Luke played pretty much like Adrian against Northwestern. Moved the ball well between the 20s, and then bogged down and had an INT in the red zone. Luke didn’t lead a come back victory. Against Penn State, he ran the ball well, was aided by a great play call, blocking, and run for a long TD pop pass to Betts, along with a score by the D to take a big lead. The offense sputtered in the 2nd half, and the D made enough stops to get the win. Against Illinois, they let Luke run, but Luke couldn’t hit wide open receivers in their cover-2 zone defense. These were basic throws he was missing. Along with coming in against Minnesota and throwing another interception which led to a Gopher TD, Luke showed he has a LONG ways to go as a passer. His arm strength is lacking, he doesn’t make great decisions, and he is inaccurate. Those aren’t good qualities for a QB.
Looking back at the McCaffrey recruiting thread, it seems like 90% on board felt he was an athlete rather than a QB. So many mentions of lack of arm strength.....TD/int ratio.
He was definitely a project at QB coming out of high school. Where Frost got burned is that he thought Adrian would be "just fine" at QB, so Frost could take a chance on a project QB in the next recruiting class. It will be very interesting to see if Frost is going to push Luke into moving to WR. I don't think it will occur during Spring practice of 2021, but if Smothers progresses where he could be a good #2 (or push Adrian for #1) it would be better for everyone for Luke to move to WR full-time. Luke is fast enough and tall enough where he could potentially make the NFL at receiver. It will also be interesting to see if Frost pursues a QB in the transfer market (although I think RB and WR is needed more).
I hope Frost learned like every top school already does. Go after the best available QB every year. If he is the best and wins the job great. Some people on this board are worried about kids transferring. Well if that played into Scott’s thought process look where it left us. Adrian not as good as he hoped, Luke not ready to play probably never will be, smothers? Who knows if he is the real deal or not. Some think his HS film suggests he needs work. Haarberg is another project. I am confused what we are doing with our qb targets
Sometimes I wonder how we landed him during recruiting. I wonder what was promised?
Luke wanted to be able to come in and compete at the QB position, and not be immediately moved to WR or another position for an "athlete". I think other schools were recruiting him as an athlete, without the promise to try him at QB first. Frost has given Luke 2 years and the opportunity to take the QB1 job. Frost gave him 2 games as the starter to win that job. I don't think Luke will be able to beat out Adrian for QB1 in 2021, and will be challenged to keep the #2 job ahead of Smothers.
Nowhere did I say that Smothers is winning the #2 QB job. However, there will probably be a healthy competition for the #2 QB job, and if Martinez struggles with his health it could be for the QB1 job, as well.
I simply asked what you were basing your post on. I didn't say you said anything....
Here are my thoughts on the QB depth chart for 2021. This is based on the current roster and doesn't take into account potential transfers in/out of the program.
That's possible, but I don't see it. IMO, his biggest issue is arm strength. That's tough to improve as a 20-year old.