'14 OH QB DeShone Kizer (Notre Dame Signee)

[#1rish]

whoops

 

[dublinirish]

if you are not breed to be a QB and haven't flown to Cali to work out with Clarkson or Whitfield during HS then you aren't focused on football..

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Can we all please just agree that Kizer will not factor into the QB situation. When Golson leaves, Zaire takes over. After that, it's likely a 2016 QB.

Have you seen Kizer play? Any sport?


I will tell you one thing Kizer has that ND cannot get enough of, heart. He has a toughness and self belief second to no one.

 

[tko]

Have you seen Kizer play? Any sport?


I will tell you one thing Kizer has that ND cannot get enough of, heart. He has a toughness and self belief second to no one.

Toledo's basketball team was bummed to miss out on him

 

[ResLife Hero]

Here's what I think about Kizer, but it's based off what I've read on the web and seen in pre-packaged highlight reels so I could be way off.

First, he's got all the football skills you could want even if he doesn't have the football game yet. I know Dilfer raved about his intangibles at the Elite 11 Final, but you don't win a regional camp and get an invite to the final just because you have a good head on your shoulders. He can sling it, and even though he didn't have the best, most refined arm at the camp, he still walked away having impressed a former pro QB. Hell, Tom Lemming had him as the #40 player in the country last year.

Second, from the tape I saw, he's a better pure athlete than Barnett would have been. Blake had great speed for his size, but I watched Kizer's football and basketball highlights, and let me tell you, he's an electric athlete. Having played no fewer than 3 varsity sports in high school, he'll be a well-rounded and smooth operator from a physical standpoint.

Third, we don't need him to play right away, but I don't agree that him being buried on the depth chart, only to start when someone gets hurt, is a fair assumption to make. He has a ton of physical tools, showed immense ability while only focusing on football for a third of the year, and everyone he's worked with goes on and on about his leadership and abilities to get the best out of players around him.

Am I glad we lost Barnett? Hell no. Do I think Kizer can be an elite QB if he waits his turn, learns everything he can and continues to develop? Hell yes.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Toledo's basketball team was bummed to miss out on him

It wasn't (just) Toledo. I had heard that Toledo and BGSU looked past him right away because they knew his intent and the way he felt. It was four schools that there is a record of expressing open interest down the wire, two in the big 10, and two fairly decent private (Catholic) schools with good round-ball programs. Four that I know of expressed interest in him.

 

[FightingIrishFTW]

Toledo's basketball team was bummed to miss out on him

More like Toledo's football team. It would have been so cool to see him stay home and lead his hometown Rockets...but yeah, that never was going to happen.

You guys think Kizer will redshirt his freshman season? Also, when would Kizer's first day of practice be with ND, when do incoming frosh arrive to campus?

 

[Ironman8]

More like Toledo's football team. It would have been so cool to see him stay home and lead his hometown Rockets...but yeah, that never was going to happen.

You guys think Kizer will redshirt his freshman season? Also, when would Kizer's first day of practice be with ND, when do incoming frosh arrive to campus?

1. Yes
2. They are already on campus and going through informal but structured 'practices'. Fall practice usually starts around the beginning of August.

 

[EddytoNow]

More like Toledo's football team. It would have been so cool to see him stay home and lead his hometown Rockets...but yeah, that never was going to happen.

You guys think Kizer will redshirt his freshman season? Also, when would Kizer's first day of practice be with ND, when do incoming frosh arrive to campus?

Many posters on here are underestimating Kizer's ability. He was highly rated coming out of high school and has done nothing to diminish that rating. This young man has the potential to be a very fine quarterback. However, he won't be doing it in 2014 unless their is an injury at quarterback.

Kelly has a history of redshirting quarterbacks while they learn the system. Kizer will most likely follow the same path as Zaire and Golson. He will be spending his first year preparing for his opportunity to challenge for a larger role in 2015 and 2016. Barring an injury at the QB position, Kizer will redshirt just as Golson and Zaire did their first year.

 

[ResLife Hero]

It wasn't (just) Toledo. I had heard that Toledo and BGSU looked past him right away because they knew his intent and the way he felt. It was four schools that there is a record of expressing open interest down the wire, two in the big 10, and two fairly decent private (Catholic) schools with good round-ball programs. Four that I know of expressed interest in him.

Why can't we just say who the schools were? I've been curious about it, and with him on campus already, I don't think we're at risk of him changing his mind or anything.

 

[anarin]

Many posters on here are underestimating Kizer's ability. He was highly rated coming out of high school and has done nothing to diminish that rating. This young man has the potential to be a very fine quarterback. However, he won't be doing it in 2014 unless their is an injury at quarterback.

Kelly has a history of redshirting quarterbacks while they learn the system. Kizer will most likely follow the same path as Zaire and Golson. He will be spending his first year preparing for his opportunity to challenge for a larger role in 2015 and 2016. Barring an injury at the QB position, Kizer will redshirt just as Golson and Zaire did their first year.

Thats a serious understatement

 

[Domina Nostra]

Thats a serious understatement

Totally agree.

The kid was a nearly 6'5", 210 lbs, 3-sport athlete with a big arm, good running ability, and lots of smarts. What do you want in a qb? He's got all the tools.

To me, he's like a faster Dayne Crist with a slightly smaller arm. Dayne didn't work out, but that was not for lack of athleticism.

I was initially down on Zaire and Kaizer a bit, but both of them have an impressive competitiveness that complements their intelligence and athleticism. It would not suprise me at all if he turned out to be a good one down the road.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Why can't we just say who the schools were? I've been curious about it, and with him on campus already, I don't think we're at risk of him changing his mind or anything.

I don't know beyond a shadow of a doubt.

I do know there were four D1 basketball teams total with serious interest.

The University of Toledo, and Bowling Green State University were not among that group.

Two of the teams I heard more than once were Big Integer.

I would hate to even make a guess at this point. It is over, my point was OSU and UM fans in Toledo were being ASSHATS repeating these rumors.

 

[NDhoosier]

Many posters on here are underestimating Kizer's ability.

Maybe so, but I dont see a scenario where Kizer plays at all this year. I think majority of the board feels like Kizer has all the physical tools, strong arm, tall, and semi-athletic; however, many, including myself, think it will take a year or two for him to burst onto the scene at the level we want him at.

I am not diminishing Kizer, I just think he is not ready this year for BCS level football, and the good thing, we dont need him to be at that level yet, we have Golson and Zaire ahead of him, two QBs I feel comfortable with.

 

[gkIrish]

Maybe so, but I dont see a scenario where Kizer plays at all this year. I think majority of the board feels like Kizer has all the physical tools, strong arm, tall, and semi-athletic; however, many, including myself, think it will take a year or two for him to burst onto the scene at the level we want him at.

I am not diminishing Kizer, I just think he is not ready this year for BCS level football, and the good thing, we dont need him to be at that level yet, we have Golson and Zaire ahead of him, two QBs I feel comfortable with.

I don't think that's an accurate depiction of the opinion of many on this board. A lot of people have said they would be surprised if he ever starts a game. Especially when Barnett was committed...

 

[md_bennett]

I don't think that's an accurate depiction of the opinion of many on this board. A lot of people have said they would be surprised if he ever starts a game. Especially when Barnett was committed...

When Blake was committed that may have been a very accurate statement though. We could all see Golson finishing out his career and handing the reigns to Zaire for a year and then Blake overtaking the world. But I think that has a lot to do with Blake and nothing at all to do with Kizer. Discussions for a while were all about how he needs the developmental time because he was an athlete who never focused solely on football. He does have a lot of physical tools and could potentially be a great QB, but we just don't know right now. I don't think anybody is down on the kid, they are just now remembering that Kizer was an Elite 11 guy too, so we will be fine.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Nobody has any idea.

 

[NDhoosier]

When Blake was committed that may have been a very accurate statement though. We could all see Golson finishing out his career and handing the reigns to Zaire for a year and then Blake overtaking the world. But I think that has a lot to do with Blake and nothing at all to do with Kizer. Discussions for a while were all about how he needs the developmental time because he was an athlete who never focused solely on football. He does have a lot of physical tools and could potentially be a great QB, but we just don't know right now. I don't think anybody is down on the kid, they are just now remembering that Kizer was an Elite 11 guy too, so we will be fine.

^ See. With the Barnett decommit, it changes things.

I read this board plenty gkirish and that is the overall feeling I get reading people talking about Kizer.

 

[IrishLax]

The problem with Kizer is that coming out of high school he isn't "great" at anything. Very average passer with a decent arm and OK accuracy. His mechanics need a ton of work. And he's not fast... runs between a 4.9 and 5.0 40.

The great thing about Kizer is that he's a hyper talented 3-sport athlete who is only scratching the surface of his potential. He has a great build and very good overall athleticism even if he isn't "fast". He's got enough athletic ability to move the pocket or avoid a rush even if he can't break loose Mike Vick style. He also reportedly has A+ intangibles. He has a high ceiling but whether he reaches it is a big question mark... he's going to need at least a year of incubation before he's ready to play at the next level, but he should have no problem getting it.

Personally, I would've much rather had Mahalak or a number of other QBs in '14 but we should count our lucky stars we got someone with the abilities of DeShone. He's actually probably got the best overall pro upside of any of the 3 QBs on the roster, but he also has the lowest floor. It'll be interesting to see how he develops, and with him definitely being more of a pocket passer relative to a DT guy like Zaire I also wonder how that factors in with Eason. I feel like there is a lot of misinformation being spread about ND's "system" when frankly the VAST majority of the time since Cinci Kelly has not used a DT QB, and when he does it's always as a passer first.

 

[stlnd01]

I feel like there is a lot of misinformation being spread about ND's "system" when frankly the VAST majority of the time since Cinci Kelly has not used a DT QB, and when he does it's always as a passer first.

To be fair, the vast majority of the time since Cinci, Kelly hasn't had the option of a dual-threat QB. And when he did we went to the national title game.

I've never been one to buy into the idea of Kelly having a "system." He strikes me more like a pragmatic "use the weapons you've got" sort of guy. That said, since Golson he has been recruiting big-armed QBs who can also run, not strict pocket passers, and he's finally got a string of them in the pipeline, so he doesn't have to redesign the offense if one goes down. Seems a little odd to go back to a traditional pro-style QB in Eason. But, then, if he's the best available I'm sure Kelly can make do.

 

[TheTurningPoint]

Kizer is a leader and a smart football player. The thing that sticks out the most to me is his rapid growth on the field. His Junior film (yes i have seen full games) he was struggled with being consistent, and his footwork struggled. He was trying to be more of an athlete vs being a QB.

His Senior year, his mechanics improved, and this footwork improvement led to more consistent play. Now sometimes he would fall in love with the deep ball, but there were also multiple times all WRs took off on Go routes so there wasnt much else he could do. H

He doesnt have the Golson arm. But I think he is around having Zaires, but with more accuracy and touch. It's all about mastering his mechanics and gaining confidence in the offense for Kizer.

Kizer is a different QB vs Golson/Zaire. He will be more than effective on the roll out plays, and intermediate stuff. ND can run the spread/pistol with Kizer and not miss a beat.

Like some stated previously, he doesnt exactly fall under the Zaire catagory with his mobility but has what BK is looking for. 3rd and 3 and all routes are covered, Kizer will have no problem tucking it and picking up 4. His mobility will only increase being at ND and he has just enough to keep defenses honest if they run read.

ND got itself a good QB that has played in big games vs good teams. More importantly someone that will understand his role and Notre Dame. Going into 2015-2016-2017-2018 I think Notre Dame fans will feel confident we have Kizer on the squad.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

The problem with Kizer is that coming out of high school he isn't "great" at anything. Very average passer with a decent arm and OK accuracy. His mechanics need a ton of work. And he's not fast... runs between a 4.9 and 5.0 40.

The great thing about Kizer is that he's a hyper talented 3-sport athlete who is only scratching the surface of his potential. He has a great build and very good overall athleticism even if he isn't "fast". He's got enough athletic ability to move the pocket or avoid a rush even if he can't break loose Mike Vick style. He also reportedly has A+ intangibles. He has a high ceiling but whether he reaches it is a big question mark... he's going to need at least a year of incubation before he's ready to play at the next level, but he should have no problem getting it.

Personally, I would've much rather had Mahalak or a number of other QBs in '14 but we should count our lucky stars we got someone with the abilities of DeShone. He's actually probably got the best overall pro upside of any of the 3 QBs on the roster, but he also has the lowest floor. It'll be interesting to see how he develops, and with him definitely being more of a pocket passer relative to a DT guy like Zaire I also wonder how that factors in with Eason. I feel like there is a lot of misinformation being spread about ND's "system" when frankly the VAST majority of the time since Cinci Kelly has not used a DT QB, and when he does it's always as a passer first.

The other side of what you say is that when I watched this kid I can remember three passing plays where the ball was in the air for 60 yards. And the receiver didn't have to adjust or stop for the ball. Also, if I had a dollar for every running play he moved the pile we could have quite a few drinks over which to discuss all this.

He looks like he is faster than 4.9 in the forty. I don't know if it is acceleration or explosiveness or what. But he eludes people, and I know that high school isn't D1. But junior year, the team Central beat had what, 6 or 8 D1 recruits?

And finally, when asked what he would do (where he would fit the ball) if the linebackers played 8 yards back and soft in coverage, he answered that at his school he would run the ball and get a first down.

So I see your point, but sometimes kids just compensate for things, and they don't just fit the conventional mold.

Also, another thing about DeShone. He doesn't appear to get hurt. Senior year, he got the business done so effectively, that he actually spent an amazing amount of time on the bench, and made it through the season relatively fresh. Appeared to be a skill, purposeful, if that makes sense.

 

[Cackalacky]

From what I gather from all the great information provided on this board, Kelly is not a one-size fits all scheme guy. He does have an ideal offense he wants to run and it seems to me he wants to go to the power spread more than anything else. We saw glimpses of it with Golson but it looks to me like Malik and Kaiser fit the mold for a power spread QB similar to Taj Boyd. You do not need an elite DT quarterback, only someone to keep the defense honest and someone who can make quick reads and accurate passes. We honestly have not had a QB yet run his offense the way he wants it and with Rees there really was no option to run a spread attack.

I have been much higher on Malik and Deshone than I ever was on Golson. Between these three I am not worried much about taking an elite QB this year. I also have really high hopes for the offense this year. I think it could be really special with Golson here and even better when Malik/Deshone take over and the process is in place.

 

[IrishLion]

Also, another thing about DeShone. He doesn't appear to get hurt. Senior year, he got the business done so effectively, that he actually spent an amazing amount of time on the bench, and made it through the season relatively fresh. Appeared to be a skill, purposeful, if that makes sense.

After watching Dayne Crist run so many effective read option plays, only to run standing straight up through traffic without protecting himself while defenders loaded up and blasted him, this truly is a purposeful skill to have lol.

Golson has that Mike Vick look to him when he takes off, kind of free-styling when he runs, but needs to remember to protect himself and the ball. He does better than Crist did, but ball security is the big one that needs to improve. In the limited reps we've seen from Malik, he looks to be more of a pure runner... he reminds me of a running back when he takes off. He's not free-styling like Golson, rather making cuts and trying to find lanes and use his blockers through traffic with the ball tucked away nicely. I think that "running back" mentality is useful for a QB to have (such as with DeShone, who can lower his shoulders and move the pile) in not only running effectively, but staying healthy despite the extra punishment.

 

[gkIrish]

Can we all please just agree that Kizer will not factor into the QB situation. When Golson leaves, Zaire takes over. After that, it's likely a 2016 QB.

I'm not saying he's chopped liver. I'm saying I don't think he'll ever take a meaningful snap.

^ See. With the Barnett decommit, it changes things.

I read this board plenty gkirish and that is the overall feeling I get reading people talking about Kizer.

This is just Piombino's opinion but I saw it a lot over in Barnett's thread too. Many people think Kizer isn't going to start no matter who the 2015 or 2016 QB is. Not trying to get into an argument, just pointing out that some people still have the opinion even after Barnett committed.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

This is just Piombino's opinion but I saw it a lot over in Barnett's thread too. Many people think Kizer isn't going to start no matter who the 2015 or 2016 QB is. Not trying to get into an argument, just pointing out that some people still have the opinion even after Barnett committed.

"Opinions line the road to greatness. Not the cobblestones, merely the leaves that obscure the way, to be swept aside when greatness advances . . ."

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Surprised some people are so bearish on Kizer. He seems to have the frame and time to develop. We have a QB coach who'll be working with him for the next year or two before he sees game snaps and he'll be in college strength and conditioning program. He appears to be a passer first, runner second. We don't need a recruit to come in and expect to be king, we need a guy who is willing to learn the system and emerge when he's ready.

I think we have the perfect compliment in Kizer to our current QB roster. We already have two highly competitive QBs who'll tutor Kizer as they earn their reps. We will see Golson and Zaire play this year and that will benefit Kizer as he'll be learning from two guys who understand the pressure of being ND's QB.

I think we have a great recruit in Kizer. I'm just shocked that having gone through the last 4 years, we could see so little in Kizer compared to Rees or Hendrix. (Loved the men, wished they had more ability).

 

[Cackalacky]

This is just Piombino's opinion but I saw it a lot over in Barnett's thread too. Many people think Kizer isn't going to start no matter who the 2015 or 2016 QB is. Not trying to get into an argument, just pointing out that some people still have the opinion even after Barnett committed.

I dont see it. I think Deshone has as much a chance as anyone. I though BB was going to have a hard time seeing the field as it was.

 

[koonja]

I thought his biggest knock was accuracy?

I thought I remember him having a couple of camps or reports from camps where he was a bit erratic with the ball.

 

[md_bennett]

I thought his biggest knock was accuracy?

I thought I remember him having a couple of camps or reports from camps where he was a bit erratic with the ball.

I remember this as well, but it all comes down to the fine-tuning in his mechanics. This will be his first chance at working exclusively at football, so a lot of the things that he couldn't spend a lot of offseason work doing will start to become natural.