Question About Rafe

[jgphillips3]

I agree we don't want freshmen playing QB.  I however disagree that our QB's are going to sit for four years waiting for a one or two year window at the end of their college career. Towns didn't even want to wait one year.  Austin Allen may start game one next year based on experience.  However, if RP, TS or RT can't pass him up during the season, at least one will transfer after the season.  Ideally, you want a QB to redshirt year one and let him learn the offense, adjust to college life, get used to the speed of the game, and possibly see limited action as a redshirt freshman and then be able to lead the team for three years beyond that, assuming they don't go pro sooner.  It sucks to break in a new QB every year even if they are four years on the hill. 

[grayhawg]

I agree we don't want freshmen playing QB.  I however disagree that our QB's are going to sit for four years waiting for a one or two year window at the end of their college career. Towns didn't even want to wait one year.  Austin Allen may start game one next year based on experience.  However, if RP, TS or RT can't pass him up during the season, at least one will transfer after the season.  Ideally, you want a QB to redshirt year one and let him learn the offense, adjust to college life, get used to the speed of the game, and possibly see limited action as a redshirt freshman and then be able to lead the team for three years beyond that, assuming they don't go pro sooner.  It sucks to break in a new QB every year even if they are four years on the hill. 

Pretty much agree with your post but I think one of the QB transfers after spring semester.

[HognitiveDissonance]

It was not a "similar role" at all. Ole Miss was about running clock and protecting a big lead at home while Mizzou was about leading the team down the field for a game winning drive on the road. Those are two TOTALLY different scenarios.

Partially true.
It wasn't 30-0 when he came in. It was first half, and about half the score. Game very much in doubt.
I don't see as much difference as you do. It's still a guy coming out of the bullpen to play. I thought he did well in that game.
Bottom line, to me, and I was at the Mizzou game, anybody would have been better than Brandon. He was air mailing throws and was laughably inaccurate. Not funny in that sense, but comical like 'ok, he's not himself, get him out of the game, c'mon...' I had to chuckle to myself eventually. Either pull him or have him hand off every play. Just don't have him keep winging the ball all over the place.

[fieldturf]

I'm putting my money on Tyler from Charleston in 2016, they say he is a coach on the field.  Reminds me of Brett Farve!!!

[bphi11ips]

If you don't think Town is going to have a legitimate shot at starting next year, due to some system automatically deferring to the oldest QB, you're not paying attention.

Not the point of my post at all.  I used the word "progression" for a reason.  Not only was it a good pun, it established the order of seniority.  It is very likely that order will be interrupted by injury, leapfrog, or transfer.  BUT, the question relates to transfer.  It also relates to Bret Bielema's preference for experience and to experience being a key factor in a QB's game performance.  These are truisms not unique to Bret Bielema, or to modern college football, for that matter. 

The QB position is the most important position on the field, and no other position comes close.  It is the most difficult to master.  Johnny Manziel and Jameis Winston are the exception, not the rule.  There's a big difference physically and mentally between an 18 or 19 year old QB and a 22 or 23 year old QB.  If you want to see the progression of QB's for any team and coach since the 60's forward, here's a good site:

http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/southern-california/2013.html

Navigate backwards and forwards with the previous year/next year button and click on the player link to see the class of any given player in any given year.  Start at Wisconsin in 2006 and see Bielema's tendency.  I am not suggesting that he AUTOMATICALLY starts the upperclassman.  Circumstances can dictate a change at any time, including superior talent.  As everyone knows, Russell Wilson transferred in, played one year, and is Bielema's best QB to date.  Brett's mama didn't raise no fool. 

The point is this - Hogville posters, and fans in general, like to argue about QBs, their relative talent, and who the starter should be.  But players and coaches don't get caught up in the hoorah, nor do they think like fans.  Rafe Peavey, like the other QBs on campus, is working and competing and waiting his turn.  He is in the process of building a foundation for a successful life, not just trying to win a starting position.  He has a short-term view and a long-term view.  Every one of the QBs on the team are as uncommon as they are talented.  Arkansas is, depth-wise, in far and away the best shape we have ever been in at QB.  The future of this program is looking better by the day.

If you're a prima donna who likes to read your own press clippings and expect to play at QB as a freshman or else, Arkansas is probably not the place for you. 

[jgphillips3]

Pretty much agree with your post but I think one of the QB transfers after spring semester.

That is quite possible as well. 

[woodhog14]

Again, funny how nobody questions the coaches about the fact the best player is starting at every position except quarterback.  Never been able to figure out why the coaches would play anybody other than the best at each of the 22 positions.    But to Hogville that's the way it goes.

So who is the best player at QB. You must know. Are you in the meetings, the film room, and the practices to know who the best QB on the team is and should start? So, who is it?

[Danny J]

I however disagree that our QB's are going to sit for four years waiting for a one or two year window at the end of their college career. 

Agreed. Would be nice if it were a perfect world.....but it is not.

[hogsanity]

BB is going to start the QB that gives the team the best chance to win games, regardless of who the fans want.

[Fan1958]

So who is the best player at QB. You must know. Are you in the meetings, the film room, and the practices to know who the best QB on the team is and should start? So, who is it?

Reading comprehension lacking? Do you even begin to understand the point of the post?

[hawgfan4life]

Listened to Bo's show and he adamantly stated he did not believe Rafe or Ty would ever compete for a starting role at QB at Arkansas.  I heard before Christmas that coaches felt Rafe was not coming along as desired and not due to work ethic and attitude.  Now, we here Bo stating Storey is not going to contend.  Says Austi Allen is light years ahead of both.

Here are my thoughts:

1.  Rafe may never develop into what they hoped while recruited but he is young enough it is too soon to write him off.

2.  Storey is fresh out of High School.  It is way too early to say he won't develop.

3.  Rafe was recruited as an athlete by other schools.  He will have options if he does not remain in QB competition.

4.  Charleston is a football town and have always prided itself on defense.  Charleston people claim that Storey was a better LB than QB and I was told by a Charleston coach he could have been the best LB to come through Charleston.  Storey will likely have options himself if Bo is correct.

5.  No matter who is the QB, competition is a good thing.

[CareBear]

IMO having 2 brothers & their father in the program at the same time is not an ideal situation. It's the hand that CBB was dealt but I feel it hasn't been handled well either. BA just isn't cut out to be a QB in the pressure cooker that is the SEC. Certain guys have that "it" factor, that proverbial chip on the shoulder, competitive spirit, etc. which allows them to operate & even flourish in crunch time. I feel that Austin is a better option today & maybe even last year but lord knows the dynamics between the family & coach could get awkward real fast. Hell I suspect that the dynamics of the Allen family would change as well. I like what CBB is doing as a whole, but the QB situation is kinda murky. Nothing would please me more than for BA to light it up this year but if he should fall back into the same subpar play then lets give another kid some run. Gonna be fun to watch regardless!  :razorback:

[scruf]

IMO having 2 brothers & their father in the program at the same time is not an ideal situation. It's the hand that CBB was dealt but I feel it hasn't been handled well either. BA just isn't cut out to be a QB in the pressure cooker that is the SEC. Certain guys have that "it" factor, that proverbial chip on the shoulder, competitive spirit, etc. which allows them to operate & even flourish in crunch time. I feel that Austin is a better option today & maybe even last year but lord knows the dynamics between the family & coach could get awkward real fast. Hell I suspect that the dynamics of the Allen family would change as well. I like what CBB is doing as a whole, but the QB situation is kinda murky. Nothing would please me more than for BA to light it up this year but if he should fall back into the same subpar play then lets give another kid some run. Gonna be fun to watch regardless!  :razorback:

It's amazing that people still think that Bobby Allen is somehow manipulating Coach B into giving his sons playing time and by amazing I mean comical.

[GuvHog]

IMO having 2 brothers & their father in the program at the same time is not an ideal situation. It's the hand that CBB was dealt but I feel it hasn't been handled well either. BA just isn't cut out to be a QB in the pressure cooker that is the SEC. Certain guys have that "it" factor, that proverbial chip on the shoulder, competitive spirit, etc. which allows them to operate & even flourish in crunch time. I feel that Austin is a better option today & maybe even last year but lord knows the dynamics between the family & coach could get awkward real fast. Hell I suspect that the dynamics of the Allen family would change as well. I like what CBB is doing as a whole, but the QB situation is kinda murky. Nothing would please me more than for BA to light it up this year but if he should fall back into the same subpar play then lets give another kid some run. Gonna be fun to watch regardless!  :razorback:

Didn't their father retire after the 2012 debacle??

[Mike Irwin]

Bret Bielema stated clearly after yesterday's scrimmage that Brandon Allen is a solid number one and Austin Allen is a solid number two. I realize that to those of you who like to argue quarterbacks this means nothing but in the real world it's the way it is.

[Mike Irwin]

Didn't their father retire after the 2012 debacle??

Retire from coaching? Yes. He still works for the athletic department.

[PorkSoda]

Bielema said after today's scrimmage that BA is a solid number one and AA is a solid number two. That's it people. Barring injuries it's not likely going to change this season.

He also said he expects Town to come in and compete for the job in 2016. He starts practice on Monday.

good to hear, we need some new blood in the QB competition for next year.  I'm not too worried about no one beating out BA, except that its evidence that there aren't any Mannings or even Malletts in the bunch.  which also means we will likely be mediocre at QB for the foreseeable future, unless the Town kid blows away the competition.

[rhames]

IMO having 2 brothers & their father in the program at the same time is not an ideal situation. It's the hand that CBB was dealt but I feel it hasn't been handled well either. BA just isn't cut out to be a QB in the pressure cooker that is the SEC. Certain guys have that "it" factor, that proverbial chip on the shoulder, competitive spirit, etc. which allows them to operate & even flourish in crunch time. I feel that Austin is a better option today & maybe even last year but lord knows the dynamics between the family & coach could get awkward real fast. Hell I suspect that the dynamics of the Allen family would change as well. I like what CBB is doing as a whole, but the QB situation is kinda murky. Nothing would please me more than for BA to light it up this year but if he should fall back into the same subpar play then lets give another kid some run. Gonna be fun to watch regardless!  :razorback:

Hahahahahah. You really have no clue as to what you're talking about


Does coach B strike you as a person that would let some guy in the admin department run his football team?


Yeah 20 TDs to 5 INTs is really subpar

[Mike Irwin]

Hahahahahah. You really have no clue as to what you're talking about


Does coach B strike you as a person that would let some guy in the admin department run his football team?


Yeah 20 TDs to 5 INTs is really subpar

People have been posting this nonsense for over two years now. I can only conclude that they've never backed off and really considered how goofy this theory is.

A college football head coach who is scared of his own Director of High School Relations? Yep. That's nuts.

[PorkSoda]

People have been posting this nonsense for over two years now. I can only conclude that they've never backed off and really considered how goofy this theory is.

A college football head coach who is scared of his own Director of High School Relations? Yep. That's nuts.

it couldn't possibly be because they had a football coach as a dad and thus grew up from birth learning football.

[Pig in the Pokey]

Bret Bielema stated clearly after yesterday's scrimmage that Brandon Allen is a solid number one and Austin Allen is a solid number two. I realize that to those of you who like to argue quarterbacks this means nothing but in the real world it's the way it is.

Totally agree with you there. I also contend Ricky Town will either start above or be backing up Austin Allen next season. I would bet on the former but if Austin keeps progressing it might be enough for him to start. I do think if he wins the job, however, he could be one bad performance away from the Ricky Town era beginning.

[bennyl08]

Totally agree with you there. I also contend Ricky Town will either start above or be backing up Austin Allen next season. I would bet on the former but if Austin keeps progressing it might be enough for him to start. I do think if he wins the job, however, he could be one bad performance away from the Ricky Town era beginning.

Id bet Austin starts camp as the first name on the depth chart. Behind him, it will be largely a 3 way battle to see who challenges Allen. Just guessing, Storey and Town come out on top. Storey has the edge of having been here 6 more months than Town, but both are still neck and neck. This happens after about 1 week.

So, now we have Austin, the RS Jr who has actual game experience vs two RS Freshmen. The two will need to show that they know the playbook, that the game isn't too fast for them, and that they will protect the ball more than Austin. Look at all the other position battles. Coach favors consistency first and foremost. The guy who completes 5 yard passes every dropback or throw it away is going to start over the guy who makes the ridiculous, needle threading rush evading throw one play, but throws a head scratching interception the next. Austin has the throat going after instinct while will lead him to force more throws, pushing the ball a bit more than coach prefers. If the young'ns can show they are less likely to do that, they will have an edge.

[Danny J]

BB is going to start the QB that gives the team the best chance to win games, regardless of who the fans want.

Except when we play Mizzou....

[ErieHog]

Its also fair to remember this will be Bradon's 4th OC.

First, he redshirted under Bobby/McGhee as the OC/QB Guru combo.
Second, he played for   Paul as OC, under the Smile regime
Third, he spent two years with Chaney.

Now, he's getting Enos.     That kind of turnover has a serious impact in how a QB develops.

[PorkSoda]

the more specific the prediction, the more likely it is to be wrong.

[Pig in the Pokey]

Ricky Town is a freak at learning things quickly, like the video indicates up in this thread. Think about this. He learned Dilfer's NFL playbook of 120 plays in 5 days. Not saying it was perfect, but he had 9 tds to 2 picks, by far the best performance, even though he lost in the finals to Barnett (9-5).

[scruf]

Storey or Town could leapfrog AA next year.

There, all better now.

[Tejano Jawg]

Off topic, but dang, that R-Town vid is pretty impressive.

[uncle bubs]

Mike,
Thanks for the input, I highly value it. I'm partial to the "idea" of Rafe just as I was partial to the "idea" of Brandon Mitchell, simply because they use their legs. I haven't seen them practice, so I have no room to disagree or rebuttal ANYONE who has. But I'd like to think I'm a rational enough dude to prefer a 10-win season with a pro-style qb than a 5-win season with a scrambler. Whatever works.

[uncle bubs]

Off topic, but dang, that R-Town vid is pretty impressive.

Yea I'm with ya man, the kid looks solid from what I can tell. Pretty cool he chose to come here.

[hogsanity]

Except when we play Mizzou....

When the game STARTED BA gave them the best chance to win. Hogs and BA played just fine in the 1st half. By the end of the game.......not so much.

[bennyl08]

the more specific the prediction, the more likely it is to be wrong.

Most definitely. However, it is in my nature to guess very, very specifically. That way, when I'm wrong, it was so specific that nobody took it seriously in the first place, but then when I'm actually correct, it is amazing.

[Hog are ya]

Thats the truth! But going to be tough on clean up duty cause Bielema usually makes them handoff to the RB on most plays.

Yes, but I have a couple comments here.  First I hope we have ample "clean up duty" in our first few games because UTEP and Toledo are better than we may give them credit.  So it's a good sign if we can play our backup QB's in the second half!  And if we do, I think we should spend ample time letting them audition for next year.  Let them drop back and read progressions, and find a receiver, or scramble, or whatever to make a play.  We don't have that many extra running backs now to just hand it off and risk an injury to anyway.   

[bkjbearcat]

Storey or Town will leapfrog AA next year. Peavy probably transfers after this year. Kids don't like to wait and he will see the writing on the wall.

Agree, and it's a shame. Peavy commited at a time when all hell was braking loose at AR. But now with the Towns transfer the QB population might be too much.

I personally think if he does transfer it will be to a school close to his home in Bolivar, MO. Kansas, Kansas State maybe OK. St would be my top three. Out of those the one that would fit his style would be K State.

[hogsanity]

Agree, and it's a shame. Peavy commited at a time when all hell was braking loose at AR. But now with the Towns transfer the QB population might be too much.

I personally think if he does transfer it will be to a school close to his home in Bolivar, MO. Kansas, Kansas State maybe OK. St would be my top three. Out of those the one that would fit his style would be K State.

Problem is, he already used his RS, so if he stays at AR this year, then transfers to another d1 school, he will only have 2 years to play.

[Grizzlyfan]

No, but he believes, with good reason, the more physically developed, mentally mature, experienced QB is usually better.  Bielema isn't the first college coach to figure this out.

Because more often than not this is true.

[oldhawg]

If Peavy does not win the starting QB or back-up quarterback job next year, perhaps he would be amenable to switching positions and contributing in other ways.  Does he have the skills requisite to be a receiver? safety or corner back? special teams?

I just think it is way too early for fans to start looking for another school for him.  Given a chance the kid may surprise folks, maybe in an unexpected role.

[smb]

I've been watching Peavey since he got here. I haven't seen anything about him that reminds me of Matt Jones. Matt Jones lead Arkansas to the Cotton Bowl as a true freshman. Peavey redshirted his freshman year for a reason.

It's not good that Brandon Allen has not been pushed at any point since Tyler Wilson left.

Hopefully Austin Allen will have a battle on his hands next season.

I've defended BA many times on this board because he's the best they've got and honestly, it hasn't been close. There's no point coming on this board and beating up on him. But that doesn't mean the QB position doesn't need to be upgraded. I don't care about Austin's stars, Peavey's stars, or Storey's stars. What has any of them done so far to get you fired up?

Okay, Austin played well against Ole Miss last year. That's something. But I've got a feeling that Hog fans want to see a QB come out on the field and take over. Own the damn place.

I like the last statement.

[razorcash2]

I've been watching Peavey since he got here. I haven't seen anything about him that reminds me of Matt Jones. Matt Jones lead Arkansas to the Cotton Bowl as a true freshman. Peavey redshirted his freshman year for a reason.

It's not good that Brandon Allen has not been pushed at any point since Tyler Wilson left.

Hopefully Austin Allen will have a battle on his hands next season.

I've defended BA many times on this board because he's the best they've got and honestly, it hasn't been close. There's no point coming on this board and beating up on him. But that doesn't mean the QB position doesn't need to be upgraded. I don't care about Austin's stars, Peavey's stars, or Storey's stars. What has any of them done so far to get you fired up?

Okay, Austin played well against Ole Miss last year. That's something. But I've got a feeling that Hog fans want to see a QB come out on the field and take over. Own the damn place.
+1

[hogsanity]

But I've got a feeling that Hog fans want to see a QB come out on the field and take over. Own the damn place.

Many want to see 35+ passes per game. I was with a group of people watching the TT game last year, and 90% of them where whining about not enough passes even though the Hogs were physically dominating that game.

[MJ2]

Coaches ask for kids to make a commitment to the team, unfortunately the commitment the coaches have to the players is much weaker.   They're always searching for that quick fix

[root_hawg]

At 6'2 205, where else could you play Rafe .. safety?

[jesterzzn]

Why doesn't anyone ever feel sorry for the backup Strong Safety?

[bphi11ips]

Why doesn't anyone ever feel sorry for the backup Strong Safety?

Do you think De'Andre Coley will transfer?

[ricepig]

Do you think De'Andre Coley will transfer?

Yes, he's transferring to WLB.

[bphi11ips]

Yes, he's transferring to WLB.

Guess we dodged that bullet.