I hate writing intro paragraphs, so this one is skin and bones. As you already know, we have four quarterbacks battling for the starting quarterback job this fall. Knowing what I think I know about Coach London, he will eventually pick one guy, and then stick with that one guy. No waffling. No flip-flopping. No second-guessing. Since two of these QBs have three years of eligibility remaining, and the other two have all four years remaining, this has the potential to be a long-term decision... and a decision that could dictate the ultimate success or failure of London's run at the helm of Virginia Football.
Even though Ross Metheny and Mike Rocco emerged from spring practices listed above Michael Strauss and David Watford on the depth chart, I think it's still a too-close-to-call race, with all four guys having a chance to take the reins when summer practices open up in August. The crazy thing is, all four have unique qualities that set them apart from the pack.
I've spent the last few days reading up on each of their recruiting profiles, and reviewing all of the practice reports I've seen since they joined the team. In other words, doing research. Here is my breakdown of the four main reasons each one of these guys could open the season under center against William & Mary; these are my four lists of four for our epic program-defining QB battle of the summer of 2011...
Ross Metheny, RS Sophomore (3rd year in program), Sherando HS (Northern Virginia / Winchester)
Reason #1 -- On short and intermediate throws, he's the most accurate passer of the four. Completions move the chains, first downs lead to touchdowns, touchdowns lead to wins.
Reason #2 -- Of the three "prototypical" QBs, he has the best scrambling ability. And you get the feeling that Coach London really values mobility in his starting QB.
Reason #3 -- Experience. He's been in the program, and in college football, the longest. Along with Mike Rocco, he saw some limited action last season, to the tune of 13-of-17 for 171 yards, three TDs, and one INT. That's a pretty good line.
Reason #4 -- He's a lefty. That can often throw opposing pass rush designs out of whack, as the blind side is flipped to the other side of the line of scrimmage. Plus, our current o-line set-up is uniquely conducive to a southpaw QB.
Mike Rocco, True Sophomore (2nd year in program), Liberty Christian Academy (Lynchburg)
Reason #1 -- He has the best pure arm and throwing mechanics of the four. Thus, he has the most potential as a push-it-down-the-field passer.
Reason #2 -- He comes from a coaching family, and is the proverbial "gym rat." In other words, he might have the best football IQ and work ethic of the four.
Might. It stands to reason that he'll be the easiest for Bill Lazor to polish into the starting role.
Reason #3 -- Like Metheny, he tasted action last season. 13-of-25, 143 yards, one TD, two INTs. When I saw him play, I thought he passed the eyeball test better than Ross Metheny, though his season stats are not good.
Reason #4 -- This is just a gut feeling based on circumstantial evidence, but I think Mike London believes in Rocco the most and
wants him to take the job and run with it. He played over Strauss last year, when both were true freshmen but Strauss had the benefit of spring practice after enrolling in January. Rocco is at the top of the depth chart along with Metheny. Et cetera. Admittedly, it's not a lot, but it's something; some shred of a clue. And if he really has the head coach's confidence... then that's a big thing.
Michael Strauss, RS Freshman (2nd year in program), Gulliver Prep (Key Biscayne, Florida)
Reason #1 -- He was the highest-rated recruit of the four, and held that offer from Alabama. It stands to reason that his talent could bubble to the top.
Reason #2 -- He redshirted last year, after enrolling in January. He's still got all four years of eligibility, and could be a four-year starter.
Reason #3 -- He's the so-called "gunslinger" of the quartet. The gambler. The risk-taker. And presumably, the one who can generate the most big plays.
Reason #4 -- Watford is the dual threat, Metheny is the scrambler, but Strauss is probably the best at rolling the pocket with an eye downfield, and moving around in the pocket to evade the pass rush and keep plays alive.
David Watford, True Freshman (1st year in program), Hampton HS
Reason #1 -- He's a true dual threat. While Metheny and Strauss have decent mobility, Watford is an actual
weapon as a runner. That's an important distinction. Those other guys can run when they have to, but Watford would run by design.
Reason #2 -- He's a 757 recruit. What better way to gain traction in our most important recruiting area than to start a QB that played at Hampton High. The same concept worked for Virginia Tech a decade ago.
Reason #3 -- Like Strauss, he could be a four-year starter. You can typically see significant dividends in the QB's junior and senior season if you allow him to take his lumps as a freshman and sophomore.
Reason #4 -- Of the four, he has the most potential... but he'll never realize that potential by sitting on the bench, and he might never see daylight if a guy starts ahead of him and seizes the starting job with competent play. Watford could really be
special, but we have to play him to wean that out of him.
So which one will Mike London choose? Who starts the season opener? It's really a HUGE question.
(This situation is Al Groh's great last FU to the football program. How can a team get to a point where there is zero experienced quarterback depth? Peter Lalich could be a redshirt senior right now. Riko Smalls. Groh's lack of quarterback recruiting was downright criminal.)
Who do YOU think should be Virginia's starting QB this season? Vote in the poll! --->
