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| Will experience help these two BYU QBs at the top of the spring depth chart? (Chris Samuels, Deseret News) |
The BYU Cougars need a quarterback. There are almost as many reasons why there is no clear cut starter at this position as there are players competing for the starting job. Although a lot can happen between now and September, all eight quarterbacks are hoping they can come out of Spring number one on the depth chart. Beau Hoge, however, seems to have the inside track. At least, that's the popular opinion.
Blue Cougar Football surveyed site visitors and Twitter followers asking them, "Who will be the number one QB at the end of Spring practice?" The results are in, and the favorite is the guy who provides the best combination of health and experience. The official results are below.
Official ResultsHoge struggled to stay healthy last season, but has been given a clean bill of health as Spring practices started. He has been in the program since 2015, and showed some promise last year. While the new offensive coaching staff is approaching each position with a clean slate, this experience and longevity can boost Hoge's confidence and ability to lead the team. Just like the respondents, I think Hoge is the guy who will take the starting spot on the depth chart into the Summer.
16% Tanner Mangum
54% Beau Hoge
9% Joe Critchlow
21% Other
The BYU coaches could, however, choose to list quarterbacks 1A and 1B. Tanner Mangum started most of 2015 and much of 2017. He isn't fully recovered from his Achilles injury and can't fully participate, but it sounds like Aaron Roderick might be giving Mangum the benefit of the doubt, and considering him the man to beat.
For all the experience Joe Critchlow got at the end of 2017 by starting the final three games, it didn't move the needle in the mind of fans. Keep in mind, he was just a couple of months removed from his two-year missionary service last fall. Given the extra time to get back in shape and sharpen his skills, Crithlow could be the surprise number one in a few weeks.
When it comes to "other," there are five other guys, but probably only two who have a legit chance to claim the number one spot on the depth chart. The popular one is freshman Zachary Wilson.
I’m gonna say Zach Wilson just for the debate...plus he has a legitimate shot at it— Dustin Van Gilder (@dvg63) March 7, 2018
Wilson seems to fit the same mold as Hoge, so an offense favorable to that skill set would give him a leg up on guys like Mangum and Critchlow, or ... Kody Wilstead.
Wilstead redshirted last season. He is the tallest QB at 6-foot-6. He was also fresh off his mission last year. With the new coaching staff coming in and giving everyone a fresh start, that could be just the opportunity he needs to land the number one spot.
Thank you to everyone who voted. A breakdown of the votes from each polling source is below. Please vote in this week's poll: How much production will BYU get from Dylan Collie in 2018?
BCF
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Vote Breakdown
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Twitter
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15% (6)
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Tanner Mangum
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16% (13)
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46% (18)
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Beau Hoge
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57% (47)
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8% (3)
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Joe Critchlow
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10% (8)
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31% (12)
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Other
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17% (14)
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100% (39)
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Total
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100% (82)
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The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
So fans are selecting who is no. 1? Funny
ReplyDeleteI don't put any reliance whatsoever in 'fan' prognostications, which can be all over the board. The coaches eye is the only qualifier that counts worth a hill of beans.
DeleteThe job is Tanner's to lose, according to his health, with a healthy contingent chomping at the bit just waiting to take over if Tanner's health falters. There are a lot of QB options with exceptional talent from HS ranks that should really receive a respectfully good look.
ReplyDelete