Chicken or the Egg?

[COUGinNCW]

Not that it matters because it’s a win win in my opinion with Ward at WSU and someone who didn’t seem to want to be at WSU gone but:

Was JDL on the first train out of Pullman after the AC?

Was Ward always going to get an offer from Morris/WSU or did JDL’s act at halftime (and prep to for the game) of the Sun Bowl prompt the offer?

1. If Ward was always getting an offer I get JDL’s angst. New coach, new O bringing in his guy.
2. Also get the support from his teammates. He was their guy. Kind of like watching your buddies girl friend or wife trying to upgrade behind the scenes. Sure, your buddy may have his faults but he’s your guy.

 

[Brent H.]

He had an offer for awhile I bet, but was just sitting on it. JDL had an ominous tweet about Snakes in the grass or something like that. Wazzu was always going to go after Ward. I said it back when we hired Morris. JDL needs a lot of coaching, he's very inaccurate at times, his throwing motion is funky, his decision making is iffy, but he is a gamer. While beating the Dawgs 40-13 was awesome, his Oregon performance was concerning. He had 3 turnovers, a fumble that cost us 6, threw a pick that set up Oregon for 6 and then when were were driving to making it a one score game threw one of the worst picks I have seen.

JDL will probably get your 6-7 wins a year, but he isn't a QB that is going to put you over the top, carry you like a Minshew or Leaf. Ward is that type of QB.

 

[Coug90]

He had an offer for awhile I bet, but was just sitting on it. JDL had an ominous tweet about Snakes in the grass or something like that. Wazzu was always going to go after Ward. I said it back when we hired Morris. JDL needs a lot of coaching, he's very inaccurate at times, his throwing motion is funky, his decision making is iffy, but he is a gamer. While beating the Dawgs 40-13 was awesome, his Oregon performance was concerning. He had 3 turnovers, a fumble that cost us 6, threw a pick that set up Oregon for 6 and then when were were driving to making it a one score game threw one of the worst picks I have seen.

JDL will probably get your 6-7 wins a year, but he isn't a QB that is going to put you over the top, carry you like a Minshew or Leaf. Ward is that type of QB.

Agreed I’d bet Ward was getting an offer as soon as Morris got hired. And WSU needed QBs so you can’t not offer Ward because you’re afraid it’s gonna ruffle JDLs feathers. You’ve got to go after the best QBs you think you can sign and Ward was one of the best out there. Tough deal for JDL but Ward’s a pretty phenomenal talent and he would have had an uphill battle to keep his job. I don’t blame him at all for transferring.

 

[CougPatrol]

I don't think Ward was getting an offer as soon as Morris was hired. I think word leaked out to the coaching staff that JDL was thinking about transferring as far back as the Stanford game, and our coaches had discussions with JDL about it throughout the season. They weren't getting the vibe from him that he was all-in, so they smartly jumped on Ward.

JDL was mixed about whether to stay or go, but because he has maturity issues, that guilt boiled over to anger. (Any shrink will tell you that it's easier to leave a relationship when you're mad because it shields you from guilt and blame). JDL wanted to play in the bowl game, but he also knew in his heart he was leaving, and after getting rocked in the first half, he had an immature meltdown on the sideline and in the locker room.

Our coaches had seen enough at that point, so they offered Ward in the most publicly transparent way they could, immediately after JDL refused to reenter the game. It sent a clear message to JDL and everyone else in the program that if you don't know where you want to be, we can't sit around and wait for you. JDL, you can stay if you want, but we can't get left holding the bag.

 

[roses04]

I don't blame JDL for transferring, and I thought he handled the Rolo situation with maturity publicly, maybe he didn't internally, but I am not privy to that information. I will say that in going back to Hawaii, probably to reflect on his future knowing Ward was offered, and not traveling with the team, he probably made up his mind about the transfer portal earlier in the year, he didn't handle the end with maturity. Probably figured he could up his stock and light up a MAC team, but unfortunately it was his O line that got lit up, and he didn't look good, and didn't seem focused. Said some things at the half, that probably got him benched, and a walk on looked better in that game than he did. It didn't end well, in hind sight if he had declared for the portal after the AC it might have been a wiser move. Regardless, it's time to move on, it is what it is, and I have to hand it to Dickert. Just like he did through the season, in having a sound game plan, and in the hiring of the coaches, he did a great job, and had a game plan that worked out for the team. I have to say I am more impressed with Dickert each day, he has a plan, and a back up plan, now can he get some offensive linemen?

 

[CougPatrol]

Agreed I’d bet Ward was getting an offer as soon as Morris got hired. And WSU needed QBs so you can’t not offer Ward because you’re afraid it’s gonna ruffle JDLs feathers. You’ve got to go after the best QBs you think you can sign and Ward was one of the best out there. Tough deal for JDL but Ward’s a pretty phenomenal talent and he would have had an uphill battle to keep his job. I don’t blame him at all for transferring.

I hope Ward sets the P12 on fire, but how do you know he's a phenomenal talent? I've watched all of his film. Just curious what you've seen to make you think that.

 

[kougkurt]

Agreed I’d bet Ward was getting an offer as soon as Morris got hired. And WSU needed QBs so you can’t not offer Ward because you’re afraid it’s gonna ruffle JDLs feathers. You’ve got to go after the best QBs you think you can sign and Ward was one of the best out there. Tough deal for JDL but Ward’s a pretty phenomenal talent and he would have had an uphill battle to keep his job. I don’t blame him at all for transferring.

You really think Ward was offered at halftime of the Sun Bowl, then waited to announce it after the game? Or had he been sitting on the offer.

 

[Coug90]

I hope Ward sets the P12 on fire, but how do you know he's a phenomenal talent? I've watched all of his film. Just curious what you've seen to make you think that.

I mentioned a couple of things in the highlights thread. His feel for velocity and placement of passes is not common at this level. His release is super quick. Gets the ball out fast. JDL does some exciting stuff with his legs and is a good QB but just looking at them throw within the offenses they are playing in side by side Cam is way ahead of Jayden at this point. Now that said the 10 picks weren’t on the highlight reel…he might make some bad decisions too that we didn’t see.

 

[Observer11]

I don't blame JDL completely.

From the sounds of it, he's got an entourage of dad/uncle who have likely puffed up his head for years. And, if he's got the pressure of being the breadwinner, they are also filling his head about how unfair it is that Washington State didn't bring him NIL money (yet). Or that his true value is somewhere else by someone who is willing to help him get paid.

And, by the way, make sure the check is sent home by the 5th of each month.

The kid has some variables that 'normal' parents wouldn't subject their kids to, I'd be willing to bet.

 

[Coug90]

Watching the interview of Ward too about his decision, he’s a well spoken guy, seems like he’s got a really good head on his shoulders. He’s gonna have some teammates to win over in that locker room I’m sure as Jayden seemed to be pretty well liked by his teammates

 

[Brent H.]

Watching the interview of Ward too about his decision, he’s a well spoken guy, seems like he’s got a really good head on his shoulders. He’s gonna have some teammates to win over in that locker room I’m sure as Jayden seemed to be pretty well liked by his teammates

If you can't ride with this dude, you can ride your ass out of Pullman.

 

[CougInSpain]

I hope Ward sets the P12 on fire, but how do you know he's a phenomenal talent? I've watched all of his film. Just curious what you've seen to make you think that.

I am not sure if I would use the word "Phenomenal" at this point because FCS does not = FBS in terms of opposition talent levels. He does look like a guy who can play the position and play it well. We will see come the start of the 2022 season. Personally, I would make sure we bring in another guy to compete for the starting job. Regardless of what his perceived status is, he still needs to be pushed hard.

 

[roses04]

Ran into this interesting little side note about Cameron Ward:


Ward is also related to a pair of NFL players in Quandre Diggs (Seattle) and Quintin Jammer (Chargers).

 

[BiggsCoug]

If you can't ride with this dude, you can ride your ass out of Pullman.

The program is not going to move forward being stuck in the drama of the past. If you can’t get over this it is time for you to enter the portal and go somewhere else.

We could see 32 new scholarship kids this fall. Maybe a few less if walk ons get bumped.

“Buy in or leave.”
~ Billy Newman

 

[Brent H.]

I am not sure if I would use the word "Phenomenal" at this point because FCS does not = FBS in terms of opposition talent levels. He does look like a guy who can play the position and play it well. We will see come the start of the 2022 season. Personally, I would make sure we bring in another guy to compete for the starting job. Regardless of what his perceived status is, he still needs to be pushed hard.

Nobody can predict the future, but the person who won the Jerry Rice award before him was Trey Lance. Also Cooper Kupp and a lot of the other winners got drafted.

 

[CougEd]

You really think Ward was offered at halftime of the Sun Bowl, then waited to announce it after the game? Or had he been sitting on the offer.

He was sitting on the offer and once JDL pulled his Deon Burnett before half and didn't play in second half Morris somehow gave Ward the OK to announce the offer. Or maybe it was agreed before the Sun Bowl to announce it after the game

 

[CougEd]

I hope Ward sets the P12 on fire, but how do you know he's a phenomenal talent? I've watched all of his film. Just curious what you've seen to make you think that.

It will be all about his decision making and how well he does under pressure. Halliday, Falk, Minshew and Gordon. There is one guy who threw as effortlessly as Ward does...and it is Gordon. The ball leaves his hand quickly. However, if he can't read a defense then there will be problems.

 

[FnuLnu]

It will be all about his decision making and how well he does under pressure. Halliday, Falk, Minshew and Gordon. There is one guy who threw as effortlessly as Ward does...and it is Gordon. The ball leaves his hand quickly. However, if he can't read a defense then there will be problems.

Edit

Time will tell.

Only sure thing was Bledsoe after his first start at Oregon State as true freshman

 

[Fab5Coug]

It will be all about his decision making and how well he does under pressure. Halliday, Falk, Minshew and Gordon. There is one guy who threw as effortlessly as Ward does...and it is Gordon. The ball leaves his hand quickly. However, if he can't read a defense then there will be problems.

I don't know man, Halliday could sling it.

 

[Fab5Coug]

Falk?

Didn't he win fewer games as starter than Lobster?

What? Are you thinking of Tuel?

 

[Brent H.]

It will be all about his decision making and how well he does under pressure. Halliday, Falk, Minshew and Gordon. There is one guy who threw as effortlessly as Ward does...and it is Gordon. The ball leaves his hand quickly. However, if he can't read a defense then there will be problems.

Dude threw 71 TDs and for over 6900 in 19 games. I think he can read a coverage.

 

[CougEd]

Dude threw 71 TDs and for over 6900 in 19 games. I think he can read a coverage.

It is a different speed in the Pac 12. I would imagine he is well coached, but when he goes off script I can see Mahomes in him. Side arm, three quarter , whatever it takes to get the ball there accurately.

 

[Fab5Coug]

I just watched some of his film and Halliday was the first Coug QB I thought of. I'm talking more just release and arm strength. Hopefully he's not as much of a "gun slinger" as Halliday was at times.

 

[Stretch 74]

I don't blame JDL completely.

From the sounds of it, he's got an entourage of dad/uncle who have likely puffed up his head for years. And, if he's got the pressure of being the breadwinner, they are also filling his head about how unfair it is that Washington State didn't bring him NIL money (yet). Or that his true value is somewhere else by someone who is willing to help him get paid.

And, by the way, make sure the check is sent home by the 5th of each month.

The kid has some variables that 'normal' parents wouldn't subject their kids to, I'd be willing to bet.

QBBBDad v2.0?

For those that weren't around then, that is QB Big Back Dad, aka Arkelon Hall's old man.

 

[BleedCrimsonandGray]

It is a different speed in the Pac 12. I would imagine he is well coached, but when he goes off script I can see Mahomes in him. Side arm, three quarter , whatever it takes to get the ball there accurately.

My understanding is that they are coaching this now, or at least how to be able to throw accurately from outside of the pocket. See Aaron Rogers.

 

[Brent H.]

It is a different speed in the Pac 12. I would imagine he is well coached, but when he goes off script I can see Mahomes in him. Side arm, three quarter , whatever it takes to get the ball there accurately.

Morris said when he signed him reminded him of Mahomes coming out of high school.

 

[SDCoug]

Watching the interview of Ward too about his decision, he’s a well spoken guy, seems like he’s got a really good head on his shoulders. He’s gonna have some teammates to win over in that locker room I’m sure as Jayden seemed to be pretty well liked by his teammates

Any links to that interview? Would love to watch it. Don’t see anything when I search for it.

 

[Observer11]

QBBBDad v2.0?

For those that weren't around then, that is QB Big Back Dad, aka Arkelon Hall's old man.

Like Playboy once said, you can't rank the amateurs with the professionals.

 

[FnuLnu]

What? Are you thinking of Tuel?

Yep.
Oy. Will edit

 

[CougSinceBirth]

Any links to that interview? Would love to watch it. Don’t see anything when I search for it.

I think it's this one:

 

[mikalalas]

I mentioned a couple of things in the highlights thread. His feel for velocity and placement of passes is not common at this level. His release is super quick. Gets the ball out fast. JDL does some exciting stuff with his legs and is a good QB but just looking at them throw within the offenses they are playing in side by side Cam is way ahead of Jayden at this point. Now that said the 10 picks weren’t on the highlight reel…he might make some bad decisions too that we didn’t see.

But it was ONLY 10 picks vs 47 TD's, out of like about say 500 pass attempts.

For comparison Minshew had about half as many TD's, and about the same number of INT's.

The point is to Not make a comparison but to use the comparison to show, make the point that WARD ONLY having 10 INT's is not a big deal and is actually pretty awesome, even at the FCS level.

 

[mikalalas]

I am not sure if I would use the word "Phenomenal" at this point because FCS does not = FBS in terms of opposition talent levels. He does look like a guy who can play the position and play it well. We will see come the start of the 2022 season. Personally, I would make sure we bring in another guy to compete for the starting job. Regardless of what his perceived status is, he still needs to be pushed hard.

Ward is the BEST FCS QB, in ALL OF FCS HISTORY, PRODUCTION WISE, TALENT WISE, SKILL WISE, INTANGIBLE WISE, COMPETITION WISE, WINS WISE, ETC.