'15 CA QB Travis Waller (Oregon Verbal)

[stlnd01]

I agree with you. But then in two press conferences, Kelly said that about "three scholarship quarterbacks being ideal." I wasn't sure if he was talking in general, situationally, or covering for what in hindsight was an abomination. (As in really bad luck, nothing against anyone in the situation.)

If one of those three includes a guy who you're redshirting (like Zaire last year, Golson in '11), then you really only have two. You need three who can play, because life happens, sometimes in a classroom in May and sometimes in the second quarter of the USC game.

As for the logjam issue, that's a real first-world problem to have. But I think after the experiences of the last few years, if I'm Brian Kelly I'd rather have more QB options than fewer. And I'd rather have a top 10 guy in hand right now than pass on a top 10 guy this year in the hopes of landing a top 3 guy next year.

That said, if none of our next wave of top-tier QB recruits works out, I'd be fine taking a developmental three-star who wants to be here (a la Tommy Rees) and going big for Eason in '16. But mostly I'm rooting for Waller to be Irish.

 

[#1rish]

If Barnett actually goes to Bama, I can't imagine Waller actually giving Oregon another look can he? They weren't in his top schools, but who knows.

 

[koonja]

If Barnett actually goes to Bama, I can't imagine Waller actually giving Oregon another look can he? They weren't in his top schools, but who knows.

I know nothing, but it's still only June. If he truly liked them before, there's a lonnnnnng way to go if Oregon goes all in on him.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

The discussion regarding academics has been moved here.

If you're inclined to suggest that a thread should be brought back on topic, please be polite about it. The relative academic merit of different schools is frequently relevant for many ND recruits, and no one likes being told to shut up and go away, especially when they've put a lot of thoughtful effort into the discussion.

 

[Domina Nostra]

I think the Waller situation will change dramatically once he visits ND.

 

[IrishLax]

I think the Waller situation will change dramatically once he visits ND.

I just hope he makes it to that visit before Oregon offers. I also don't like how the visit is jammed in with Northwestern.

 

[jerboski]

Barnett has totally screwed ND this year in terms of QB recruiting. We stopped recruiting the position and then get a bit lucky to get in the Waller sweepstakes and now he decides he likes Bama and that will probably screw us for Waller. Blake is quickly rising up my ladder for most disliked recruit

 

[Buster Bluth]

If he goes to Alabama, Oklahoma's 47-game winning streak is about to get surpassed. Only 99% kidding.

 

[koonja]

I really don't think Waller (or any QB at this point) is a necessity.

Malik is a RS freshman, and I was pretty impressed with Kizer.

I want a QB, mainly a highly rated one, because we had one ripped from our class and it feels like something's missing.

But if you look at the depth chart, I think we can survive 2015 without one.

I'm fine if in 2016 we see:

Malik RS Jr., Kizer RS sophomore, RS freshman some scrub, RS Malik Henry.

OVER

Malik RS Jr., Kizer RS sophomore, stretch pick RS freshman, stretch pick RS.

My opinion is based on the idea that it's much more likely we land Henry or someone similar if we get a scrub this year.

 

[Luckylucci]

I really don't think Waller (or any QB at this point) is a necessity.

Malik is a RS freshman, and I was pretty impressed with Kizer.

I want a QB, mainly a highly rated one, because we had one ripped from our class and it feels like something's missing.

But if you look at the depth chart, I think we can survive 2015 without one.

I'm fine if in 2016 we see:

Malik RS Jr., Kizer RS sophomore, RS freshman some scrub, RS Malik Henry.

OVER

Malik RS Jr., Kizer RS sophomore, stretch pick RS freshman, stretch pick RS.

My opinion is based on the idea that it's much more likely we land Henry or someone similar if we get a scrub this year.

I'm increasingly warming up to the idea that I don't care as much about 2015 QB recruiting. Would I take Barnett or Waller, of course, they are very good talents. However, if we miss on the top tier guys next years depth chart won't be that scary and we are in on a few of the best 2016 QB's. Not taking a 2015 QB will be a huge selling point for that group, IMO. Also, its looking like I'm going to want that scholarship at another position.

 

[#1rish]

But there's always the possibility of missing out both on Waller and a high-end 2016. Then we're pretty screwed.

 

[IRISHbluehen]

Question, could we see a scenario where Oregon doesn't give up on Blake and as a result doesn't get in on Travis until it is too late? And when Blake sticks with Bama, we get Waller and Oregon/Hopkins go 0-fer. Lotta kool aid in this post i know.

 

[stlnd01]

I really don't think Waller (or any QB at this point) is a necessity.

Malik is a RS freshman, and I was pretty impressed with Kizer.

I want a QB, mainly a highly rated one, because we had one ripped from our class and it feels like something's missing.

But if you look at the depth chart, I think we can survive 2015 without one.

I'm fine if in 2016 we see:

Malik RS Jr., Kizer RS sophomore, RS freshman some scrub, RS Malik Henry.

OVER

Malik RS Jr., Kizer RS sophomore, stretch pick RS freshman, stretch pick RS.

My opinion is based on the idea that it's much more likely we land Henry or someone similar if we get a scrub this year.

I'd agree we're fine in '15, assuming Golson comes back. What worries me about the 2016 scenario is if Zaire gets hurt (or winds up sucking), or if Kizer looks at the situation and transfers (or winds up being Andrew Hendrix). These sort of things have happened before. Then we're basically down to two guys again, and one of them's a true freshman.
Since we appear to be taking an abundance mentality with scholarships this year, I'd just as soon snag a three-star for depth if we don't land Waller. I don't really see the harm. That's not going to scare away a stud. But it gives us some insurance.

 

[FrankMA]

But there's always the possibility of missing out both on Waller and a high-end 2016. Then we're pretty screwed.

Yes, so if we get Waller this season and miss in 2016 we are set. Not a big deal if we miss in 2016 in that case. Lets not gamble on 2016. W don't have anybody signed for 2016 yet and, even if we did, he could pull a Barnett on us.

 

[ND NYC]

i always felt you take a qb every year.
get the best one you can. its the most important position in all of football college or pro.

just never know what can happen to future recruits or current guys in the program.

 

[Luckylucci]

But there's always the possibility of missing out both on Waller and a high-end 2016. Then we're pretty screwed.

Not at all. When the 2016 QB is a freshman Zaire will 2 years, Kizer 3, and the PWO 4,. How is that a screwed depth chart? There's a lot of talent in the 2016 class and if we were to miss on the top tier talent then we'd just have to settle for a mid tier guy. Thats a problem that you face when you get there. That doesn't mean that this class we should take a mid level guy that will be stacked behind our current QB's just in case we miss next year. QB depth is not a need this cycle. It mihgt be next cycle and if we miss on top tier guys we will react accordingly. Let me clarify that I'm not saying we shouldn't take a QB, I'm just saying that if it isn't a top tier guy (stidham, Waller, etc.) then it makes more sense to pass this year.

 

[koonja]

IDK how we wouldn't land at least a 4-star type of QB in 2016 if we leave 2015 empty and have the type of offensive season we expect to.

We've been pretty awesome at QB recruiting and our offense has been anemic. With Golson lighting it up and having a void, IDK how we don't get serious interest.

I think it'd take a coaching change to NOT land an elite/ really good QB.

 

[Bubbles]

I'm increasingly warming up to the idea that I don't care as much about 2015 QB recruiting. Would I take Barnett or Waller, of course, they are very good talents. However, if we miss on the top tier guys next years depth chart won't be that scary and we are in on a few of the best 2016 QB's. Not taking a 2015 QB will be a huge selling point for that group, IMO. Also, its looking like I'm going to want that scholarship at another position.

same here

 

[stlnd01]

We've been pretty awesome at QB recruiting and our offense has been anemic. With Golson lighting it up and having a void, IDK how we don't get serious interest.

I think it'd take a coaching change to NOT land an elite/ really good QB.

We always get serious interest. Then we get Blake Barnett'd. Also we've no real idea what our offense will look like this year. And don't even joke about coaching changes.
Bird in the hand, my friend.

 

[STLDomer]

Our hope:

Oregon offers Sam Darnold

Oregon moves on Francois

Waller is done being Oregon's backup plan and stick with his current Top 4

 

[#1rish]

Not at all. When the 2016 QB is a freshman Zaire will 2 years, Kizer 3, and the PWO 4,. How is that a screwed depth chart? There's a lot of talent in the 2016 class and if we were to miss on the top tier talent then we'd just have to settle for a mid tier guy. Thats a problem that you face when you get there. That doesn't mean that this class we should take a mid level guy that will be stacked behind our current QB's just in case we miss next year. QB depth is not a need this cycle. It mihgt be next cycle and if we miss on top tier guys we will react accordingly. Let me clarify that I'm not saying we shouldn't take a QB, I'm just saying that if it isn't a top tier guy (stidham, Waller, etc.) then it makes more sense to pass this year.

Ah okay, that makes sense.

 

[Irish Houstonian]

...

I'm fine if in 2016 we see:

Malik RS Jr., Kizer RS sophomore, RS freshman some scrub, RS Malik Henry.

OVER

Malik RS Jr., Kizer RS sophomore, stretch pick RS freshman, stretch pick RS.

...

I agree. It's a gamble, but with someone like Henry it's not unreasonable to go quality over quantity.

 

[Irishnuke]

But there's always the possibility of missing out both on Waller and a high-end 2016. Then we're pretty screwed.

Exactly this. I'm not sure where this sense of confidence is coming from in regards to landing an elite '16 QB. We might lead at this point for Henry, but in case anyone forgot, he lives in SoCal. Eason also lives on the other side of the country and is concerned about fitting in ND's offense. Banking on landing either of those kids is ridiculous.

What if by some chance Golson has an awesome year and declares for the draft? I don't think it will happen but you never know. Spare me the "he wouldn't go pro, he owes ND bullshit." He'd go if he had a good grade. Say that happens. Then we'll roll into 2015 with two scholarship QBs. Then we're fucked if there is an injury. Same deal is someone is suspended or transfers. We all know both of those can happen. That's why I think we need to grab a QB this year.

 

[STLDomer]

Word is Sills decommitment from USC is imminent and they could move on Waller now.

 

[WakeUpEchoes]

Word is Sills decommitment from USC is imminent and they could move on Waller now.

USC was the team that worried Mike Frank the most. Great.

 

[#1rish]

2 more weeks will Waller announces his commitment. I'll be shocked if Waller even considers USC at this point.

 

[STLDomer]

JHop doesn't think an offer to Waller is imminent from Oregon though obviously it is very possible

 

[WakeUpEchoes]

2 more weeks will Waller announces his commitment. I'll be shocked if Waller even considers USC at this point.

It's not just now. Even if Waller makes a commitment somewhere other than USC, they will likely be a major player for him until signing day. Even with Ricky Town committed.

 

[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Waller still expected at ND the week of the 23rd. Has said final decision is coming on July 1.</p>— Anna Hickey (@AnnaHScout) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnnaHScout/statuses/479311286598004736">June 18, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[STLDomer]

Our hope:

Oregon offers Sam Darnold

Oregon moves on Francois

Waller is done being Oregon's backup plan and stick with his current Top 4

Oregon just offered Sam Darnold