Witt has 'it'

[Eric the Red]

NU Football: QB Witt has 'it,' coach says

 

NU Football: QB Witt has 'it,' coach says

BY DIRK CHATELAIN

WORLD-HERALD BUREAU

 

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LINCOLN - Say cheeeeeeese, Patrick Witt.

 

Click to Enlarge

 

Patrick Witt audibles during the Huskers' spring game.

The last time you faced the cameras, you were running from Ndamukong Suh and Clayton Sievers before 54,000 people. The next time, perhaps, you'll be standing next to a pretty young lady in high heels.

 

Ahhh, the life of a Nebraska quarterback.

 

Witt bypassed the second semester of his high school senior year to enroll at Nebraska in January. He wanted to cannonball into the spring practice pool. Better to get a little splash now than be soaked in August.

 

During Saturday's spring exhibition, Witt looked at times like he could've used some floaties as Blackshirts pursued him from all sides. But he stayed afloat and showed a curious crowd why coaches adore him.

 

"I love that kid," offensive coordinator Shawn Watson said. "He has all the intangibles. Most importantly, he's a very smart guy. He understands that he has 'it.' 'It' is something a lot of guys don't have. The game goes slow for him."

 

Witt doesn't appear a candidate to take snaps on fall Saturdays until at least 2008, but those who watched him the past month project prolific days ahead. For now, he can shelve his playbook. He can forget footwork and defensive coverage. He can smile - he'll rent a tuxedo and return to his old Atlanta high school on April 28.

 

Watson kept telling Witt during spring ball that prom was coming. You got a date yet? Finally the quarterback came to Watson with the good news.

 

"Now I'm ready to play football," Witt told the coach.

 

In Witt's first of potentially five spring games, he performed well behind second- and third-team offensive linemen, completing 5 of 11 throws for 38 yards. On a 17-yard completion to Chris Brooks down the middle, the 6-foot-4, 220-pounder displayed a right arm that may be the strongest among NU quarterbacks.

 

"He's a bigger-body guy," receiver Nate Swift said. "He's got that nice throwing motion. He can get the ball in anywhere."

 

Witt, who turned 18 on April 3, is nowhere near understanding the West Coast principles coaches preach. He started from scratch a month ago. When he learns the entire offense, Swift said, "he'll be a really good quarterback."

 

"You never know when a guy leaves high school early," Swift said. "You don't know what he looks like, never heard anything about him. He looked good."

 

Witt, originally from suburban Atlanta, moved to the Dallas area for his senior season. He planned to graduate in December before committing to NU in July.

 

Sometimes a quarterback's decision to accelerate the learning curve backfires. Instead of getting a jump on football, the quick transition, public attention and day-to-day grind of preparation wears down an 18-year-old who could be hanging out with friends.

 

Look at Curt Dukes, who enrolled in the spring of 2002, then transferred a year later without playing a down for NU.

 

Watson never worried about Witt immersing himself too soon. The kid's too mature to let the elements overwhelm him, Watson said.

 

Witt wasn't ranked by most pundits among the top 30 senior quarterbacks. But if you're doing your job in recruiting, turning over rocks and dissecting film, Watson said, you identify traits that fit Nebraska's offense.

 

"He's smart, dependable and tough," Watson said.

 

A lot like Zac Taylor, according to senior quarterback Joe Ganz.

 

"A real humble guy," Ganz said. "Just goes about his business everyday. Doesn't showboat or anything. Just takes care of business. I think he's going to be a good one in years to come."

[HSKRNOKC]

Those are awesome words. He should be a real good one. Also great to have Lee for three years to push him. Should make for some real good qb controversy.

[hack]

the future looks good. i'm looking forward to sam's tour and just waiting to see what lee does next year.

[HuskerJosh82]

I was real impressed with his performance on Saturday. There will be another QB race next year.

[Always a husker]

I really like Witt he did very well for a kid who has only been with the team for a couple months. I think we can look forward to a qb race evry year for now on. 300 post btw.

[hoyamannn]

Next year will be something nice to see, with an experienced veteran (Ganz), a gifted but raw West Coast RS Freshman (Witt), and an athletic, talented RS Sophomore (Lee).

 

I know it's early and all speculation (but still fun), but I think Lee will be the starter for 2008 and the coaches will have to get in some different plays to take advantage of his ability to make plays with his legs.

[huskerfan500]

Witt/Lee for hesiman in 09 and 10 baby

[Drowning_in_the_Sea_of_Red]

Man... I love this kid

[Blackshirt316]

With the way Ganz looks thus far he and Lee will have a heck of a battle next off season. Witt may be at least a year or two away but the future looks bright. Now if we get a top QB either this year or next we should be set for quite a while.

[tattooedhusker]

just imagine Witt's senior season? wow!

[Nalow]

Witt has that "cannon arm". He's accurate, and can flick the ball 40 yards without thinking twice.

 

Some QB's have to shift their whole body to make a sideline play-action pass, where it seems just like a flick of the wrist for Witt.