Aldridge Smokes -- Frazer Struggling

[weisfaninmass]

Per BGI:

James Aldridge: Deuces were wild for Aldridge this weekend as he carried the ball 22 times for 222 yards while scoring two touchdowns of 11 and 80 yards.

Zach Frazer: He and his teammates were shut out 35-0, as the overall skill level of the team is down. By all accounts, the young man is playing hard and supporting his teammates throuh tough times.

Let's hope Frazer regains his confidence under Peter Vaas and C-Dub and with talent around him.

 

[Rip Rap]

I have heard apologists say Frazer plays for a crappy team and is still outstanding. Still, I'm really looking forward to a dual-threat qb along the lines of a Vick or a Young or a McNabb.

 

[Batch]

Not sure if you saw my post on Frazer. The kid is a class act and is handling this adversity well. His team has no running game at all and the recievers are very inexperienced. For the year his recievers are averaging over 6 dropped passes...passes that are hitting them in the hands per game.

Whatever doesn't kill you...will make you stronger. I think this adversity will only help Frazer be a better QB.

-Batch

 

[St.Kittsnd]

I believe that both Cutcliffe and Weis thought he was the best quarterback in the country, albeit back in February, that we have very little to worry about regarding his level of talent. He will be our starter in a couple of years. Jones is also a very talented QB and I think ND is in a very strong position.

 

[bigdon]

I keep believing that Jones will wind up as the ND QB. If you watched the USC game it was obvious that Quinn had to run to avoid the rush at certain times. Imagine having Jones in that situation where his running skills are utilized. Frazer is a great high school QB and will no doubt be the favorite to take over from Quinn but I still believe in the long run that Jones will be the one.

 

[jiggafini19]

I keep believing that Jones will wind up as the ND QB. If you watched the USC game it was obvious that Quinn had to run to avoid the rush at certain times. Imagine having Jones in that situation where his running skills are utilized. Frazer is a great high school QB and will no doubt be the favorite to take over from Quinn but I still believe in the long run that Jones will be the one.

Gotta agree with bigdon on this one.

I've seen Jones in person and Frazer on film, but the difference is clear. Jones has the ability to escape trouble. And he's got a great arm.

What Jones needs is some quality time with Ruben Mendoza once he gets to ND. 195 lbs. won't take much of a beating.

 

[Irish Envy]

Man, I'm so pumped with Aldridge coming to South Bend. I can help but envison him running over defenders on his way to the end zone.

 

[Domer95]

Whatever doesn't kill you...will make you stronger. I think this adversity will only help Frazer be a better QB.

-Batch[/QUOTE]

HUM..............sort of like getting knocked on your ass about 10 times a half the past two years like someone we know.....

 

[jiggafini19]

Man, I'm so pumped with Aldridge coming to South Bend. I can help but envison him running over defenders on his way to the end zone.

Envision a future backfield of Jones, Aldridge and Schmidt. Flank Robby Parris and Richard Jackson on each side, with Paddy Mullen or Konrad Reuland at Tight End.

Kiss the crystal Sears trophy, Charles.

 

[bmf175]

Man, I'm so pumped with Aldridge coming to South Bend. I can help but envison him running over defenders on his way to the end zone.

I agree. I think Walker is great and is showing a lot of improvement, but if Aldridge can become a Juilius Jones and Schwapp a Mark Edwards we would have something special.

As for QBs, I think Young from Texas adds something to their offense, but I have always prefered a drop back quaterback that is a great passer than one that can pass with average accuracy and run great. Its great to have three backs that can run on the field but when it comes time to pass I want somebody that can pass the ball with more efficiency than Young.

And although you guys are in love with Jones and Frazier coming in I think the QB that has the most balance MAY be Sharpley. He has not been getting much respect from a lot of people these days but I think he starts when Quinn leaves, provided Wolke doesn't step up. At that time he will have a year or two longer in Weis' offense and will have the advantage over the two incoming QBs. Vaas has already said Sharpley is a very polished and well trained QB coming out of HS.

 

[jiggafini19]

A very good point. 2007 could see Sharpley starting with Jones/Frazer backing him. Unfortunately, many of this year's freshmen were lost in the shuffle last year. It was a small class, but only in number. There are some guys to be excited about.

 

[Batch]

And although you guys are in love with Jones and Frazier coming in I think the QB that has the most balance MAY be Sharpley. He has not been getting much respect from a lot of people these days but I think he starts when Quinn leaves, provided Wolke doesn't step up. At that time he will have a year or two longer in Weis' offense and will have the advantage over the two incoming QBs. Vaas has already said Sharpley is a very polished and well trained QB coming out of HS.

I will admit that I am guilty as charged. We just havent been hearing alot about Sharpley. I would like to see him get on the field some in a couple of these next 5 games.

-Batch

 

[jiggafini19]

As for QBs, I think Young from Texas adds something to their offense, but I have always prefered a drop back quaterback that is a great passer than one that can pass with average accuracy and run great. Its great to have three backs that can run on the field but when it comes time to pass I want somebody that can pass the ball with more efficiency than Young.

You will have just that with Demetrius Jones.

I'm not sure how many times I'm going to have to post this before you all believe me, but I'll try it again:

DEMETRIUS JONES IS IN A PASSING OFFENSE. HE IS A PASSING QUARTERBACK. It just so happens that he is athletic and can run. I saw him play this year. They ran TWO designed running plays the whole game. The kid has a cannon arm. PLEASE DO NOT MISCONCEIVE OR STEREOTYPE HIS ABILITY! You're missing out on what he is really about.

If I could post a link to film, I would.

 

[WeisGuy05]

I really do not think it matters if we land Frazer/Jones because if Coach Weis lands Jimmy Clausen....he could possibly start as a true freshman.

 

[scooper]

You will have just that with Demetrius Jones.

I'm not sure how many times I'm going to have to post this before you all believe me, but I'll try it again:

DEMETRIUS JONES IS IN A PASSING OFFENSE. HE IS A PASSING QUARTERBACK. It just so happens that he is athletic and can run. I saw him play this year. They ran TWO designed running plays the whole game. The kid has a cannon arm. PLEASE DO NOT MISCONCEIVE OR STEREOTYPE HIS ABILITY! You're missing out on what he is really about.

If I could post a link to film, I would.

yeah but.....can he throw the football?

 

[bmf175]

Ill take your word for it as I have not seen film of Jones playing, but I have seen film of Sharpley and he looked to be both mobile and a good passer.

I have nothing wrong with Jones and Frazier ( I am also excited about their future at ND), my point was that Sharpley will have a lot more experience with Weis' offense then any of these two guys and he will also have Quinn teaching him from direct experience. Sharpley is thought upon as a talented QB by the coaching staff, combine that with experience, I just don't think we should write off Sharpley so quick. He wasn't exactly a no name coming out of HS either.

My other point is I would rather have a Tom Brady or Brady Quinn type QB in the game than a Mike Vick or Randell Cunningham. Not to take anything away from those two great quarterbacks, but I did watch the Falcons game this weekend and I thought Mike Vick was inconsistant with his accuracy, but Tom Brady (a pure drop back passer) was always accurate. Its very rare to get a Steve Young type of QB one that can scramble well and also throw strikes. If I had to pick between the two I would pick a pure drop back passer and allow the two other backs to run the ball.

I may get flamed for saying this but QBs that have a tendency to run are more prone to getting injured (Vick, McNabb, Cunningham, Young) these guys were always getting hurt.
Where as Elway, Marino, and Fouts rarely got hurt.

I mean realistically if you counted the average QB run it would be around 5-7 yards. Who would you rather have in for 3 and 15, an obvious passing down.
Also scrmbling QBs although are able to get away for a 12 yard gain at times but they get sacked a lot more just because they rely on their ability to scramble too much, instead of throwing the ball away they keep it and get sacked.
These are just the things I have noticed. And although they are not right (every situation is different) in all cases all points have even a small amount of validity.

 

[jiggafini19]

Please put Jones in the Tom Brady/Brady Quinn category. He runs when no one gets open and improvises. He takes a sack when he has to, but the guy can run. With more coaching and a talened line, he'll become a tremendous pro style QB...who happens to be a good runner.

I have yet to see what Sharpley can do. I'm curious about him now.

 

[PantsB]

Still, I'm really looking forward to a dual-threat qb along the lines of a Vick or a Young or a McNabb.

Remember Weis' backround. His backround is almost entirely NFL and his offense is definitely pro-style. I don't think you'll see many gameplans built around a QB's running ability or many QB draws/options. As people have said below, a QB's ability to scramble is going to be a bonus to be used very sparingly in ND for the foreseeable future. Quinn's QB sneaks are the exception, but even Tom Brady ran those.

 

[Aerosmith777]

I really do not think it matters if we land Frazer/Jones because if Coach Weis lands Jimmy Clausen....he could possibly start as a true freshman.

yeah, I got a feeling that could prove prophetic. If Clausen is 1/2 as good as everyone says he is, then he's twice as good and Jones and Frazier combined.

I'm always a bit wary of anyone that hyped up, but I trust Charlie to be able to tell if the kid's the real deal. if he is as good as everyone says he is and he commts to ND, gotta think he'll be in the mix to replace Brady when he graduates.

 

[Irishkid23]

Frazier is the man. Charlie likes a pro style passer!! The kid has a bad team. Why bad mouth him? He will be the QB of the future, when he learns the system. He is big and tough, just like Quinn.

Remember, Charlie and Cutliffe loved him over ALL other QB's. Jones will be there for the purpose of utilizing his abilities against a slower defense(s), or to mix and match with frazer

 

[Irish Envy]

We're arguing apples to oranges and we don't even know if the apples are oranges or the other way around.

One thing is for certain.

Of all the QBs on the squad when Brady graduates, the best man will be annointed the starter. Charlie doesn't GIVE anything to anyone. The best man will earn the job and that is who will start.

 

[bmf175]

Frazier is the man. Charlie likes a pro style passer!! The kid has a bad team. Why bad mouth him? He will be the QB of the future, when he learns the system. He is big and tough, just like Quinn.

Remember, Charlie and Cutliffe loved him over ALL other QB's. Jones will be there for the purpose of utilizing his abilities against a slower defense(s), or to mix and match with frazer

Well I dont think anybody here "bad mouthed" any of our QBs we just may have a preference as to who we would like to see get the snaps thats all.

I hope you are not implying a rotating QB scheme, I seriously doubt Weis would go for that. He has already addresses that with Darius Walker and the other tail backs. He said he has one man at the lead. Although he may rotate running backs (as all teams do) I seriously doubt he would rotate QBs like Tenn did last year, I just do not see that happening.

 

[bmf175]

I really do not think it matters if we land Frazer/Jones because if Coach Weis lands Jimmy Clausen....he could possibly start as a true freshman.

I dont want to say this is not going to happen, but I will go as far as to say I seriously doubt this happens.

Weis' has repeated said he goes with whoever gives the team the best chance to win. That to me means who ever is the most knowledgable and experienced at the time, not who can help us in the future.

I seriously doubt in 2007 when Sharpley will have two full years at ND and Frazer and Jones both have a full year under their belt, Weis is going to start a true freshman that is not experienced with his playbook OR recognizing college defenses OR has not actually played in a college game. The pace of the game is quicker the knowledge that a QB at ND has to have is extrodinary.

So for a True freshman QB to come in and beat out THREE upper classman, all of whom are highly anticipated QBs themselves, is not reasonable. I will give you the benefit of the doubt and say maybe physically he is capable and can start but not that soon, no chance in my book.

 

[jiggafini19]

Jimmy Clausen could be Todd Marinovich. Who knows. He's been driving a car for about a year. The video I've seen is impressive. He needs to be in the right situation.

I was reading over a scouting report from August on Demetrius Jones. I'd copy it into this reply, but I think everyone is convinced he's Tony Rice, so I'm not going to bother. Maybe I'm not getting my point across. Failure to communicate.

 

[weisfaninmass]

Lotta chatter on this very passionate topic of QB for the Irish -- couple of thoughts below:

1. If the coaching staff was really high on Sharpley, he would be #2 right now.
2. Jimmy Clausen does not excite me yet. He is a junior. This talk that he is twice as good as Jones and Frazer is false hype based on his name. Remember Paul Brown saying Scott Groom could start in the NFL out of high school.
3. If we start a True Freshman in the QB position in 2 years, we will not be in the National Championship hunt so control the hype. It is asking too much of any freshman to lead a team at the QB position. Look at Quinn and Leinart when the game was on the line. Both of them performed like proven veterans. Those drives would not happen with a True Frosh in the laste 4th Quarter.

 

[bmf175]

1. If the coaching staff was really high on Sharpley, he would be #2 right now.
QUOTE]
Thats a good question. What exactly is the rule on red shirting players, especially freshman? Do they have to be red shirted before the beginning of the season or if at the end of the season can they be put in for a red shirt if they have not seen the field all season.
I think it could happen both ways (Im not sure). Which may explain why Sharpley and Hord have not seen the field. Why waste a year of elgibility when you have clear cut starters that are more experienced than the freshman? But would also explain why Turkovich has seen some playing time because next year the O-line will need the experience.

 

[weisfaninmass]

1. If the coaching staff was really high on Sharpley, he would be #2 right now.
QUOTE]
Thats a good question. What exactly is the rule on red shirting players, especially freshman? Do they have to be red shirted before the beginning of the season or if at the end of the season can they be put in for a red shirt if they have not seen the field all season.
I think it could happen both ways (Im not sure). Which may explain why Sharpley and Hord have not seen the field. Why waste a year of elgibility when you have clear cut starters that are more experienced than the freshman? But would also explain why Turkovich has seen some playing time because next year the O-line will need the experience.

A player doesn't have to be declared a 'redshirt' at the beginning of the year.

Weis will do anything to put the team in best position to win now. If it causes a kid to play now and lose a potential 5th year, he will do that. If they thought Sharpley playing as #2 put them in best position to win, he'd do that. Obviously they don't -- True Frosh at the QB position is a difficult win with.

 

[bigdon]

It is obvious the ND will be loaded with QB's for the next several years but I don't think either Jones or Frazer are going to sit on the bench too long.

Both have the qualities to play high end Div1 football and I don't think they will be satisfied with any thing else. If it's not ND it may be somewhere else by way of the transfer.

 

[bmf175]

Weis will do anything to put the team in best position to win now. If it causes a kid to play now and lose a potential 5th year, he will do that. If they thought Sharpley playing as #2 put them in best position to win, he'd do that. Obviously they don't -- True Frosh at the QB position is a difficult win with.

I know this, man. As I have already stated all these points before.

I just hope whichever QB starts after Brady he can pick up without having the "learning" seasons to go through. Im excited we actually have this many good QBs to debate over. Some Div I schools are picking the LEAST rotten apple among the rotten ones, we are trying to pick the golden apple out of the ripe ones.

 

[bigdon]

One last point and then I'll shut up. Quinn has had the benefit of 2 full years experience at the helm. Remember how awful he looked in some of those games? Now he is Heisman material because of that experience!

Whoever takes over is not going to have that experience. We can't expect the next QB to come and not miss a beat. He will have a "learning" experience just like Quinn.

And if Quinn gets hurt this year we will see a Run,Run,Run offense and a dramatic drop off in production. There is no substitute for experience and none of the other QBs will have it.