

I'm not sure how much the read-option will effect what everyone says are some of Ferguson's biggest skills/upside in terms of 'quick release' or even being a gunslinger but unless we stop running it if he's named starter and if the rumors are true it will neutralize some of that advantage because that play slows one aspect down to give an offense more options. So that IS something to keep in mind when trying to figure out our QB situation. One of Worley's problems is that while he IS a skilled QB, the system we're running isn't made for him and it remains to be seen whether it will continue to effect him or if mobility/running will have any impact on Fergy who hasn't been hyped in the mobility category.

Dobbs and Peterman are built for this system while Worley, especially, is square peg in a round hole. Given that Worley did pretty good while being pretty bad at times too. Peterman was disappointing, awful even, against UF but in practice footage he's shown the ability to throw some surprisingly good passes. However, despite being a runner we haven't seen much running from him either. I don't know if he was overhyped in that regard or what but he does have legs.

From what I've read and heard, Fergy has run in a straight line on a track speed but I don't think explosiveness or running are really strengths but who knows? He may suck at running the field but then again if he gets on the field he may surprise everyone in his ability to run and allude. He's said to be good rolling out and passing and everyone says he has the arm - though I haven't seen it myself. He's a big question mark right now but I do think he has big potential.

Dobbs has all the tools but has been inaccurate and uneven. His freshman year he'd throw a drool worthy pass into a tight window with some godawful ones sprinkled in. He may not be in Fergy's league in terms of pure arm strength but his arm has been downplayed because he excelled at running. If you look at the scouting reports his arm strength is considered elite - again may not have the release or strength of Fergy but he does have an elite arm per various scouts - even Worley clocks in with NFL arm strength though no one believes it because his off passes were just dreadful last year.

Regardless of who you favor, I think whoever emerges as starter is going to look great compared to last year. We have WRs, TEs, and an RB corps that is amazing and that will make any QB look good. Last year our WRs/TEs had no real experience.

IOW, we will be fine at QB imo and positively better than last year.

 

[Coug]

I didn't read that Riley reference in a negative manner at all. I thought he was saying he was happy to get RF as many chances as he could because he has "INNATE ABILITY TO CREATE PLAYS". Time will tell. Man. This is going to be a long offseason.

I had to edit this for a misspelling. It was posted for six hours and I wasn't hassled by the VNGP (Vol Nation Grammar Police). It's gonna be a good day.

I lol'd.

You're reaching Coug.

Some people seriously need to work on reading comprehension. I've read and re-read the quotes and I can't translate it to "we won't see RF on the field this year", no matter how many times I read it, or spin it. It sounds like coach speak to me that says "we're not telling you yet".

Perhaps I am being a little analytical.

I will say that if CBJ maintains the same approach to the game as he did last year the fact is that we didn't see a frosh step onto the field until every QB before him was physically hurt.

Regardless of my views I think Worley will be the first on the field. Where CBJ goes with that afterward is anyone's guess.

 

[WoodsmanVol]

UTProf, great post, very sensible. I agree, whoever I QB is, the receiving corps and RBs, probably the TEs as well will be good enough to make the QB look good. Receivers now should know how to run their routes. The system should now be better mastered by the team. If the Butch also has them playing with malicious intent, this team might be what Missouri was last year in terms of performance.

 

[ChattaTNVol]

Add Swain to the list....said the same thing.

I like these TSR reporters. They don't hold back.

Stokes on Mar 29th.

QB’s: I’m going to go ahead and say that today was a tie between Worley and Ferguson. Both made some very nice throws but they also made some bad mistakes with ball security. Ferguson made a very smart play on a checkdown that Devrin Young took to the house in overtime work. Worley made a beautiful throw to Croom (who was being defended by Moseley), on the first snap of overtime. He hit Croom in stride down the sideline and the jumbo wide receiver drug Moseley into the endzone for the touchdown. Both 10 & 14 threw interceptions in overtime as well, but overall they seemed to command the offense the best and seemed to make the most plays. Dobbs had a very tough day though. He and the wet ball did not get a long as he had a very hard time holding onto it. Peterman had a similar issue when working from under center. The worst play Dobbs made was when he pulled the ball down to run it slipped and bounced right into the hands of a defender. He really didn’t do enough good things today to offset the bad plays he made, in my opinion. Peterman didn’t wow today either, but he didn’t look horrible. A couple of botched qb/center exhcanges but for the most part he ran the ball well and threw it ok. Reps with the ones were being divided up differently today. By the end of practice it was mostly Worley and Ferguson taking turns with the ones. Read into that what you will.

Stokes' Stance: Spring Practice 8 - Tennessee Sports Radio

Hooker on Mar 15th

Riley Ferguson had the best day in Friday’s scrimmage among UT’s quarterbacks. The redshirt freshman threw a perfect pass to sophomore receiver Marquez North just outside the red zone for a touchdown. Ferguson also showed the ability to throw on the run when he hit a receiver on a crossing route who was double covered. It looked like a bad decision but Ferguson completed the pass. Ferguson also showed the ability to elude defenders when running the ball.

“We are just going out and being who we are, playing quarterback,” Ferguson said. “We’re just trying to get better every day. That is what we are focused on – helping each other and trying to get better as a unit.”

Sophomore Joshua Dobbs was mostly solid except for a fumble near his own goal line. Sophomore defensive end Corey Vereen picked up the ball and scored. For the first time this spring, UT’s quarterbacks faced full contact.

“It was kind of a feel thing to see how much we wanted the quarterbacks live,” Jones said. “But so much occurs when you make the quarterback live. I wanted to see what players could create plays in terms of the quarterback position, who could manufacture themselves out of bad situations.

“It was great for them to create the scramble drill but also to see how we could tackle the quarterback in space. We did not do a very good job with that. We will continue to make them live as the season progresses.”

Senior Justin Worley threw an interception as the Vols were about to score. Sophomore Nathan Peterman made some good reads but is still struggling with his accuracy.

Which Vols shined in Friday's scrimmage? - Tennessee Sports Radio - Tennessee Sports Radio

 

[sjt18]

Mobility is obviously a crucial factor in this offense though. We run a play that makes it crucial. One of Worley's problems last year is he never kept it. Keeping the ball keeps the defense honest especially given that the play slows down how fast a QB can pass the ball. That's the sacrifice of opening up both an RB and QB option on those plays but it pays big dividends when the QB can keep the D honest. What I can't fathom is that Worley was a surprisingly good runner when he actually did decide to keep it.

It was my opinion at the time and nothing since has changed it that Worley was told or encouraged not to keep it after Peterman's injury. I think they wanted to keep the RS on both Fr.

You are right though. Worley isn't slow and made some effective runs. With the development of all 4 QB's now, I suspect he will be allowed/encouraged to keep it more or if you wish will be required to keep it more to hold the job.

One of Worley's problems is that while he IS a skilled QB, the system we're running isn't made for him and it remains to be seen whether it will continue to effect him or if mobility/running will have any impact on Fergy who hasn't been hyped in the mobility category.

He didn't run it in HS much but I remember one of the concerns being that he had not taken a snap under center in a long time when he arrived at UT. He ran a spread type O in HS.

Regardless of who you favor, I think whoever emerges as starter is going to look great compared to last year. We have WRs, TEs, and an RB corps that is amazing and that will make any QB look good. Last year our WRs/TEs had no real experience.

IOW, we will be fine at QB imo and positively better than last year.

Agree. I have long said I believe all 4 have the talent to be very good SEC QB's. They need weapons around them and good coaching.

 

[sjt18]

Hate to break to you, but...none of them are Johnny Manziel. I'm not for any one QB....but with our schedule and our young OL, we need mobility and and quick/accurate passes...no more "deer in the headlights" QB.

So you saw one picture, one time, that you interpreted as Worley being scared and have determined that he has no ability...? Yeah, that sounds reasonable. :whistling:

 

[butchna]

So you saw one picture, one time, that you interpreted as Worley being scared and have determined that he has no ability...? Yeah, that sounds reasonable. :whistling:

I'm sure he screenshot the pic and used smartphone technology to rotate him upside down....QBs on their back can't excel :wink2:

 

[KBVol]

@DanielNooga: Ferguson & Worley seem to be separating themselves at QB. Ferguson had a really good day today minus one bad INT (Reeves-Maybin).

Saturdays scrimmage....

 

[volfanCLT]

@DanielNooga: Ferguson & Worley seem to be separating themselves at QB. Ferguson had a really good day today minus one bad INT (Reeves-Maybin).

Saturdays scrimmage....

Inb4 Coug tries to spin this as Ferg sucks

 

[KBVol]

A little more from D Lewis.... Sorry Coug...

• Ferguson and Worley got the most work at quarterback and those two split most of the first-team reps as well. Ferguson, with the exception of the INT, had the best effort overall on Saturday, making several perfect throws and creating some plays with his feet. At least for now, it seems the QB competition is narrowing down to those two. Dobbs and Nathan Peterman are still competing, however. They split most of the second-team reps and each had a few nice plays.