Future Arm
by loverofthegame on Nov 7, 2010 10:44 PM EST
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Congrats to DaMarcus Smith for finishing up his high school football career with Seneca. Stats aside, he seems to be a remarkable young man and someone I'm thrilled to have represent the university.
Watch the four throws from the 1:20 mark and on from the video above. Sanford must be absolutely drooling. It's tough as a fan to be eager to see new talent on the field. Froman, Burke, Stein, and all of our current players have done a phenomenal job this season. They've made UofL football fun again (no small feat) and I can't wait to root for them down the stretch. At the same time, it's clear the talent level is low and as wonderfully as our guys play, as much as they exceed expectations, there's a ceiling. Watching DaMarcus throw a 50 yard pass or a 30 yarder on the run is a pretty stark contrast to what we saw against Pitt (and even though Burke performed admirably, against Syracuse). There will be growing pains and more frustrations, but you can't teach an arm like that. The ceiling will be higher next season.
The present is surprisingly fun and the future is bright. Next year, Strong's first full recruiting class arrives and we're pretty damn lucky to have a player like Smith heading it up.
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I am worried about QB for next season
Obviously, Smith is a great passer and he’s likely going to be the starter for multiple years, but I don’t think he’s played against the level of competition in high school to come in and start from day one without struggling significantly. And we don’t have – unless Dominique Brown can actually pass – anyone to serve as a bridge for next year.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the staff bring in a JUCO qb if for no other reason than to add depth and help out the competition. ITV has indicated we’re recruting former Georgia qb Zach Mettenberger. That too makes sense if he’s eligible to play next season.
But i do agree, Smith is the future at QB, I’m just not sure if he will be ready to start his freshman year.
In my opinion, I think it would be good to bring in Mettenberger and use a package with Brown in it.
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by TheRealSlimShady on Nov 8, 2010 5:52 PM EST up reply actions
Headed back to my alma mater and I saw Smith put up more points on Trinity
Than St X was able to score when they got clobbered in their annual regular season meeting. He threw to some super tight spots – 15-25 yard ropes on multiple occasions in between coverages. I also saw him air out a 55 yard bomb for a completion in the same game. Trinity is arguably the best 6-A team in the state and he seemed to do quite well against them until he was leveled with a shoulder injury. I agree that there may be an adjustment period…but I have heard from a few sources that he may graduate early and enroll at UofL in the spring which would allow him an entire 9 month to see and learn our system and go through spring camp with the team. He has a cannon like Cantwell did but seems to be much more accurate…and he can run.
I'm torn
Do we start him immediately and suffer through a pretty bad start of the season, or redshirt him and plan for the future?
Personally, I want him to be the best QB Louisville’s ever had (because that means we’re going to win… a lot). That makes me think that if he’going to break every record, we need to redshirt him.
However, if we look toward more present success, we might need to sacrifice one year of statistics and wins, but he’ll be prepared to lead us to victory in 2012.
I guess it all depends on if we can get a transfer for next year. Heck, give Will a shot.
One thing I am pleased with, he’s not afraid to throw the longball. We really need to stretch the field. Next year we’ll have some deep-threat guys and things will get interesting.
I like Smith, but.......
there is another QB we are recruiting here in ky from the same class, that is Neal Pawsat (Mason Co.) The kid is a football player, being from the same town I have seen him in action plenty of times. Get on you tube and check him out, oh yeah, Josh Harris (2011), is also on the team.
by ville 606 on Nov 8, 2010 1:46 AM EST via mobile reply actions
I love the bunny-hops he does in the pocket.
If we get this kid it will provide some good competition for DaMarcus. Give us some options.
by UofL Redbirds on Nov 8, 2010 2:04 AM EST up reply actions
They have a good coach at mason co, and have produced some d-1 qbs such as dustin grutza (cincy), and harry lewis (unc). But this kid has great upside, and size at 6’4". With the right coaching in college he will go far. Got several offers, ville, uc, and mostly big 10 schools.
by ville 606 on Nov 8, 2010 2:35 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Awesome.
It’d be great to have both. That prevents one from slacking off at risk of losing the starting role. And in case of injury, we have a stud who can step in and take over.
by UofL Redbirds on Nov 8, 2010 3:19 AM EST up reply actions
O Line?
Our O line is playing well this year. I think it is very senior laden, though.
Anyone have some insight on how the O line will support this kid? Even the best QB in the world can’t make plays if the O line isn’t there to give him a chance?
Benavides will be back...
But yeah, we’re going to have to replace a lot there. I wouldn’t be suprised if they moved Alex Kupper to guard, since he’s played a lot this year, just to have some more experience. And Kamran Joyer will probably be starting next year too. And we’ve got some good o’linemen redshirting this year in Chris Acosta and Jake Smith. But o-linemen take a while to put on the strength and bulk to be really good, so this could be a weak spot next year.
Holy Crap that kid has an arm
I honestly was just kind of like, “Hmm…seems like he could be good” until the 1:20 mark and on (should have taken your advice I guess), and WOW! The last two passes especially. The last one throwing that bomb across his body?! Just wow. I don’t mean to bring the dreaded recruit rankings topic up, but how in the HELL is this kid not at least a 4-star?! Scout just updated their rankings and didn’t even move him up! Are you serious?! He was the best QB at the Elite 11 camp ESPN held and has been tearing it up this year at Seneca. What more does he need to do? I can’t wait til he gets on campus. The OL situation will be iffy, but we do have some solid recruits and redshirts in that area. Just not much experience.
Yet, your comment about the QBs playing phenomenal is a little much. First, Stein hasn’t played at all (Thank God), and while Froman has been pretty good, phenomenal is quite a stretch, especially after the crap game he had against Pitt. Ugh. Burke had a solid start last game, and in my opinion, is as good and possibly better than Froman, but still not great. I wouldn’t mind seein Dom Brown throw a pass or two (oh, this has been brought up 2 million times already? Sorry), next game, and next season I think Smith is an upgrade over all.
I admit I may have been throwing “phenomenal” around loosely, but the gist I was getting at was our players have exceeded expectations this year. Compared to the performances we saw from the same guys last year, they deserve credit for the improvement we’ve seen this season (as do the coaches). You get the feeling they’re playing close to their potential and that’s not easy. It’s why I love the game. I think most observers would agree, given the talent level, we shouldn’t be anywhere near sniffing a bowl this year, but we are, and I think that’s pretty phenomenal (or an indictment on the quality of the Big East).
Smith isn’t going to come in next season and fire on all cylinders right away – though a 60 yard bomb to Parker on the first play would be lovely – and I don’t think a reasonable fan would expect that. I’d be happy to be surprised again, but I think we’re going to have to wait until 2012 before we really start discussing a team that can make a serious BCS run. That said, it’s been a while since we’ve had that type of talent coming into the program with a coaching staff who’s proven it can get the most out of its players. That’s why the video is exciting. And seriously, running to the left and throwing a right-handed TD pass – that’s silly.
by loverofthegame on Nov 8, 2010 8:59 PM EST up reply actions
Why would Stanford be drooling? He’s the real kind of cardinal.
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by TheRealSlimShady on Nov 8, 2010 5:49 PM EST reply actions
Think he meant [Mike] Sanford, our OC
by UL is my hot hot sex on Nov 8, 2010 7:32 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, I was joking.
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by TheRealSlimShady on Nov 8, 2010 8:55 PM EST up reply actions
you forgot your snark mark.~
"Screech, you CAN'T elope!"
"Who are you calling a cantaloupe, you melonhead?"
Or i could use the sarcasm font
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by TheRealSlimShady on Nov 9, 2010 5:00 PM EST up reply actions
That boy can play some football. He can play left, he can play right, don’t make no difference. He can block, tackle, score the touch down, snap the ball, and kick the extra point. Hell, the boy will fill up the Gatorade cooler, walk the dog, and paint your back porch. I’m telling ya, the boy can plain outplay football. OOHH! And he can pass!
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by TheRealSlimShady on Nov 8, 2010 5:55 PM EST reply actions
And for those unaware of the awesomeness of this post...
That is a reference to an episode of Family Guy that referenced the movie Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. A reference within a reference.
It’s a grammar Inception, bitches.
Actually, I believe it's Friday Night Lights
by Mike Rutherford on Nov 8, 2010 10:05 PM EST up reply actions
No, I know the original reference is Friday Night Lights.
It’s Boovie’s (however you spell it) uncle talking to the scouts during practice. I’ve seen the movie at least 139 times.
My comment of “Hahaha… movie references” is a direct quote of Chris Griffin from an episode of Family Guy after Peter did John Candy’s speech from Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvgHMEM_WJ0
So you see, it was a reference within a reference that was a reference to Slim’s reference. Just for your reference.
Somehow
I’ve lost my frame of reference.
"Screech, you CAN'T elope!"
"Who are you calling a cantaloupe, you melonhead?"
As much as I love the comment praise…you’re wrong.
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by TheRealSlimShady on Nov 8, 2010 10:20 PM EST up reply actions
Any chance he enrolls early?
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by TheRealSlimShady on Nov 8, 2010 5:57 PM EST reply actions
That was the original plan
Not sure if it’s still the case.
by Mike Rutherford on Nov 8, 2010 7:52 PM EST up reply actions
I think he has to get some classes worked out first.
Somebody on ITV (I think) mentioned that he had to make up some classes from freshman year or something.
We have another QB prospect visiting this weeked. Kevin Sousa, a Michigan commit. He looks like he has great athleticism and a strong arm but sloppy mechanics. He would be a nice get for our team to make a Brown vs. Smith vs. Sousa QB battle.
Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMfw-5Q4MxM&feature=related
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by TheRealSlimShady on Nov 8, 2010 10:57 PM EST reply actions
extremely sloppy
i think that sousa will end up at wr like brown because of how bad his mechanics are. i believe smith won the “best feet” award at the elite 11 so he has an edge on literally any qb probably including brown next year just because he of that. qb coaches spend the vast majority of spring and summer practice on mechanics and feet. smith is way ahead of guys like sousa that have gotten by on their talent and running ability.
he will keep moving
I think he will move up with all of the services. I’m pretty loyal to espn and I think he is #49 but I think that as the seasons end and signing day gets closer, he will be ranked around there across the board. I feel the same about Parker. His stats alone will warrant a reevaluation.
I noticed he puts alot of air under the ball. Also did he throw from his own 5 to the opponents 30 -35?
They gone have to stop sleeping on me one day.. I gotta be one of the best
About 3 hours ago by Eric Wright Cleveland Browns – Cornerback
I understand, as a big daddy come and take my spot type of demeanor?
by mooncamping on May 14, 2010 7:24 AM EDT
Ha. Probably not, should have been a Bulldog. But seriously, my point was that he seems to have a very easy release and can put a ton of air under the ball. Through my Holmes like deductions, I reckon he has a cannon for an arm.
They gone have to stop sleeping on me one day.. I gotta be one of the best
About 3 hours ago by Eric Wright Cleveland Browns – Cornerback
I understand, as a big daddy come and take my spot type of demeanor?
by mooncamping on May 14, 2010 7:24 AM EDT
He'll get some mechanics changed,
but he’s starting out with a LOT of good things (especially footwork and raw ability)
by Remote Cardinal on Nov 12, 2010 10:31 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, that goes without saying. The pass to the corner of the end zone is a good example. However, like RC says below, that’s stuff they’ll work on once he gets here. Right now he’s still a high school kid.
They gone have to stop sleeping on me one day.. I gotta be one of the best
About 3 hours ago by Eric Wright Cleveland Browns – Cornerback
I understand, as a big daddy come and take my spot type of demeanor?
by mooncamping on May 14, 2010 7:24 AM EDT
I sure hope he's a phenomenal true freshman.
Otherwise, I have no clue who’s going to be QB next year.
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