Fall 2011 Positional Battles – QB

As happens with any team that is coming off a 3-9 season, there are most likely going to be multiple position battles of note coming in to fall practice and the 2011 season.  KU has infused a good amount of new freshman, JUCO, and transfer talent so there should be a solid crop of players that can challenge for playing time.  Over the next couple of posts we are going to delve into some of bigger positional ‘battles’ that are going to take place.  Some of these will actually be positional battles, some of them won’t be battles so much as they will be positional uncertainties.

First we are going to delve into the most important position on the field that was in complete and utter disarray last year, the Quarterback Position.

Some people might say that this will be a three way battle.  Last year Jordan Webb and Quinn Meacham alternated at the spot, neither finding that much success, but Jordan Webb seemed to be the lesser of the two evils completing 56.5% of his passes with a 7:8 TD:INT ratio.  Along with the two of them, KU has brought in 3-Star recruit Brock Berglund, who initially planned on graduating early to get to spring practice but then decided against it.  Berglund was originally a Colorado lean but ended up coming to KU and was originally told that he would be given a shot at the starting gig.  As neither Webb or Meacham were able to grab hold of the starting job, the position is wide open.  Webb was given the starting role at spring practice, but expect the competition to heat up when Berglund arrives on campus.

As Webb is the more seasoned QB from last year and Berglund is the ‘hot-shot’ freshman, those are the two that will be outlined in this position battle.  Here are the pros and cons of both:

Jordan Webb – 6’0”, 210lbs

2010 Stats: 121/214 (56.5%), 1,195 yards, 7 TD, 8 INT

While there were little to now bright spots in the KU’s offense last year, when the offense was clicking on any level, it seemed that Webb was at the helm.  With the exception of the great comeback against Colorado, all other great offensive spurts included Webb at the helm, including the victory over #15 ranked Georgia Tech in the second game of the season.

Webb doesn’t have prototypical size nor solid enough arm strength to be legitimate starter at the D-I level.  The unfortunate reality is that he is at Kansas and that is the reason why he is able to have the opportunity to start.  At this point, his greatest asset is his short field accuracy and his familiarity with the system.  That will give him a leg up heading in to fall practice when the true battle for the position will take place.

Pros:  Familiarity with system, short field accuracy, chemistry with teammates

Cons: Not prototypical size, limited arm strength, not very mobile

Brock Berglund – 6’3”, 200 lbs

Berglund originally committed to Colorado and then when he opened up his recruitment again, Turner Gill jumped all over the chance to get him to Lawrence, and get him there he did.  Berglund was no doubt promised the chance to start right away and with the QB’s on this roster, that chance will definitely be there.  Where Webb is lacking in size, Berglund has the more prototypical size you are looking for.  Being only 200 lbs for his height is a bit of a concern, but not unheard of for freshmen. Expect 15-20 more pounds to be put on once he gets into a collegiate weight program.

Berglund doesn’t have elite arm strength but his arm is still much better than Webb’s.  Berglund is also a ‘dual-threat’ QB as he has the athleticism and ability to beat you with his legs.  He very often makes good decisions and is a natural leader.  Berglund will most likely ascend quickly to the leadership role on this team if given the chance.

There are whispers that Berglund may not end up playing for Kansas as he has not meshed well with the team and possibly could be leaving.  This has not been confirmed but is a strong rumor at this point.

Pros: Arm Strength, athleticism, rushing ability, decision-making, leadership

Cons: Just arrived on campus, un-familiarity with the offense, still has to gain trust of his teammates

The starting role goes to…:  If you ask me, the starting role for the KU goes with Brock Berglund.  It is possible that Gill starts Webb for the first game or two, but I don’t think he should.  Most Kansas Fans know the situation the Jayhawks are in will require another year or two before true competitive-ness giving Gill a chance to take his lumps with a freshman QB for the this year, in order to reap the benefits in the year that follow.  It was quite a coup to get Berglund away from CO so Gill needs to give him every chance to succeed as that will only lead to better recruiting for Kansas in the future.  However, the issue remains about Berglund getting along with his teammates and if he can’t and the staff can’t control him, the job will go to Webb.  While I would rather see Berglund take the starting role, at this point it’s 50/50.