QB/WR Terrelle Pryor ('10 Rose, '11 Sugar MVP)

[Oh8ch]

One other thought in terms of getting folks ready for next year.

In 2003 Krenzel and McMullen were both seniors. Zwick and Smith were RS Frosh. There was absolutely no doubt in my mind Zwick would see lots of reps. Many thought he would be first off the bench.

He threw 8 passes. Smith zero.

McMullen threw 78 including every meaningful snap.

That is how JT rolls.

 

[jwinslow]

In 2003 Krenzel and McMullen were both seniors. Zwick and Smith were RS Frosh. There was absolutely no doubt in my mind Zwick would see lots of reps. Many thought he would be first off the bench.

Zwick doesn't bring a completely different package to the table than those two.

That is how JT rolls.

So you're betting on Pryor taking no meaningful snaps?

 

[jimotis4heisman]

however, troy did...

(devils advocate)

 

[GoodLifeSean]

Zwick doesn't bring a completely different package to the table than those two.So you're betting on Pryor taking no meaningful snaps?

I think you hit the proverbial nail on the head here. Tressel will ultimately play the best player for the position. All things equal, tressel tends to go with the Elder, but let's face it, at this time Bauserman and Pryor have the exact same amount of college football starts. While it's great that JB has the experience being scout team QB and playing well in the spring game, neither has had meaningful playing time. I think with what seems to be such a competitive nature, and the natural gifts, Pryor has the edge. Bauserman is a good player, but I just don't think he can hold off TP from that spot. AKA backup this year and starter next.

 

[Jaxbuck]

One other thought in terms of getting folks ready for next year.

In 2003 Krenzel and McMullen were both seniors. Zwick and Smith were RS Frosh. There was absolutely no doubt in my mind Zwick would see lots of reps. Many thought he would be first off the bench.

He threw 8 passes. Smith zero.

McMullen threw 78 including every meaningful snap.

That is how JT rolls.

I think thats a bit misleading.

JT rolled that way in '03 because every freakin game we played turned into a 7 point or less tresselball clinic. I think JT fully understands how important it is to get the backups PT whenever possible. If he didn't before I think 2004 was a very painful reminder.

I have zero doubt that TP gets a significant amount of PT this year.

 

[Oh8ch]

JT rolled that way in '03 because every freakin game we played turned into a 7 point or less tresselball clinic. I think JT fully understands how important it is to get the backups PT whenever possible. If he didn't before I think 2004 was a very painful reminder.

Which doesn't explain McMullen's 78 attempts.

I am not saying the situations are the same. TP is different and does provide a different dimension. My point was directed to the idea of giving folks meaningful snaps in preparation for the next season. JT saw no need to do that for Zwick even though he was the presumptive starter in 2004.

Playing TP for what he can do in his own right is a different issue.

Things will likely unfold the way folks are suggesting. I just think the process by which we get there is a little different than any implied coronation.

 

[Jaxbuck]

Which doesn't explain McMullen's 78 attempts.

I am not saying the situations are the same. TP is different and does provide a different dimension. My point was directed to the idea of giving folks meaningful snaps in preparation for the next season. JT saw no need to do that for Zwick even though he was the presumptive starter in 2004.

McMullen got most of those snaps in a couple of games where CK was hurt in 2003, PSU specifically.

None of us will ever know for sure but I'm confident JT wants to get the future starters PT, 2003 just didn't allow for it imo.

 

[generaladm]

I haven't seen a whole lot of film of Pryor's passing, but what I've seen has been impressive. Despite the funny mechanics, he can throw 30-40 yds with enough touch and accuracy to lay it right in the WR's hands in stride. Yes, he throws mostly with his arm, but that's not something that requires two years to work out. I can remember plenty of times when Troy threw off his tip-toes, back foot, on the run, etc. Having a strong arm is not a weakness, improving his footwork will only make him beter. I don't think TP's ability to deliver the ball will be an issue. Understanding of plays, chemistry with WRs, and speed of college game will have more to do with how he performs as a passer.

Sounds like Tressel made the decision to use TP in some capacity before he even had him for one practice. I can't remember JT thinking so highly of a recruit before. Tressel loves to get yards with a rushing QB, but if TP can air it out, there's no reason to hold him back. I don't think Tress will give Boeckman the hook as soon as we have a comfortable lead, he needs reps just as much or more than the other two. I also don't think it's absolutely imperative to get TP and JB suficient snaps to prepare them for next year. Boecks only had three pass attempts in 06, and he did pretty well. What about the possibility of Pryor and Baus sharing time in 09? They both have the potential to be Big Ten starting QBs, why not get the most out of our depth? TP and JB in the same formation could be interesting.

 

[generaladm]

McMullen got most of those snaps in a couple of games where CK was hurt in 2003, PSU specifically.

None of us will ever know for sure but I'm confident JT wants to get the future starters PT, 2003 just didn't allow for it imo.

True. In 03 we needed a 104 yd Will Allen INT to beat SDSU, a goal line stand in 3OT to beat NCSU, and only beat BG by 7 (McMullen played every down). There really wasn't any garbage time. Zwick saw a few snaps against NW and IND, but really didn't show much. McMullen was needed to fill in for Krenzel in the PSU and UM games and played well. There just wasn't a chance to play unproven QBs.

 

[daddyphatsacs]

One other thought in terms of getting folks ready for next year.

In 2003 Krenzel and McMullen were both seniors. Zwick and Smith were RS Frosh. There was absolutely no doubt in my mind Zwick would see lots of reps. Many thought he would be first off the bench.

He threw 8 passes. Smith zero.

McMullen threw 78 including every meaningful snap.

That is how JT rolls.

I think that was more along the lines of Tressel not having confidence in Zwick or Smith. Plus, every game that we were in that season was tight it seemed, so one mistake by a young guy could have cost the ballgame.

You never heard Tressel say some of the things about Zwick or Smith (at least early on) that he has said about Pryor. Sadly, it reminds me of when MoC. came to town......Tressel spoke very highly of him from the get go. We all know how his performance turned out his freshman year (let's not get into his "baggage").

 

[UpNorthBuckeye]

you made my point, phatsacs, I remember Clarett was expected to play a lot his freshman year.

As for TP vs Boeckman, I think Laurinaitis and the rest came back this year not out of respect for Boeckman but to try to win it all. I gotta believe that if a few games in they feel that Pryor is the best chance, the TEAM will want him to play. All props to Boeckman, but I believe that if we get behind to USC we will see Pryor for sure.

Is it a good thing? I dunno. But I personally don't believe Coach T will ever get his confidence back in Todd Boeckman. Blast me if you will, but in my opinion he lost it during the Michigan State game and never got it back.

Respect? yes. Confidence, no.

And if Pryor doesn't "get it" right away, I believe we cold even see Bauserman.

"Whatever it takes" - I think this will be the unspoken motto this year.

Go Bucks!
Just Win, Baby!

 

[buckeyes_rock]

you made my point, phatsacs, I remember Clarett was expected to play a lot his freshman year.

As for TP vs Boeckman, I think Laurinaitis and the rest came back this year not out of respect for Boeckman but to try to win it all. I gotta believe that if a few games in they feel that Pryor is the best chance, the TEAM will want him to play. All props to Boeckman, but I believe that if we get behind to USC we will see Pryor for sure.

Is it a good thing? I dunno. But I personally don't believe Coach T will ever get his confidence back in Todd Boeckman. Blast me if you will, but in my opinion he lost it during the Michigan State game and never got it back.

Respect? yes. Confidence, no.

And if Pryor doesn't "get it" right away, I believe we cold even see Bauserman.

"Whatever it takes" - I think this will be the unspoken motto this year.

Go Bucks!
Just Win, Baby!

Woah there...

I don't think if we get behind to USC that JT will pull the hook on Todd and throw TP to the wolves. USC is important, but if we get down, I certainly don't think that's the time to panic. We have the whole Big Ten season to go.

TP is an amazing talent and I expect huge things from him, but to expect a true frosh to come in and lead the team from behind at USC is a bit much.

He'll have a package but not the whole bag of tricks yet.

 

[Buckeneye]

I also don't think it's absolutely imperative to get TP and JB suficient snaps to prepare them for next year. Boecks only had three pass attempts in 06, and he did pretty well.

Yes, but any snaps that Troy wasn't taking were respectfully yielded to Zwick, he stayed with the program for so long - it was the only right thing to do.

 

[billmac91]

I've never been more confident that a player will suceed than I am with TP. This is not just because of the "hype" because that comes and goes. But TP has everything I would be looking for in a big time player. First of all he is the most natrually gifted athlete on our team (yep I said it more gifted than Beanie and everyone else). The kid has things such as his height, speed, quickness, shiftiness, and the natural arm strength that you just CANNOT teach. Then there is the head on his shoulders, he did not take the easy way out and sign with Michigan and start from day one. He knowingly walked into a situation where competition would be present, and a situation that in theory at least he could not of even played a single minute his first year. Lastly and most importantly is the fact that TP has "it" the drive/ hunger to be great. You can see from interviews with Tressel and other players that Pryor is not content with relying on his natrual abilities. But rather he wants to learn to push himself to watch film when he wont even be the starter. To when challenged by a senior leader and future first round pick (Malcom Jenkins) to not back down and to throw directly Malcolms way. To go out of his way to make a situation that could of been akward and a distraction (him prob getting PT even tho Todd B is the starter) into something thats comfortable. All because he takes the time and effort to get along with Todd B and not only that but to also ltry to learn from Tood. Outside of an injury I dont see how TP could be anything but a HUGE HUGE success.

great post.

 

[osugrad21]

Rivals $

Video Interview

Terrelle makes numerous efforts to insist he is just competing and trying to get better...he is trying to avoid any star talk. Discusses learning the offense and mentions the pistol formation.