'16 WA QB Jacob Eason (Georgia Verbal)

[Irish8248]

I would simply say Mr Eason/Henry, here's our OL for the next 4+ years. They are top or near top of the class every year. Please feel free to have a danish and a Gatorade every time you decide to pass because you'll be virtually untouchable. Now turn your attention to our WRs. We have big, fast, skill, possession, and if that isn't enough we give you the best TEs in the country and skilled RBs as an outlet. If you can't find a target within the typical 3 seconds again take your time you'll have an avg of 2 more. I hope you enjoy mid 60% or higher completion percentage and all the yards you could you want."

 

[ryno 24]

One of the most talented pocket passers I have seen in a while (personally think better than rosen) I just dont think that is the perfect fit for our offense. I want Henry or Pass.

Us taking Eason would be sort of like Alabama taking Barnett. Can work but is not the best fit for either party.

 

[koonja]

Seems like 2016 is setting up to be another round of QB dominos.

 

[ThePiombino]

One of the most talented pocket passers I have seen in a while (personally think better than rosen) I just dont think that is the perfect fit for our offense. I want Henry or Pass.

Us taking Eason would be sort of like Alabama taking Barnett. Can work but is not the best fit for either party.

Tradesies?

 

[ThePiombino]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>"A little tweaking to do, & it will all work out." - '16 4* QB & ND leg Jacob Eason on fitting into ND's scheme ($) <a href="http://t.co/BRCCdJq5iy">http://t.co/BRCCdJq5iy</a></p>— Anna Hickey (@AnnaHScout) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnnaHScout/statuses/482342363797266432">June 27, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Anyone else's heart skip a beat when they started reading this:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>I have decided to officially commit to the Under Armour All American Game &#55356;&#57288;&#55357;&#56495; <a href="https://twitter.com/TomLuginbill">@tomluginbill</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AllAmericaGame">@AllAmericaGame</a></p>— Jacob Eason (@skinnyqb10) <a href="https://twitter.com/skinnyqb10/statuses/482234491943931904">June 26, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

lol

 

[Rocket89]

Commit at the 2016 UAAAG, as in 18 months from now?

 

[Irish Man3]

I think its commit to playing in the UA game.

 

[Rocket89]

I think its commit to playing in the UA game.

Ahh, yes.

 

[koonja]

But will he take visits to San Antonio (AA game location)?

This one's not over until he's checked out a locker, IMO.

 

[dublinirish]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>"A little tweaking to do, & it will all work out." - '16 4* QB & ND leg Jacob Eason on fitting into ND's scheme ($) <a href="http://t.co/BRCCdJq5iy">http://t.co/BRCCdJq5iy</a></p>— Anna Hickey (@AnnaHScout) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnnaHScout/statuses/482342363797266432">June 27, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Anyone else's heart skip a beat when they started reading this:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>I have decided to officially commit to the Under Armour All American Game ���� <a href="https://twitter.com/TomLuginbill">@tomluginbill</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AllAmericaGame">@AllAmericaGame</a></p>— Jacob Eason (@skinnyqb10) <a href="https://twitter.com/skinnyqb10/statuses/482234491943931904">June 26, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

lol

did he have the semper fi bowl hat on the table when he made his decision??

 

[Te'o4Heisman]

Henry, Eason, Pass....I would take any one of the three to kickstart 2016 recruiting. The concerns about Eason's mobility and how he fits in our offense versus the other two do not really concern me at all because he has the ability to challenge a defense vertically. The offense was held back by Rees because not only was he the slowest QB, least agile QB I can remember seeing, but also because he had a wet dish rag for an arm. There was zero vertical threat, and zero dual threat behind center so defenses had no problems creeping their safeties up to compress the line of scrimmage and contain the run game...it also negated any play action because let's face it, a play action 8 yard out doesn't really scare anybody. With Eason, while he may not be as mobile as the other "dual threat" guys, he has a lightning quick release and strong arm that could challenge defenses vertically and open up the play action game...I would love to see us actually able to execute beyond 10 yards from the line of scrimmage, skinny posts, deep crossing patterns and play action deep balls and have a QB back there with the arm to pose a threat or squeeze a ball into tight windows. Watching Golson should be fun this year.

 

[ThePiombino]

Henry, Eason, Pass....I would take any one of the three to kickstart 2016 recruiting. The concerns about Eason's mobility and how he fits in our offense versus the other two do not really concern me at all because he has the ability to challenge a defense vertically. The offense was held back by Rees because not only was he the slowest QB, least agile QB I can remember seeing, but also because he had a wet dish rag for an arm. There was zero vertical threat, and zero dual threat behind center so defenses had no problems creeping their safeties up to compress the line of scrimmage and contain the run game...it also negated any play action because let's face it, a play action 8 yard out doesn't really scare anybody. With Eason, while he may not be as mobile as the other "dual threat" guys, he has a lightning quick release and strong arm that could challenge defenses vertically and open up the play action game...I would love to see us actually able to execute beyond 10 yards from the line of scrimmage, skinny posts, deep crossing patterns and play action deep balls and have a QB back there with the arm to pose a threat or squeeze a ball into tight windows. Watching Golson should be fun this year.

Great points.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

One of the most talented pocket passers I have seen in a while (personally think better than rosen) I just dont think that is the perfect fit for our offense. I want Henry or Pass.

Us taking Eason would be sort of like Alabama taking Barnett. Can work but is not the best fit for either party.

I would challenge this notion. I'm really excited by the idea of dual threat QBs but the problem is often the level of commitment to the pass. If Everett was more committed to going through progressions, we'd put up 40-50+ every game. We have the weapons, we have the line but we don't have consistency (yet) at QB.

Kelly's offense is not geared to a dual-threat QB, it's more power spread. As long as we are able to control the line and rush for 4+ yards per play and we have a QB who can take advantage of play action, and who can throw the long ball as well as the short ball, then Kelly's offense works.

Kelly hardly ever calls a play predicated on the success of a QB run/scramble. Maybe 2-3 a game, the rest of the time it's improvisation when the pocket collapses. Yes, I think it's great to have a QB who can make those plays 2-3, maybe even 4 times a game but what about the times when the pocket was simply suppressed a touch and instead of going through progressions, the QB breaks from the pocket to scramble and either throws it away or takes a sack?

There is no magic bullet, when you gain in one area, you lose in another. Personally, I think Kelly's perfect offense involves a pocket QB with enough athleticism to scramble as a last ditch effort or to run the read option, on occasion but we don't need a hyper-athletic QB.

When a QB takes a snap and in the back of his mind, he's waiting for his chance to jailbreak, their is no commitment to the pass and full progression. He's paying more attention to the front 4-5 than the routes unfolding before him.

I admit, the perfect QB is a Vick/Manning hybrid. One with ultra athletic ability to scramble when needed and able to commit to the passing game with precision and strength of arm. But we haven't seen a single person yet who is capable of doing that. We see hybrid players with some success but we see plenty of pocket QBs who have that level of success as well.

Kelly is a match-up person, we have the receivers, TEs and RBs to play the match-up game on every possession. If a QB is able to recognize the mismatch, I like our chances whether he can scramble or not.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Along with your points I wonder; with Eason, do we get more of the Kelly/Cinci offensive attack. There he used more than one type of quarterback, on a series by series basis, to devastating effect. If I remember correctly, he had a dual threat and a pocket passer available for every game in the three year period he coached at Cinci.

Also, is there any advantage to sign an Eason over the other dual threat quarterbacks, in light of our roster of Golson, Zaire, and Kizer, as far as recruiting offensive skill positions?

 

[koonja]

I'm no expert but I've never seen a QB's highlights where the WRs are hit in stride at such a high rate.

Half of his passes they don't even break stride. If you didn't know better, you wouldn't even know they're catching a pass. That can make an offense look damn fast.

He got game.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

I'm no expert but I've never seen a QB's highlights where the WRs are hit in stride at such a high rate.

Half of his passes they don't even break stride. If you didn't know better, you wouldn't even know they're catching a pass.

He got game.

Great point!

 

[dublinirish]

I'm no expert

Dont sell yoself short brah!

 

[Irish#1]

Great points.

I would challenge this notion. I'm really excited by the idea of dual threat QBs but the problem is often the level of commitment to the pass. If Everett was more committed to going through progressions, we'd put up 40-50+ every game. We have the weapons, we have the line but we don't have consistency (yet) at QB.

Kelly's offense is not geared to a dual-threat QB, it's more power spread. As long as we are able to control the line and rush for 4+ yards per play and we have a QB who can take advantage of play action, and who can throw the long ball as well as the short ball, then Kelly's offense works.

Kelly hardly ever calls a play predicated on the success of a QB run/scramble. Maybe 2-3 a game, the rest of the time it's improvisation when the pocket collapses. Yes, I think it's great to have a QB who can make those plays 2-3, maybe even 4 times a game but what about the times when the pocket was simply suppressed a touch and instead of going through progressions, the QB breaks from the pocket to scramble and either throws it away or takes a sack?

There is no magic bullet, when you gain in one area, you lose in another. Personally, I think Kelly's perfect offense involves a pocket QB with enough athleticism to scramble as a last ditch effort or to run the read option, on occasion but we don't need a hyper-athletic QB.

When a QB takes a snap and in the back of his mind, he's waiting for his chance to jailbreak, their is no commitment to the pass and full progression. He's paying more attention to the front 4-5 than the routes unfolding before him.

I admit, the perfect QB is a Vick/Manning hybrid. One with ultra athletic ability to scramble when needed and able to commit to the passing game with precision and strength of arm. But we haven't seen a single person yet who is capable of doing that. We see hybrid players with some success but we see plenty of pocket QBs who have that level of success as well.

Kelly is a match-up person, we have the receivers, TEs and RBs to play the match-up game on every possession. If a QB is able to recognize the mismatch, I like our chances whether he can scramble or not.

Along with your points I wonder; with Eason, do we get more of the Kelly/Cinci offensive attack. There he used more than one type of quarterback, on a series by series basis, to devastating effect. If I remember correctly, he had a dual threat and a pocket passer available for every game in the three year period he coached at Cinci.

Also, is there any advantage to sign an Eason over the other dual threat quarterbacks, in light of our roster of Golson, Zaire, and Kizer, as far as recruiting offensive skill positions?

Yes, yes and yes. Some are too worried about the QB being a dual threat. What we need is a QB that is an outstanding passer and has mobility. Similar to the skills of Andrew Luck.

 

[Te'o4Heisman]

Another observation about Eason...He is definitely not a statue just because he is a pure pocket passer. If you watch his film...his team rolls him out a LOT, and he is able to make all the throws rolling both right and left. He also uses his feet well to slide in the pocket, step up in the pocket, and at times break containment to get outside and buy himself more time to find the open receiver...some examples:

:54 he rolls right and on a play where most guys would just throw it into the first row he recognizes that the underneath corner can't roll back because of the underneath WR so he drops a sick throw over two defenders right into the hands of his intermediate receiver.

1:42 - A designed rollout to the right, he recognizes the defender coming hard off the edge, quickly steps inside him, takes a few steps in the pocket and delivers a rocket right on the money.

2:30 - He rolls to his left, squares his shoulders up perfectly and hits the open man


2:35 - He rolls left, squares his shoulders up and makes a throw as a HS sophomore that Rees couldnt make as a College senior.

2:40 - He rolls right, has the open man underneath out in the flat, and if he takes the easy and obvious read the defender comes up and makes the tackle for a 2-3 yd gain. Instead he makes the correct read back inside and hits his WR in stride for 15 yds.

2:50 - He rolls right and shows incredible arm strength with a defender bearing down in his face and unable to step into his throw just flicking the ball 20 yards down field over the defender into a tight window.

3:05 - He sits back in the pocket and when it starts collapsing he uses his feet to step up and break contain, roll out to his left to buy himself more time, squares up and makes a very nice throw.

A few that stand out to me about this kid

1. Release is truly lightning quick, and he releasess the ball up high to further take advantage of his 6'5 fram.
2. He has excellent ball placements...not just hitting receivers in stride, but putting the ball over or inside/outside of defenders where only his guy can make the catch.
3. He might not be "fast" but he has quick feet in the pocket and he uses his legs to extend plays and put himself in position to make plays.
4. He has great pocket presence and awareness
5. He looks very comfortable and under control rolling out and can make throws to anywhere on the field rolling both ways...I have been losing my mind the past few years with Rees knowing that every rollout was either a wasted down or a turnover.

 

[Cackalacky]

I would simply say Mr Eason/Henry, here's our OL for the next 4+ years. They are top or near top of the class every year. Please feel free to have a danish and a Gatorade every time you decide to pass because you'll be virtually untouchable. Now turn your attention to our WRs. We have big, fast, skill, possession, and if that isn't enough we give you the best TEs in the country and skilled RBs as an outlet. If you can't find a target within the typical 3 seconds again take your time you'll have an avg of 2 more. I hope you enjoy mid 60% or higher completion percentage and all the yards you could you want."

Amazing. Put his on a glossy fake "Sports Illustrated "Cover and send it on. Sandlin ain't got shit on this....

 

[GoIrish41]

With our OL haul over the past couple of years, and a couple of great RBs (keep them coming please) to set up play action, Eason could absolutely excell in Kelly's offense. He throws darts. I love dual threat QBs as much as anyone, and he isn't one, but when I watch his film, I see a guy who could lead an explosive offense given the right pieces around him (which we have). Wide receivers would jump on board if this kid signs with ND.

 

[dublinirish]

Please feel free to have a danish and a Gatorade every time you decide to pass because you'll be virtually untouchable.

Aha this is GOLD! This phrase needs to become a thing

 

[Domina Nostra]

Agreeing with the Rees-is-not-a-good-example threads, I'll take it a step farther.

I love Golson's game, but I would have rather had Jr. Jimmy Clausen than So. Everett Golson in Kelly's spread offense. (Tony Pike over Zach Collaros too)

You can keep defenses honest by running, or you can keep them honest by hitting the long ball, being accurate on crossing routes, and knowing when to kick it out to a RB when the blitz is on. With the latter, you get more weapons involved and run less chance of injury.

Hopefully, Sr. Golson combines the two! But throwing trumps running for a QB, until you are Cam Newton or Tim Tebow.

 

[GoIrish41]

Agreeing with the Rees-is-not-a-good-example threads, I'll take it a step farther.

I love Golson's game, but I would have rather had Jr. Jimmy Clausen than So. Everett Golson in Kelly's spread offense. (Tony Pike over Zach Collaros too)

You can keep defenses honest by running, or you can keep them honest by hitting the long ball, being accurate on crossing routes, and knowing when to kick it out to a RB when the blitz is on. With the latter, you get more weapons involved and run less chance of injury.

Hopefully, Sr. Golson combines the two! But throwing trumps running for a QB, until you are Cam Newton or Tim Tebow.

As long as there are good to great backs and a strong line up front, I'll take a great passer to a great running QB any day. Great backs set up play action, which keeps defenses on their toes (with less risk of injury to the QB).

 

[GBdomer]

I read his tweet yesterday when it said " I have offically decided to commit" Man you have no idea how excited I got, but I was blue balled.

 

[Irish#1]

I read his tweet yesterday when it said " I have offically decided to commit" Man you have no idea how excited I got, but I was blue balled.

I think he was having fun, since every kid in the country seems to want to tweet that phrase when they commit.

 

[IrishFaninTX]

I would challenge this notion. I'm really excited by the idea of dual threat QBs but the problem is often the level of commitment to the pass. If Everett was more committed to going through progressions, we'd put up 40-50+ every game. We have the weapons, we have the line but we don't have consistency (yet) at QB.

Kelly's offense is not geared to a dual-threat QB, it's more power spread. As long as we are able to control the line and rush for 4+ yards per play and we have a QB who can take advantage of play action, and who can throw the long ball as well as the short ball, then Kelly's offense works.

Kelly hardly ever calls a play predicated on the success of a QB run/scramble. Maybe 2-3 a game, the rest of the time it's improvisation when the pocket collapses. Yes, I think it's great to have a QB who can make those plays 2-3, maybe even 4 times a game but what about the times when the pocket was simply suppressed a touch and instead of going through progressions, the QB breaks from the pocket to scramble and either throws it away or takes a sack?

There is no magic bullet, when you gain in one area, you lose in another. Personally, I think Kelly's perfect offense involves a pocket QB with enough athleticism to scramble as a last ditch effort or to run the read option, on occasion but we don't need a hyper-athletic QB.

When a QB takes a snap and in the back of his mind, he's waiting for his chance to jailbreak, their is no commitment to the pass and full progression. He's paying more attention to the front 4-5 than the routes unfolding before him.

I admit, the perfect QB is a Vick/Manning hybrid. One with ultra athletic ability to scramble when needed and able to commit to the passing game with precision and strength of arm. But we haven't seen a single person yet who is capable of doing that. We see hybrid players with some success but we see plenty of pocket QBs who have that level of success as well.

Kelly is a match-up person, we have the receivers, TEs and RBs to play the match-up game on every possession. If a QB is able to recognize the mismatch, I like our chances whether he can scramble or not.

I agree. I think Brady Quinn would have been perfect for Kelly's offense. He was a pro style QB but was mobile enough to get yards with his feet when nobody was open. I really enjoyed watching him play. Clausen I think was the best pure passing QB I have ever watched at ND but I don't think he would be a great fit for this offense.

 

[Luckylucci]

Per II, Kelly is expected to speak with Tony Eason (Jacob's dad) today. Another step in building the relationship. The Eason's are extremely diligent in their process and this is a good/necessary step. Jacob really enjoyed his time with Coach LaFleur. LaFleur told Eason that he views him as a future 1st rd pick type of talent. The staff isn't worried about running the zone read and neither are the Eason's. As long as he's mobile enough (which he is) to move around the pocket, run roll outs, etc. he'll be fine in Kelly's system.

 

[Luckylucci]

I feel extremely confident that LaFleur will get one of the top 2016 QB's that we've identified. He's been impressing these kids and building great relationships. His NFL pedigree is also a huge plus. We'll look back on his hire as another great one from Kelly.

 

[koonja]

I feel extremely confident that LaFleur will get one of the top 2016 QB's that we've identified. He's been impressing these kids and building great relationships. His NFL pedigree is also a huge plus. We'll look back on his hire as another great one from Kelly.

More importantly IMO, we finally have a QB. If BK sticks around, recruiting will go a lot better from 2016 and on.