RMU this year has shown an outstanding defense, and they have played fantastic special teams. Offensively they can run the ball and the offensive line is much improved. At what point will anyone within the program question how the passing game and quarterbacks are handled? Arguably the most important position on the field and RMU has no QB coach. The OC handles this. And when does Coach Hicks come under scrutiny? Tonight, the starter goes down and the Colonials have no plan. A coaches biggest responsibility is to put his players in a position to succeed. Can anyone say Coach Hicks has done this over that last two years? Why can't a RMU QB complete more than 50% of his passes (the 1 that did got moved to WR???). How many quarterbacks will he go through now that we have burned a possible redshirt year for two more freshman that were not prepared by their coach and gave RMU no chance to win? How frustrating is that for the rest of the team? And will anyone have the guts to question the elephant in the room?
Elephant in the Room
- Thread starter scka
- Start date
I was not able to follow the game, what happened at the QB position? I assume Barr got hurt. Is it anything serious? Was Brumbaugh next up? Did he also get hurt? Then Brown, did he also get hurt? Then McCoy finished the game? What about Joe Carroll, is he at the bottom of the depth chart or was he already hurt?
I do not know enough to comment whether Coach Hicks is doing a good job or not, however I do remember Coach B's comments when he hired Coach Hicks that he was expecting a high powered offence that would put points on the board. Last season, it seemed that everything that could go wrong, did go wrong, so I am not sure Coach Hicks can be judged on last season. This season, so far, two of the four opponents have been top tier FCS opponents, including YSU in the rain. Now, for the remainder of the season, I think it is reasonable that we expect to see some significant improvements in this offense.
I do not know enough to comment whether Coach Hicks is doing a good job or not, however I do remember Coach B's comments when he hired Coach Hicks that he was expecting a high powered offence that would put points on the board. Last season, it seemed that everything that could go wrong, did go wrong, so I am not sure Coach Hicks can be judged on last season. This season, so far, two of the four opponents have been top tier FCS opponents, including YSU in the rain. Now, for the remainder of the season, I think it is reasonable that we expect to see some significant improvements in this offense.
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S.D. State quarterback Zach Lujan - “We made some errors and then we’d shoot ourselves in the foot. They’re easy fixes – we can get those things cleaned up, but that’s a good team, too. People may look at their record and think they’re not very good, but they have a tremendous defense.”
I have not heard anything on how Barr is. But I'm like everyone else...waiting on the offense that was promised when Hick was hired.
You can read Andrew's interview with Hicks in 2014: https://robertmorris.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1599150
I remember seeing this offense during that first game. Those giant posters on the sidelines with pictures and faces. Tons of plays but little success which led to a 1-10 season. Now onto 2015. This team is better but the offense is struggling again. Gone is those giant posters as they sit in the equipment collecting dust. Sure they still single in the plays but to me, it only looks like we are using a few pages from the play book. I don't know this offense from the inside. I just know what I see on the field, on the stat sheet and the outcomes. So far, I feel like I'm still waiting for something big. I know we are getting a lot of offense plays per game but not producing yards with our QBs or points. Note that 21 of our pts this year came from the D and special teams.
I hope that Barr is ready for Wagner. And I hope that this offense can produce more points.
You can read Andrew's interview with Hicks in 2014: https://robertmorris.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1599150
I remember seeing this offense during that first game. Those giant posters on the sidelines with pictures and faces. Tons of plays but little success which led to a 1-10 season. Now onto 2015. This team is better but the offense is struggling again. Gone is those giant posters as they sit in the equipment collecting dust. Sure they still single in the plays but to me, it only looks like we are using a few pages from the play book. I don't know this offense from the inside. I just know what I see on the field, on the stat sheet and the outcomes. So far, I feel like I'm still waiting for something big. I know we are getting a lot of offense plays per game but not producing yards with our QBs or points. Note that 21 of our pts this year came from the D and special teams.
I hope that Barr is ready for Wagner. And I hope that this offense can produce more points.
I think after 15 games under Coach Hicks offense that it is fair to critique his performance thus far. And while I think the game planning and play calling are fair game, there has been a tremendous amount of injuries mixed with youth and inexperience, compounded by a new complex scheme and that is a lot to overcome. So I will only focus on how quarterbacks have been handled since Coach Hicks took over the offense. Robert Morris has now used 7 different QB's, including 4 freshman, in a 15 game stretch. Some played due to injuries, many were just thrown in without a plan. I believe there IS talent at the position. What I see is a complete failure to prepare and develop the players that are here. So I decided to break down some numbers and see if, in fact, the Colonials offense has improved at all since last year.
I took the 3 QB's from the last 15 games that started multiple games and compared not only their individual statistics, but how the offense as a whole performed when they were each at the helm. I only used games that they started or played the majority of snaps to make it as much of an apples to apples comparison as possible. Since the beginning of last year, Luke Brumbaugh was the primary QB in 6 games, Derik Abbott in 4 games and Mathew Barr in 3.5 games.
RMU Offense averages/per game: * I subtracted points off turnovers to more realistically gage how well the offense drove the ball and scored.
_______1st Dwns Ttl Yds -- Points (-pts off t/o's) -- Avg Yd /Play -- 3rd/4th dwn Conv % -- Punts
Brumbaugh 12.3.....186.0 .......... 3.5 .........................2.9 yd ................ 25.0% ..................... 8.0
Abbott .........17.8.....289.9 ........ 13.5 ........................3.9 yd ..................38.4% ..................... 5.5
Barr ............ 13.8......261.5..........11.3 ........................3.8 yd ..................35.9% ..................... 8.3
Individual QB Stats averages per game:
.......... Completion % -- TD % - INT % ----- Yards Passing -- Yds per Attmpt -- Efficiency Rating
Brumbaugh 51.6 % .... .33 ..... 1.33 ................. 112.0 yds ................ 4.3 yd ...................80.8
Abbott ..........58.4 %.... 1.75 ......1.50 ...............170.5 yds .................6.7 yd ................. 126.1
Barr ............45.3 % ..... .86 .......1.14 ...................99.7 yds ..................4.3 yd ...................87.0
So has the RMU offense improved at all in the last 15 games? You tell me. And what about the development of quarterbacks. Does Coach Hicks just continue to throw freshman into the fire without properly preparing them and consistently setting them up to fail? There is no time for that. That's what Spring and August are for. And why has the best performing QB that Hicks has been moved to WR when he could be a proven experienced safety net if Barr get's hurt or struggles? Wouldn't it have made much more sense to put him in the SDSU game instead of burning the redshirt years of TWO freshman that could not possibly have gotten enough reps last week to be prepared to play? This team has shown without a doubt that they have a championship caliber defense, outstanding special teams, a deep, strong running attack and talent at the WR position. Doesn't Coach Hicks owe it to the players and fellow staff to hold up his end of the bargain and develop a passing game and a quarterback plan? And shouldn't his game plan be predicated on putting the QB in a position to succeed? And while I respect Coach Banaszak's philosophy of letting his coaches coach, this IS his ship and the ultimate responsibility for the team is his. NEC starts this week and there's NO DOUBT that RMU can win the conference. So lets get it done.
I took the 3 QB's from the last 15 games that started multiple games and compared not only their individual statistics, but how the offense as a whole performed when they were each at the helm. I only used games that they started or played the majority of snaps to make it as much of an apples to apples comparison as possible. Since the beginning of last year, Luke Brumbaugh was the primary QB in 6 games, Derik Abbott in 4 games and Mathew Barr in 3.5 games.
RMU Offense averages/per game: * I subtracted points off turnovers to more realistically gage how well the offense drove the ball and scored.
_______1st Dwns Ttl Yds -- Points (-pts off t/o's) -- Avg Yd /Play -- 3rd/4th dwn Conv % -- Punts
Brumbaugh 12.3.....186.0 .......... 3.5 .........................2.9 yd ................ 25.0% ..................... 8.0
Abbott .........17.8.....289.9 ........ 13.5 ........................3.9 yd ..................38.4% ..................... 5.5
Barr ............ 13.8......261.5..........11.3 ........................3.8 yd ..................35.9% ..................... 8.3
Individual QB Stats averages per game:
.......... Completion % -- TD % - INT % ----- Yards Passing -- Yds per Attmpt -- Efficiency Rating
Brumbaugh 51.6 % .... .33 ..... 1.33 ................. 112.0 yds ................ 4.3 yd ...................80.8
Abbott ..........58.4 %.... 1.75 ......1.50 ...............170.5 yds .................6.7 yd ................. 126.1
Barr ............45.3 % ..... .86 .......1.14 ...................99.7 yds ..................4.3 yd ...................87.0
So has the RMU offense improved at all in the last 15 games? You tell me. And what about the development of quarterbacks. Does Coach Hicks just continue to throw freshman into the fire without properly preparing them and consistently setting them up to fail? There is no time for that. That's what Spring and August are for. And why has the best performing QB that Hicks has been moved to WR when he could be a proven experienced safety net if Barr get's hurt or struggles? Wouldn't it have made much more sense to put him in the SDSU game instead of burning the redshirt years of TWO freshman that could not possibly have gotten enough reps last week to be prepared to play? This team has shown without a doubt that they have a championship caliber defense, outstanding special teams, a deep, strong running attack and talent at the WR position. Doesn't Coach Hicks owe it to the players and fellow staff to hold up his end of the bargain and develop a passing game and a quarterback plan? And shouldn't his game plan be predicated on putting the QB in a position to succeed? And while I respect Coach Banaszak's philosophy of letting his coaches coach, this IS his ship and the ultimate responsibility for the team is his. NEC starts this week and there's NO DOUBT that RMU can win the conference. So lets get it done.
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That's an impressive analysis!
Why were three different QBs used after Barr went down? That seems extremely unusual. Did Brumbaugh and Brown both get injured also? If not, has the coaching staff given an explanation?
Too bad Colonials Corner now has a publisher that apparently has little interest in RMU sports. In the past, the publishers would have provided timely coverage with quotes and opinions.
Why were three different QBs used after Barr went down? That seems extremely unusual. Did Brumbaugh and Brown both get injured also? If not, has the coaching staff given an explanation?
Too bad Colonials Corner now has a publisher that apparently has little interest in RMU sports. In the past, the publishers would have provided timely coverage with quotes and opinions.
Great job pulling those numbers together. Shocking to see if you read the article I posted. It doesn't seem like a very complex system as his system is made to allow the talent shine.
So with Barr out, its going to be tough for RMU to challenge for the NEC title.
3 very tough NEC games that RMU must win if they are going to challenge for the title. The staff can't play musical QB again.
@Wagner
Sacred Heart
Duquesne
@CCSU
East Tennesse State
@St Francis
Bryant
If I'm Banny, I'm pulling Abbott from WR and riding the Sr. at QB. Put a system in place for Abbott to be successful in. Abbott has put in work and has shown that he can be successful in this offense. If we see RMU starting the young QBs and shuffling different QBs in and out if they struggle then this staff could be in trouble.
So with Barr out, its going to be tough for RMU to challenge for the NEC title.
3 very tough NEC games that RMU must win if they are going to challenge for the title. The staff can't play musical QB again.
@Wagner
Sacred Heart
Duquesne
@CCSU
East Tennesse State
@St Francis
Bryant
If I'm Banny, I'm pulling Abbott from WR and riding the Sr. at QB. Put a system in place for Abbott to be successful in. Abbott has put in work and has shown that he can be successful in this offense. If we see RMU starting the young QBs and shuffling different QBs in and out if they struggle then this staff could be in trouble.
On tonight's 970 ESPN Radio show Coach Banaszak said that the coaching staff was comfortable going with the freshman Brown to start the second half but that it became obvious he was unprepared to play.
1.) I was a little shocked that Coach Banaszak would call out a player like that, especially a freshman.
2.) Who's fault is that? Who is accountable for making sure that the QB's are prepared?
He went on to say that they got Brumbaugh ready and after a series they then wanted to see what McCoy could do. He also said that they really had no set #2 at the position. WHAT? This is stunning to me. It's late September and you're saying the OC and coaching staff still has no grasp of the most important position on the field? RMU sorely needs to hire a QB coach. Coach Banaszak also went on to reiterate once again how difficult it is for freshman to be prepared. So again, what am I missing here?! If Barr is your guy, then you go with him, and beginning in spring, prepare your two experienced QB's to be ready to go behind him? You then develop your freshman and groom them to take over in the future. Why would the plan be to keep putting in freshman when the rest of the team is a potentially contending unit? Especially when the head coach readily admits they are not ready to play and are difficult to win with? This isn't playstation where you just keep changing out players and then throw them away without regard for their confidence, development and personal state of mind. You ruin quarterbacks that way and Coach Hicks is doing exactly that. And when word gets out, why would a high school QB recruit ever consider coming to RMU under these circumstances?
1.) I was a little shocked that Coach Banaszak would call out a player like that, especially a freshman.
2.) Who's fault is that? Who is accountable for making sure that the QB's are prepared?
He went on to say that they got Brumbaugh ready and after a series they then wanted to see what McCoy could do. He also said that they really had no set #2 at the position. WHAT? This is stunning to me. It's late September and you're saying the OC and coaching staff still has no grasp of the most important position on the field? RMU sorely needs to hire a QB coach. Coach Banaszak also went on to reiterate once again how difficult it is for freshman to be prepared. So again, what am I missing here?! If Barr is your guy, then you go with him, and beginning in spring, prepare your two experienced QB's to be ready to go behind him? You then develop your freshman and groom them to take over in the future. Why would the plan be to keep putting in freshman when the rest of the team is a potentially contending unit? Especially when the head coach readily admits they are not ready to play and are difficult to win with? This isn't playstation where you just keep changing out players and then throw them away without regard for their confidence, development and personal state of mind. You ruin quarterbacks that way and Coach Hicks is doing exactly that. And when word gets out, why would a high school QB recruit ever consider coming to RMU under these circumstances?
This 1000% falls back on the staff. Right now they have a team that is primed to challenge for the NEC title. They have the talent to win and the best NEC schedule with their hardest opponents at home.
Now we come to a QB issue again just like in 2014. I'm going to create a new post on some information I learned about the Wagner game.
But this does not look good for the staff. Saying a 18 yr kid on the road was not ready to play? Why is our depth chart Fr. - Fr. - Fr. at the QB spot?
Now we come to a QB issue again just like in 2014. I'm going to create a new post on some information I learned about the Wagner game.
But this does not look good for the staff. Saying a 18 yr kid on the road was not ready to play? Why is our depth chart Fr. - Fr. - Fr. at the QB spot?
Original_RMC why don't you give a call to Coach B or Coach Hicks to ask about the situation. Often when we fans complain about coaches, we later find out that they had good reasons for making the decisions they made based on information that was not obvious to the fans.
Wonder if Prather and Abbot are practicing with the QBs this week?
Wonder if Prather and Abbot are practicing with the QBs this week?
Prather isn't playing this season and Abbott was taking reps at reciever yesterday. He is 5th on the depth chart at quarterback behind barr, brumbaugh, brown, and McCoy so I highly doubt they move him back to qb. They knew he wouldn't play as a quarterback so they moved him to reciever cause he's such an athlete
Who? Abbott or Prather? Prather had a concussion and the doctors wouldn't clear him this year. I'm not sure if his career is over or not yet, it isn't his first one and the doctors don't want him playing. My best guess is Abbott was moved because the coaches didn't think he would play at quarterback but still wanna find a way for him to get on the field
Abbott. Why would the QB that outperformed all others be moved. It makes no sense. Go look at Hicks' own Bio in the media guide. The only QB he mentions is Abbott. 2nd highest completion % in school history, only QB to throw for multiple TD's in his first three starts. He had the 3rd highest QB rating in the NEC last year. I'm not putting him in the hall of fame by any stretch, but why would he be moved to WR? It certainly was not a performance issue. If it was a character/ work ethic issue than moving him isn't a solution, he should be gone. If it's a personality conflict then get over it and move on. RMU should be trying to win to games. If it's a physical size issue than that's just plain stupid, especially give he has outperformed all of the other QB's I'd love to hear the explanation.
I can't answer for the coaches but have had a few confirmations on who is going to start against Wagner at QB.
As for Barr, its his non-throwing shoulder. They believe 4 weeks he will be out but Barr has been stating he hopes to be back in 2 weeks.
As for Barr, its his non-throwing shoulder. They believe 4 weeks he will be out but Barr has been stating he hopes to be back in 2 weeks.
You are right, McCoy is more than likely will be listed #1 on the depart chart. The Colonials have 3 days of practice before they head to NY. This is a huge game for this team. They can challenge for the NEC title.
Watching some of their old high school highlight videos, it appears to me that McCoy may have the best arm of the stable of QBs. Of course, in highlight videos, everyone looks like an All Pro!
What do you guys think about the passing ability of the various QBs?
What do you guys think about the passing ability of the various QBs?
Hopefully we aren't one dimensional. Bad weather may be an advantage this week, but I would hope any QB that was recruited by, and decided to go to, RMU can throw in bad weather. We see at lot of it up here.
GoRMU: I haven't watched much of the high school highlights. Who all did you watch?
GoRMU: I haven't watched much of the high school highlights. Who all did you watch?
I had a little free time (obviously ) so I put links to whatever highlight video's I could find all on of the QB's on the current roster. I also added any interesting notes or comments that I came across in research. Not really going to judge one player vs the other, I'll let that up to everyone else on here, but when evaluating QB's I look for arm strength (not how far they can throw, but if they can complete a 15 yard out from the opposite hash), mechanics, footwork, release, mobility in the pocket, running ability, decision making and toughness (mental and physical). One thing for sure is that there IS talent at this position for RMU:
1. Mathew Barr: Troy HS, Troy OH; OHSAA Div-II
* Barr's center in high school was ESPN 4-star recruit Alex Dalton (Oklahoma)
* Troy school record for passing in a season is 2,009 yards, set by Tom Myers in 1959. Myers went on to play for the Detroit Lions
* Braxton Miller (Ohio St.) also played in the same conference (Greater Western Ohio Conference)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2217946/mathew-barr
2. Luke Brumbaugh: Seton-LaSalle HS, Pittsburgh PA; WPIAL Class AA
* Luke and his brothers (Brett - Duquesne & Christian - William & Mary) are one of the most prolific trios of brothers in the US history of high school football, combining for over 20,000 yards and 250 TD's!
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1841153/luke-brumbaugh
3. Tyler Brown: Spring Valley HS, Huntington WVA; Class AAA Mountain State Athletic Conference
* Brown was joined on the All-MSAC by D1 OL teammates Alex Locklear (Marshall) & Trevor Stacy (UNC-Charlotte)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1269897/tyler-brown
4. Reid McCoy: Kiski School, Saltsburg PA Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association
* McCoy also ran track (400 relay) at Kiski
* Former Penn St and Chicago Bear RB Curtis Enis went to Kiski School
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4497144/reid-mccoy
5. Derik Abbott: Freedom HS; Orlando FL Class 8A
* In 2 games (Jr & Sr seasons) against district rival Dr. Phillips, Abbott threw for more than 600 yards and accounted for 6 TD's (4 passing, 2 rushing) and 0 INT's against defenses that featured 7 future D1 players: Trey Griffey (Arizona & Ken Griffey Jr.'s son); LaQuentin Smith (Pitt); Matt Milano (Boston College); Roderick Ryles (Pitt); Phillip Amone (BYU); Darryl Monroe (Washington St) and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (Alabama & Green Bay Packers 2014 1st rd pick)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1ZV8fdusaI
6. Joe Carroll: Thomas Jefferson HS; Pittsburgh PA Class AAA
* Carroll was featured as the Tribune Review Athlete of the Week in Feb 2013 for basketball after scoring 27 and 19 points respectively in two wins to lead the Jaguars to their first Section 4-AAA title in three years.
* In 2012 Caroll's 38 TD passes were second in the WPIAL.
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1067370/joe-carroll
1. Mathew Barr: Troy HS, Troy OH; OHSAA Div-II
* Barr's center in high school was ESPN 4-star recruit Alex Dalton (Oklahoma)
* Troy school record for passing in a season is 2,009 yards, set by Tom Myers in 1959. Myers went on to play for the Detroit Lions
* Braxton Miller (Ohio St.) also played in the same conference (Greater Western Ohio Conference)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2217946/mathew-barr
2. Luke Brumbaugh: Seton-LaSalle HS, Pittsburgh PA; WPIAL Class AA
* Luke and his brothers (Brett - Duquesne & Christian - William & Mary) are one of the most prolific trios of brothers in the US history of high school football, combining for over 20,000 yards and 250 TD's!
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1841153/luke-brumbaugh
3. Tyler Brown: Spring Valley HS, Huntington WVA; Class AAA Mountain State Athletic Conference
* Brown was joined on the All-MSAC by D1 OL teammates Alex Locklear (Marshall) & Trevor Stacy (UNC-Charlotte)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1269897/tyler-brown
4. Reid McCoy: Kiski School, Saltsburg PA Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association
* McCoy also ran track (400 relay) at Kiski
* Former Penn St and Chicago Bear RB Curtis Enis went to Kiski School
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4497144/reid-mccoy
5. Derik Abbott: Freedom HS; Orlando FL Class 8A
* In 2 games (Jr & Sr seasons) against district rival Dr. Phillips, Abbott threw for more than 600 yards and accounted for 6 TD's (4 passing, 2 rushing) and 0 INT's against defenses that featured 7 future D1 players: Trey Griffey (Arizona & Ken Griffey Jr.'s son); LaQuentin Smith (Pitt); Matt Milano (Boston College); Roderick Ryles (Pitt); Phillip Amone (BYU); Darryl Monroe (Washington St) and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (Alabama & Green Bay Packers 2014 1st rd pick)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1ZV8fdusaI
6. Joe Carroll: Thomas Jefferson HS; Pittsburgh PA Class AAA
* Carroll was featured as the Tribune Review Athlete of the Week in Feb 2013 for basketball after scoring 27 and 19 points respectively in two wins to lead the Jaguars to their first Section 4-AAA title in three years.
* In 2012 Caroll's 38 TD passes were second in the WPIAL.
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1067370/joe-carroll
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I became concerned shortly after Coach Hicks was hired while reading a story about him and the stable of QB's at RMU at the time. I was startled to learn that he wasn't terribly interested in the background of the QB's already on the roster. The writer mentioned that Coach Hicks wanted to evaluate each player himself, without prior knowledge and very little input. Their stats, alma mater, their ranking, performances in combines and camps, their home state and the division each QB played in high school, should have a lot to do with where each QB ultimately ends up on the depth chart, wouldn't you think? Apparently not.
In such a pivotal position (IMHO) there needs to be decisiveness early-on, followed by strong and consistent player development all the way down the depth chart. It's not a crap shoot or a matter of whoever seems to be throwing the best “today” is the guy we'll go with mentality! And what about time for any of these kids, to actually get into any sort of rhythm. Rhythm that allows for improved syncronicity with the rest of the team? The QB steers the ship, so he also needs to be a strong and trusted leader. The QB shuffle I've seen (so far) at RMU, certainly doesn't allow for very good intra-team cohesion and is this not important?
The shuffling of QB's at RMU seems to be an on-going problem. Why? Because it's happened before. Does anyone remember the Wagner Game in 2013? After the same type of chaos we saw this past weekend, Marcus Prather was put in the game. Many of you will remember that with 8 minutes left on the clock, he threw for 204 YDS and 2 TDs. A come from behind win for RMU that earned Prather Rookie of the Week from the NEC. Surely, Prather proved he could handle the pressure and he certainly got the job done. But did his effort and success in that game change a thing? I don't think so.
Before anyone blasts me for being biased, I openly admit that I am a Prather fan. I was excited when RMU recruited him. At the helm, I watched him do incredible things in Steubenville for Big Red. A great arm and very good head on his shoulders, Prather led Big Red to an 11-1 season. Trust that it takes an awful lot to earn the starting QB position for a team like Big Red and Prather certainly worked for and earned the starting position. I can't help but wonder what he might have done at RMU... Like Abbott, I'm sure he switched to WR because he wanted to contribute and was tired of standing on the sidelines. As the upperclassmen, I don't think either one of them were given ample opportunity to ever make a difference.
The other issue is that when they (or any other QB) is on the field, they rarely have had time to throw before getting utterly annihilated. That said, there are some skilled QB's on RMU's roster, but how can any of them shine and show their true talent and ability when there' seems to be so little protection?
Since, previous posts provided highlights of the other RMU QB's, I think it's only fair to show Prather's highlights as well.
In closing, this week I hope the coaching staff picks their starter for the next few games and fast. I hope they work overtime making sure he's well prepared, as well as his back-up. I hope they work on protecting their signal caller a whole lot better. I hope they don't use Owens as a ramming rod on every down, totally wearing him out before the season really gets started. I hope they shake-up the play book and utilize the great speed and hands of guys like Buss more effectively. With an awesome defense and special teams, an ax to grind and some very good athletes on the roster, I really do hope they pull it all together and have a great and memorable 2015!
In such a pivotal position (IMHO) there needs to be decisiveness early-on, followed by strong and consistent player development all the way down the depth chart. It's not a crap shoot or a matter of whoever seems to be throwing the best “today” is the guy we'll go with mentality! And what about time for any of these kids, to actually get into any sort of rhythm. Rhythm that allows for improved syncronicity with the rest of the team? The QB steers the ship, so he also needs to be a strong and trusted leader. The QB shuffle I've seen (so far) at RMU, certainly doesn't allow for very good intra-team cohesion and is this not important?
The shuffling of QB's at RMU seems to be an on-going problem. Why? Because it's happened before. Does anyone remember the Wagner Game in 2013? After the same type of chaos we saw this past weekend, Marcus Prather was put in the game. Many of you will remember that with 8 minutes left on the clock, he threw for 204 YDS and 2 TDs. A come from behind win for RMU that earned Prather Rookie of the Week from the NEC. Surely, Prather proved he could handle the pressure and he certainly got the job done. But did his effort and success in that game change a thing? I don't think so.
Before anyone blasts me for being biased, I openly admit that I am a Prather fan. I was excited when RMU recruited him. At the helm, I watched him do incredible things in Steubenville for Big Red. A great arm and very good head on his shoulders, Prather led Big Red to an 11-1 season. Trust that it takes an awful lot to earn the starting QB position for a team like Big Red and Prather certainly worked for and earned the starting position. I can't help but wonder what he might have done at RMU... Like Abbott, I'm sure he switched to WR because he wanted to contribute and was tired of standing on the sidelines. As the upperclassmen, I don't think either one of them were given ample opportunity to ever make a difference.
The other issue is that when they (or any other QB) is on the field, they rarely have had time to throw before getting utterly annihilated. That said, there are some skilled QB's on RMU's roster, but how can any of them shine and show their true talent and ability when there' seems to be so little protection?
Since, previous posts provided highlights of the other RMU QB's, I think it's only fair to show Prather's highlights as well.
In closing, this week I hope the coaching staff picks their starter for the next few games and fast. I hope they work overtime making sure he's well prepared, as well as his back-up. I hope they work on protecting their signal caller a whole lot better. I hope they don't use Owens as a ramming rod on every down, totally wearing him out before the season really gets started. I hope they shake-up the play book and utilize the great speed and hands of guys like Buss more effectively. With an awesome defense and special teams, an ax to grind and some very good athletes on the roster, I really do hope they pull it all together and have a great and memorable 2015!
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Excellent post! You mention many of the issues that I have seen as well. And please know that my intent wasn't to slight Marcus Prather by omitting his highlights, but I simply responded to another post focusing on the QB's available for play this year. I actually just had some free time and got caught up looking up information on these young men and decided to post what I found. I guess I now know more about them than their coach 
I hope Marcus gets healthy soon and can return to playing QB. However, if this merry go round continues at QB, he, and any other's with remaining eligibility, may want to look elsewhere. Unfortunately, Robert Morris has become a graveyard for young QB's.
I hope Marcus gets healthy soon and can return to playing QB. However, if this merry go round continues at QB, he, and any other's with remaining eligibility, may want to look elsewhere. Unfortunately, Robert Morris has become a graveyard for young QB's.I think more than a few guys aren't going to stand around waiting for a shot for long. Thanks for posting the QB's film. It was nice to get a closer look at all of them.
Probably should have posted Prather's Akron HL's instead of high school. For anyone interested:
As a side, sincerely no disrespect intended toward any coach or athlete in my previous post. It's easy to play Monday morning QB. My observations and opinions are my own.
Probably should have posted Prather's Akron HL's instead of high school. For anyone interested:
As a side, sincerely no disrespect intended toward any coach or athlete in my previous post. It's easy to play Monday morning QB. My observations and opinions are my own.
