So... since football is happening, any thoughts on our QBs?

[StormyCOUG42]

Don't know a lot about this group of kids. It would seem that the starting spot will go to wither Cooper or Cruz, but I have no knowledge of how either performed in practice / Thursday Night Lights, last year. Seems the kid from Hawaii is still raw.

Thoughts? Anyone know the strengths and weaknesses of each QB?

 

[mikalalas]

Cooper, Cruz, both did pretty good in Thursday Night Lights, and in Spring Ball, Fall Camp, Practices.

Basically the only reason why Cooper didnt start last season, and didnt get garbage time reps, is because Leach doesnt give garbage time Reps, and when he did, it went to Gubrud, Tinsley.

Cooper had 3 QB's ahead of him that would have started for about 3/5 th's to 2/3 rds of the Pac 12 teams, ahead of him.

Cooper is probably the guy to beat, and his only problem is lack of playing time, the same as the other QB's.

The Big Monkey Wrench, is that Rolo is, has bringing, brought in a semi Gubrud esque, either transfer, grad transfer QB, that has a lot of starting experience, from either a JC, an or another college.

He is not as good as Cooper, Cruz, DeLaura, and doesnt have the athleticism, mobility, upside, arm, etc, that they do, but he has the one thing they dont have and that is solid experience.

So either the Transfer will start or Cooper will start or Cruz will start.

But if the starter falters, and if the starter is not the transfer, the transfer can step in and be almost a insta fix, because of his experience.

Also Cooper can probably also be the starter, if the starter falters.

Cruz, De Laura will probably not be the starter, but IF they do end up the starter, they probably would be legit, not falter, if they can beat out Cooper, Transfer.

But if they are not good enough to be made the opening starter, Cruz, DeLaura, would probably not be able to step in as starter, if the starter falters.

So:

1. Cooper or Transfer, with Cooper just barely winning by skin of teeth, to be the starter.

2. Cooper/Transfer

3. Cruz, De Laura

4. Cruz, De Laura

The #1 Back up will probably be the loser between Cooper, Transfer.

The #2 Back Up will probably be the loser between Cruz, De Laura.

The 4th place QB, either Cruz, or DeLaura, probably Transfers.

But given De Laura is a 4 star, Mobile, Run and Shoot STUD, De Laura probably beats out Cruz, who probably becomes the 4th place QB, and then transfers.

Of Course unforeseen things, like injuries, etc, could change that all up.

Thats my take, right or wrong, but think I either am right or gona be right, even tho I could be wrong.

 

[SDCoug]

I’m going with Cooper or Cruz. My heart wanted Bledsoe to come in and knock coaches socks off. That ain’t happening. For some reason, I’m hoping that it’s Cooper. Can’t put my finger on why.

On a side note... thanks for this topic. Been waiting to follow folks thoughts on something like this for quite a while.

 

[StormyCOUG42]

If ML was still coach, I'd give the advantage to Cooper due to being in the system longer, but I almost feel like its a fresh start with the a new coach and system. I'm not a betting guy, but Cooper is who I would put my money on. If memory serves me right, Cooper, Cruz, and DeLaura are all pretty athletic. Not sure which one has the best arm talent... or if that is even all that important in the new system. COVID concerns aside, I am excited to see what we can put on the field this year. I have low expectations... which means less heartache if we struggle out of the gate. I think our D is going to give up a lot of points again this year, so poor QB play could cause things to get ugly quickly. Whomever gets the nod, they'd better be ready.

 

[etowncoug]

I suspect De Laura gets meaningful reps this year. Not sure who starts on Nov. 7 though.

 

[chugspig]

De Laura. This is a no lose year and it makes sense to get him in there. Especially since you can play most the season and still redshirt.
But looks like Cooper will be the starter prob.

 

[mikalalas]

You guys do realize, a semi Gubrud esque like Transfer with STARTER EXPERIENCE has been brought in by Rolo.

I dont see how Redshirt Freshman Cruz and True Freshman De Laura is going to beat out 3rd year Redshirt Sophmore Cooper, and 4th year Redshirt Junior TRANSFER for the starter.

It is either Cooper's, or the TRANSFER's STARTER JOB to lose.

Cooper and the TRANSFER have to, SHOULD be the FAVORITE to be the Starter until IF IF that is proven wrong.

I would agree that De Laura would probably normally get meaning reps, game time as the #1 back up to the starter, because he is supremely athletic, mobile, 4 star, Run N Shoot ABSOLUTE STUD.

BUT BUT that would be if there wasnt a TRANSFER.

BUT there is a SOLID TRANSFER that has been brought to WSU, and because of that De Laura is, SHOULD be considered the #3 QB for now.

Cruz is probably the odd QB out, the #4 QB, that will probably end up transfering out like Bledsoe.

That's not to say that he Cruz isnt good. He is good. Its just that there are 3 likely better QB's in front of him.

 

[CougPatrol]

De Laura will get a look if we struggle, but there’s a significant physical maturation advantage for Cooper and Cruz right now.

I disagree with the notion that Cruz is the odd man out. This season is going to serve as an extension of Spring and Fall camp. The odd man out will be either Cooper or Cruz If they get passed up by De Laura. By no means is the QB position settled right now, which is why I think we may really struggle this season.

 

[dgibbons]

Cooper will be the starter, at least initially. Otherwise the portal decimates the depth chart.

 

[MRICoug]

De Laura will get a look if we struggle, but there’s a significant physical maturation advantage for Cooper and Cruz right now.

I disagree with the notion that Cruz is the odd man out. This season is going to serve as an extension of Spring and Fall camp. The odd man out will be either Cooper or Cruz If they get passed up by De Laura. By no means is the QB position settled right now, which is why I think we may really struggle this season.

Maybe, but De Laura also ran run And shoot in HS, not sure with the shorter prep time I can see having familiarity with the concepts being an advantage for the freshman.

 

[kougkurt]

They are playing 7 scrimmage games and won’t lose anyone. The whole season will be an audition. Everyone will play.

 

[SDCoug]

I doubt that anyone who watched De Laura play in that game on ESPN last year would think there is any chance he plays this year. Not unless we’re treating this like seven scrimmage games.

There is a lot to be excited about with De Laura. But he still has maturing to do. If somehow he is our starter then our program is in much worse shape than any of us could have possibly imagined.

 

[etowncoug]

I doubt that anyone who watched De Laura play in that game on ESPN last year would think there is any chance he plays this year. Not unless we’re treating this like seven scrimmage games.

There is a lot to be excited about with De Laura. But he still has maturing to do. If somehow he is our starter then our program is in much worse shape than any of us could have possibly imagined.

Unfortunately, my sources on the ground have told me QB was going to be rough this year. Cruz and Cooper were nowhere near ready to step in and play at the end of last year. Now they need to learn a new, more complicated offense without spring ball. I'm not optimistic.

 

[SDCoug]

Unfortunately, my sources on the ground have told me QB was going to be rough this year. Cruz and Cooper were nowhere near ready to step in and play at the end of last year. Now they need to learn a new, more complicated offense without spring ball. I'm not optimistic.

Ouch

 

[etowncoug]

Ouch

What's worse is this is from the person who told me Gardner was legit in 2018 and Gordo would beat Gubrud out in 2019. I didn't believe him on the last one and he was obviously dead on.

My offensive expectations are pretty low unless we can ride Borghi/McIntosh to some points.

 

[StormyCOUG42]

Hopefully Cooper and Cruz have spent their COVID free time studying the playbook.

 

[mikalalas]

YOU GUYS ARE STILL FORGETTING THAT ROLO BROUGHT IN A VETERAN EXPERIENCED SOLID STARTER, TRANSFER IN FOR THIS SEASON.

I understand that Cooper, Cruz may not be ready.

But worst case scenario, The TRANSFER ends up the Starter.

The Transfer has LOTS of SOLID STARTER EXPERIENCE.

The Transfer would probably be a good starter.

Its the Transfer's Starter Job, or Cooper's Starter Job to lose.

And if the starter falters, THE TRANSFER will, would be a insta fix.

That is why Rolo Brought the TRANSFER in for this season.

Rolo leaves nothing to chance and PREPARES.

That is why Rolo brought the TRANSFER in.

SO DONT FORGET ABOUT THE TRANSFER!

 

[BiggsCoug]

The best thing for a young QB is a running game. Lean on MB, have a play action series, have a 3 step series, easy throws, get the ball away, move the chains.

If you dont have a QB that can handle the spotlight and make the plays needed but your RB can, do that.

 

[WASH ST A&M FAN]

We now are a Run & Shoot team

 

[Brent H.]

Cooper will probably start but De Laura will get reps. Rolo sat McDonald all the time last year during games when he felt like he wasn’t getting it done.

 

[CougPatrol]

I’ve always held the opinion that if your QB play is spotty, and you have a highly regarded underclassman waiting in the wings, you get him reps. That’s especially true this season. If we start poorly and it’s apparent that the Coop or Cruz aren’t the answer, De Laura has to get some snaps.