Since were talking about Justin Zaick and Troy Smith, I figured this article from todays Dispatch (4/21) would be pretty suiting:
(P.S. I vote Smith, just for the fact that he ... EDIT: LET'S LEAVE PURE SPECULATION ABOUT CURRENT PLAYERS OUT OF THE DISCUSSION PLEASE - THANKS - 3YARDS. And, IMO hes just a better leader while bringing more levels to his game than Zwick).
------------------------------------------------------------------------Smith will be free to roam
Gray picks shifty QB, who’s allowed to run this spring
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Tim May
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
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Unlike a year ago, Troy Smith will be free to do his thing in Saturday’s Ohio State Scarlet and Gray game, which is the reason why the Gray made him the first overall pick in yesterday’s draft of players.
The Gray spokesman, fullback Brandon Schnittker, said they might have been leaning toward versatile receiver/returner Ted Ginn Jr. But their coach — offensive coordinator Jim Bollman — told them that, unlike last year, the quarterbacks will not be saddled with a "don’t hit me" black jersey.
"With Troy being able to run, I think we can exploit his talent a little bit," Schnittker said.
Ginn’s playing time might be limited to decrease his chances for injury. But that didn’t keep the Scarlet from snapping him up after they had taken last year’s other starting quarterback, Justin Zwick.
"You’ve got to understand that Justin is mobile, too," said the Scarlet spokesman, linebacker Anthony Schlegel, who won’t play as a precaution after having arthroscopic knee surgery in January.
"I think Ted’s versatility — we can put him wherever we want to — we can put him at quarterback (he played some quarterback in the Alamo Bowl win over Oklahoma State). We can do whatever we want.
"They were happy they got Troy. We were happy we got Teddy."
Smith wasn’t available for comment, but he likely was happy to learn he won’t be restricted to the pocket. In last year’s spring game, he and Zwick were in a pitched competition for the starting job, but Smith, talented as much as a runner as he is a passer, was not allowed to run.
"Last year we were focusing on staying with rhythmic reads and throwaways, and things like that, which are crucial to learn," coach Jim Tressel said yesterday. "In this particular case, the quarterbacks are allowed to do the whole gamut.
"I think it’s good for our defense. There are some pretty great quarterbacks up on that schedule we’re playing (including Texas’ Vince Young on Sept. 10), and I think it’s really good for our defense to constantly understand the (running) quarterback is an element to defend as well."
Saturday will be Smith’s first public viewing since he was suspended before the Alamo Bowl for admitting to taking money from a booster. He also will sit out the season opener against Miami University.
The last time he played in Ohio Stadium, though, he was unfettered against Michigan, racking up 386 yards (145 rushing, 241 passing) in a 37-21 win. "He can move. He can shake and bake. He can make all the right cuts," Gray center Nick Mangold said. "And I think in a game like this where it is a little more open, him being able to run around is going to give us a distinct advantage."
