QB's not producing

[TigerOne 1,472]

Good to see the Coach get these guys attention

"Tuberville wants more from quarterbacks

Posted by Phillip Marshall, The Huntsville Times August 09, 2007 11:05 AM

It's not bad passes, bad decisions or even occasional interceptions by his quarterbacks that concern Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville. He'll let offensive coordinator Al Borges deal with those things.

Tuberville's concerns are about mental toughness , leadership and urgency. And those are his areas.

"I've been disappointed with our quarterbacks," Tuberville said after the first of two Thursday practices. "I'm about to have a little talk with them. We've got to have some leadership out of them. We're out here just going through the motions, and they need to be the leaders."

Junior Blake Field, redshirt freshmen Neil Caudle and Steven Ensminger and true freshman Kodi Burns are competing to back up starter Brandon Cox. Tuberville wants to see more leadership out of them all. In fact, he said, he is going to demand it.

"You'll see a change in attitude among the quarterbacks here pretty soon," Tuberville said. "I'm going to cut it down to three pretty quick. We are practicing too many guys. We are going to take the best three and go with them. We've got to have a sense of urgency there. Everybody runs off their tempo."

Cox offered no argument with his coach's assessment.

"It's hot out here," Cox said. "When we go through the first half of practice, everybody is really tired. It's something you have to fight through. Sometimes it takes messing up to understand what you have to do. We just have to keep fighting to get better."

The quarterbacks can be expected to take Tuberville's words to heart and show more of what he wants to see. What will the depth chart look like against Kansas State on Sept. 1? No one is ready to say just yet, but here's my guess:

1. Cox

2. Caudle

3. Burns

And don't be surprised if Burns makes a push for No. 2."

[AU_tiger_2000 0]

The quarterbacks can be expected to take Tuberville's words to heart and show more of what he wants to see. What will the depth chart look like against Kansas State on Sept. 1? No one is ready to say just yet, but here's my guess:

1. Cox

2. Caudle

3. Burns

And don't be surprised if Burns makes a push for No. 2.

Sorry TigerOne, was this part a piece of the article or your own editorial at the end. Just curious.

Thanks.

[TitanTiger 22,001]

No, that was from Philip Marshall.

[TigerOne 1,472]

The quarterbacks can be expected to take Tuberville's words to heart and show more of what he wants to see. What will the depth chart look like against Kansas State on Sept. 1? No one is ready to say just yet, but here's my guess:

1. Cox

2. Caudle

3. Burns

And don't be surprised if Burns makes a push for No. 2.

Sorry TigerOne, was this part a piece of the article or your own editorial at the end. Just curious.

Thanks.

I did neglect the link

http://blog.al.com/trackingtigers/2007/08/...e_from_qua.html

[saniflush 0]

If Burns can even think about being number 2 we are in BAD shape.

[subterranean_jack 113]

From watching the spring game, Auburn is in BAD shape as for a backup QB. If Cox gets injured in the first game, Auburn is in REALLY BAD shape. With Ziemba being named 1st team on the offensive line, the OL is obviously having some problems, which increases the chances of Cox getting injured early.

For his mobility alone, Burns will eventually be the backup QB and may start by mid-season if Cox gets injured. Field, Caudle, and maybe Ensminger will get a chance if Cox goes down, but Burns is an SEC-caliber athlete, not too sure about the others.

I know CTT will loathe to play Burns early and not redshirt him, but if he is the difference between a chance to win and a definite loss, Burns will play.

[Tazz44 0]

Hi guys. First time poster here. I have to say that it's pretty obvious that we have had some QB problems. I mean, if there was ever a team that could have used a backup QB it was our boys last year. With that said, It might be good if Kodi comes in as our #2. Personally, I just don't think our coaches have a lot of confidence in our other QB's. Also, that might be what these guys need to light a fire under their butts. It would be nice to have a #2 QB that our coaches aren't afraid to get into the game.

[DonCorleone 0]

As for Ziemba starting on the line . . . It's 2007 can't we find someone to make 4 clones of King Dunlap?

[nanatiger 3]

As for Ziemba starting on the line . . . It's 2007 can't we find someone to make 4 clones of King Dunlap?

What he said!

[PChamp119 96]

Guys, just because you play a freshman doesn't mean that the position is "BAD." It could just mean the kid is that good and better than everyone else. I know it's not common, but there have been star freshmen in the past.

I hope Kodi is #2 because that means he will have the most practice to be #1 next year.

[Ranger12 53]

I don't really get into the rooting for a particular guy to get the job. I just want the best guy for the position. It would just be nice to have a #2 that the coaching staff has enough confidence in to put in the game. I will start chewing nails if Cox happens to get hurt again and I see him out there hobbling around when he should be on the sidelines recovering for the next game.

[lca408 382]

Hi guys. First time poster here. I have to say that it's pretty obvious that we have had some QB problems. I mean, if there was ever a team that could have used a backup QB it was our boys last year. With that said, It might be good if Kodi comes in as our #2. Personally, I just don't think our coaches have a lot of confidence in our other QB's. Also, that might be what these guys need to light a fire under their butts. It would be nice to have a #2 QB that our coaches aren't afraid to get into the game.

Welcome to the Board Tazz!

I guess I'm kinda rooting for Kodi to step up. Its an irresponsible choice, but I think he could help us on offense this year, and because he's shown alot of talent and athleticism and willingness to learn, I think he might be a guy the coaches will look at very hard.

The thing with Kodi that would hold him back is his lack of understanding of the offense. He's got all the tools to play QB with, but he doesn't understand the plays just yet. However, experience wise, he's just as far ahead as Caudle and Ensminger, simply because neither of those guys have played in an actual game yet. Of course, Blake Field has, and has the most experience. Yet his injury during the spring put him back just a little bit, and the rumors of his problem learning the offense also kept him from earning the faith of the coaches.

And another thing about Blake, which to me, would make alot of sense. While Blake may have more experience, he only has one more year after 2007. I would think that if the coaches groomed him to be the starter for us in 2008, and then had to turn around and groom Caudle, Ensminger, or Burns for starting in 2009 and beyond, well, I think thats just not practical. Give the #2 spot to the guy that can not only be the best quarterback, which from what I've heard, might not be Blake after all, but also give it to the guy who will be the starter for years to come. Get that guy the most experience he can get this year so we'll be ready to go in 08 and beyond.

Ryan

[AUesquire 1]

For those who didn't see Burns in the all-star game from Ft. Lauderdale, I think you'd change your take a little on his ability to step in and contribute right away had you seen it. I realize it's a high school all star game but these were some of the best players in the country. It was obvious right from the start that this kid has a gun and everything you hear about being able to create is spot on. He has some serious wheels and knows what to do when he gets out in the open.

I have no problem whatsoever with a freshman coming in at any position and taking over. I'll go out on a limb and say Michael McNeil will be roaming the secondary a lot, if not starting, and making life miserable for hapless receivers. This kid is the real deal and the CTT has already been singing his praises. Don't forget that some of these guys, like Ziemba, Burns and McNeil were rated as some of the best in the country at their position. If they're ready, put em' in.

[WarTim 3,539]

For those who didn't see Burns in the all-star game from Ft. Lauderdale, I think you'd change your take a little on his ability to step in and contribute right away had you seen it. I realize it's a high school all star game but these were some of the best players in the country. It was obvious right from the start that this kid has a gun and everything you hear about being able to create is spot on. He has some serious wheels and knows what to do when he gets out in the open.

I have no problem whatsoever with a freshman coming in at any position and taking over. I'll go out on a limb and say Michael McNeil will be roaming the secondary a lot, if not starting, and making life miserable for hapless receivers. This kid is the real deal and the CTT has already been singing his praises. Don't forget that some of these guys, like Ziemba, Burns and McNeil were rated as some of the best in the country at their position. If they're ready, put em' in.

Amen and AMEN! No shame in recruiting and PLAYNG the BEST ! ! !

[DonCorleone 0]

Yet to hear anything about Michael McNeil does anyone know how he is doing in practice or if CWM has mentioned him in any interviews?.

[saniflush 0]

Guys, just because you play a freshman doesn't mean that the position is "BAD." It could just mean the kid is that good and better than everyone else. I know it's not common, but there have been star freshmen in the past.

I disagree. It does if you are a QB. This is not a high school playbook that is being run.

[TigerOne 1,472]

Guys, just because you play a freshman doesn't mean that the position is "BAD." It could just mean the kid is that good and better than everyone else. I know it's not common, but there have been star freshmen in the past.

I disagree. It does if you are a QB. This is not a high school playbook that is being run.

how many times have we heard that we had to cut back on the plays, or simplify the play calling.

Tebow at Florida could be an example.

Of course I expect as time goes on, the reports out of practice may not be entirely accurate.

[saniflush 0]

Guys, just because you play a freshman doesn't mean that the position is "BAD." It could just mean the kid is that good and better than everyone else. I know it's not common, but there have been star freshmen in the past.

I disagree. It does if you are a QB. This is not a high school playbook that is being run.

how many times have we heard that we had to cut back on the plays, or simplify the play calling.

Tebow at Florida could be an example.

Of course I expect as time goes on, the reports out of practice may not be entirely accurate.

If this is truly CTT feelings then I would say it more or less regulates Burns to the scout team.

"I'm going to cut down to three pretty quick. We're practicing too many guys," he said. "I'm going to take the best three and go with them. We've got to have a sense of urgency there, because everybody runs off their tempo."

Who are the best three?

"I don't know yet," Tuberville said. "(Offensive coordinator Al Borges) and I will sit down. We're going to have three who are mentally prepared, as well as physically (prepared)."

[AUesquire 1]

Somebody who has played on this level, help me out here please. Why are things so incredibly complicated that it takes a "Year or two to learn the system." One of two things are happening here. Either our players are all riding the short bus to practice or somebody's "System" is rocket science.

I can understand the QB having to grasp the most info and being able to recognize situations, defenses, check-offs, blitzes etc. But why would any other position player have to process so much information? You get the impression that their heads would explode if they were to be put on the field in a real game situation. I picture the poor tight end on his knees with his hands on his helmet and crying uncontrollably, "I can't take it. It's just too much." They send counselors out to escort him off the field and pump him full of Prozac on the sidelines.

I understand there's a lot to learn. But this is still football. Something these guys have been playing all their lives. The incoming freshmen have had the playbook since February. They've had summer workouts since June. I know those are "Voluntary" but I don't think they were playing Ultimate Frisbee out behind the athletic complex. I'm guessing the receivers were running the routes they'll be running during the season. Probably safe to assume the backs were taking handoffs and hitting the holes they'll be running through. The corners were playing man on the receivers, linebackers covering backs out of the backfield....

I can live with a player not being physically ready or not adjusted to the speed of the game. But a defensive tackle that just can't grasp the system....I have a problem with. Depending on the play call, you rush this way or that way. You stay at home or you go straight ahead. "Dang coach, I ain't graspin' this at all." I heard a beat writer the other day from South Carolina talk about Spurrier's system. You would think if anyone has too complicated a system, it would be Dark Visor. The guy said CSS only runs a handful of plays. They just run them out of about 18 different formations.

Again, I'm not talking about being physically ready. It's just that too often you hear about having to learn a coaches "System". If it's that darn complicated, the problem is with the coach, not the player. Bottom line, outside of QB, if a player at any other position is physically ready to step on the field at this level, then he should not have to be redshirted until he can learn the system.

[ProgRock 0]

I totally agree with AUesquire.This is football not rocket science.If Cox were to get hurt,I think a guy like Kody could take over with simple but clear scripted plays of about a dozen(out of a couple formations).Pick a check off play per play and let your talent and fundamentals of the game win it for you.One great example of this was the 2nd half of play against Fla. last year,Tubs simply told the defense to" forget your dang assignments and hit the guy with the ball."Did it work?Oh yeah!!!!!