Ketch's 10 Thoughts From the Weekend (Hey, Kirk... this is Tom... I gotta scoop for you...)

[LonghornBuc]

I'm not calling on anyone to do anything. I'm suggesting, though, if I was Tom Herman, that I would be passing along some info to have reported on very loudly.

Considering OB has reported that Herman hasn't taken the time in the last month to contact Zaire, I don't think he will be taking the time to contact Kirk Bohls about SEC rules either.

That said, we need Zaire, or someone like him, for numbers in the QB room. He isn't championship quality like Shane is when healthy, but he is better than throwing Sam in there if Shane goes down for the season.

I do think Zaire could win a game you might not expect, like OU or OSU. But he is also more likely to lose a game or two you shouldn't lose. There are good reasons he couldn't keep the starting job at ND, even though ND was losing as ugly as we were the past few years. Injuries were only part of the picture.

I don't care about the competition or hurt feelings issues. But Zaire coming will cost Shane needed snaps this fall in practice. And he will be way behind Shane in experience with the receiver crew. That timing matters, a lot, and Zaire wont have many snaps to get it going. Still, the lack of numbers in the QB room demands another guy with experience.

 

[trophies2]

But, I literally said it in this thread!

I hopping around multiple threads.

I missed it.

Lo siento, señor Ketchum.

 

[Cure4BizCancer]

By that measure, you shouldn't trust any other aspect of the team, by virtue of the fact that the whole team was 5-7.

I mean, the defense was the worst in school history.

Good point, but actually we had the worst defense in school history in 2015. Last year we improved a lot. It was only the worst defense in the last 80 years in 2016.

 

[Dualthreat]

I don't believe Zaire is now, and I'm not convinced he will become, as effective a passer as Shane was last season. And I expect Shane to be better this season. I believe passing effectiveness is the top criteria for QB at Texas this season (as opposed to run effectiveness). Shane starts and keeps the job as long as healthy, if I have to guess.

I don't mean it as an insult, but I'm not convinced Zaire beats out Sam in passing effectiveness either. I'd hope Texas wouldn't need three QBs, but if I was HC at Texas I'd be trying to develop three competent QBs.

 

[trophies2]

Good point, but actually we had the worst defense in school history in 2015. Last year we improved a lot. It was only the worst defense in the last 80 years in 2016.

My bad.

 

[Cure4BizCancer]

You make it sound like every school in the SEC has a gang of transfers about to be let in. I can assure you that isn't the case.

That is not at all what I said, nor what I intended to portray. I simply think that all of the SEC coaches want the flexibility to persue a grad transfer, without the hypocritical and pesky academic red tape getting in their way. They may not need to do it now, but they dont want something as silly as grades getting in the way when the time comes.

 

[sodiumacetate]

because if Herman didn't really want Zaire, and he has indicated that he does, then he would have killed this discussion weeks ago by getting it out there he doesn't want him. the opposite indications have been given.

Who suggested he doesn't want Zaire? Of course he wants him. We have two injury prone scholarship qbs on the roster and nothing else. Herman wanting Zaire on his roster does not necessarily equate to Herman believing Zaire will win more games than Shane.

 

[LonghornBuc]

Buechele was just one issue. He shouldn't have been on the field. He played out of Charlie's desperation. I think he has a crazy high upside, but not be ready to hit it yet.

I agree, just like I agree Sam should redshirt this year, which is why another QB in the room would be huge for the program.

I also agree that Shane has a crazy high upside. He showed it a lot last year, especially before he had to play with bad ribs. He stepped up even more this spring. With Herman and Beck helping him this fall, he is set to break out to top tier in the conference this year. He may not be the best, but he can be close.

People questioning Shanes competitiveness and leadership are not only ignoring everything he did last year on the field and off of it, as a true freshmen. They are ignoring the home he grew up in with a dad in the majors and a whole family of athletes.

 

[Baguette]

Love # 2. And from what we all know about Shane, that's pretty much what he'll be doing. Kid has the fire in his belly. Hook 'em Shane!

 

[Ketchum]

That is not at all what I said, nor what I intended to portray. I simply think that all of the SEC coaches want the flexibility to persue a grad transfer, without the hypocritical and pesky academic red tape getting in their way. They may not need to do it now, but they dont want something as silly as grades getting in the way when the time comes.

I think there are more that will instinctively be petty than maybe some realize.

 

[Ketchum]

Who suggested he doesn't want Zaire? Of course he wants him. We have two injury prone scholarship qbs on the roster and nothing else. Herman wanting Zaire on his roster does not necessarily equate to Herman believing Zaire will win more games than Shane.

I have reasons to believe that he does believe that's possible, though.

 

[trophies2]

I think there are more that will instinctively be petty than maybe some realize.

Is Dario Saric available? I covet him on SA.

 

[Cure4BizCancer]

My bad.

Just think, if Herman can keep us on the same trajectory this year, we could possibly improve to the point where we have the worst defense in the last 40 years. Maybe even better if some of the true freshman play for a talent upgrade.

 

[tlcdownunder2]

Harvard is a setup by Zaire and Florida. They are using the Harvard offer to try and get the S.E.C. to allow Florida to accept him. If that was not the case he would have committed to Wisconsin or Texas. If the S.E.C. changes it up he is Florida bound in my opinion.

Interesting... I like it.

 

[satterwm]

If Herman thought Zaire was a better option than Buechele and not just a nice insurance policy, there is not a doubt in my mind that he would have already closed the deal on him.

Pay the man.

 

[trophies2]

Pay the man.

 

[Dualthreat]

I think Zaire fits Herman's scheme better and gives the program a much better run threat, something this offense might need with the questions at running back and some depth issues on the line. He's an older, more mature player that has his entire life riding on this season.

I don't know that he's definitely better, but he might be, which is why Herman is interested. It's why Tim Beck is interested.

I think if your number one asset as QB is as a run threat then that is a problem, in the modern college game. And I find it a marginal solution to questions at RB or OL depth. Ideally a couple years is helpful but does it really equate to greater maturity in this case? Is incentive more important than ability and work ethic?

It makes sense to have three capable QBs if you can get them. I think TH wants all the good cards he can get in his hand, not just hopes to draw an ace. You may know his thinking better than I though.

 

[Cure4BizCancer]

I think there are more that will instinctively be petty than maybe some realize.

Is the vote cast by the coaches, AD's, or Presidents? I'm assuming coaches or AD's in my scenario.

You, of course, may be correct on the petty index. I think that would short-sighted of a guy making seven figures. I simply predict the rule goes away, and MZ goes to FL.

 

[tlcdownunder2]

I think Zaire fits Herman's scheme better and gives the program a much better run threat, something this offense might need with the questions at running back and some depth issues on the line. He's an older, more mature player that has his entire life riding on this season.

I don't know that he's definitely better, but he might be, which is why Herman is interested. It's why Tim Beck is interested.

Agree completely. Been saying this all off season...

 

[Ketchum]

Is Dario Saric available? I covet him on SA.

He could be.

 

[Ketchum]

I think if your number one asset as QB is as a run threat then that is a problem, in the modern college game. And I find it a marginal solution to questions at RB or OL depth. Ideally a couple years is helpful but does it really equate to greater maturity in this case? Is incentive more important than ability and work ethic?

It makes sense to have three capable QBs if you can get them. I think TH wants all the good cards he can get in his hand, not just hopes to draw an ace. You may know his thinking better than I though.

Do you think Tom would let Zaire string Texas along publicly if he didn't want him and value him greatly (more than a body)?

 

[huntsvilleTXusa]

It doesn't take an Encyclopedia Brown, White, Black or Purple to figure out that if Tom "Every Detail" Herman hasn't spoken to the guy in weeks, he ain't coming to Texas. This whole storyline is starting to wreak of click bait.

 

[satterwm]

"I can keep busting you up all night if you like"…
Mike to Teddy KGB

 

[Tampa 2]

what about the in-between stuff and running the ball? and adlib playmaking?

Your concerns are more than fair.

I'm just sticking with the guy who could be your QB for the next 2 seasons after. I like Shane's game and his ability to adapt to this system/development by Herman. Plus I believe this team looks to Shane as the leader.

 

[satterwm]

Do you think Tom would let Zaire string Texas along publicly if he didn't want him and value him greatly (more than a body)?

Just a guess, but I think Herman is hoping to get him without the assurance he will start. If he was sold on MZ over SB, I think his approach would have been different, and he would have persuaded him to come. He is not going to turn him down.

 

[Cure4BizCancer]

I'm on the record that the SEC will vote to allow MZ to Florida.
First, I simply don't believe there is a coach in the SEC that isn't fully aware that Florida is after him.
Second, every coach in the SEC wants that rule to go away, so they can persue graduate transfers without the incumberance. Kirby Smart and the rest could give a rats ass as to whether MZ ends up at FL. A third string QB on a team that went 4 - 8 is not worth losing the ability to bring in your choice of grad transfer when you need one in the future.

For what it is worth, I think MZ is short sighted if he picks FL over Texas. FL plays Michigan, LSU, Georgia and FSU. Texas will finish with a better record than FL, regardless of whether MZ plays at either. FL is a rare SEC team that doesn't schedule 3 or all 4 of its non-conference games with cream puffs.

I think his decision will solely be on his perception of his chances of being the starting QB. Are we sure Wisconsin is out of the picture?

 

[trophies2]

He could be.

I've actually read that he might, especially if they draft Josh Jackson.

Be interesting to watch.

 

[Dualthreat]

Do you think Tom would let Zaire string Texas along publicly if he didn't want him and value him greatly (more than a body)?

I don't consider what Zaire is doing "stringing Texas along publicly" at all, nor do I consider that some threat to Texas if he were doing that.

I also don't believe it a duality of either that or "valuing him greatly". I think, as in my other posts, that TH feels having three QBs who are competent (every year) is a reasonable aspiration for every HC football who is smart and has aspirations to greatness for his team, his season, and his career. It's smart, detailed, practice to try to have three competent QBs, always. Not just as it was at tOSU a few seasons ago or at the Texas OU game many years ago.

If Zaire made a significant leap as a passer (maybe it's possible) maybe he could beat out Shane in that regard. Maybe Sam doesn't take off and Zaire improves and is as good a passer and better overall (running, intangibles, whatever) than Sam and (God forbid) the starter is injured and MZ has to come in and finish a game or play a game while the starter gets well.

I don't think it's either "just a body" vs. "values greatly". I think it's "smart coaching optimizing every element of the program and every contingency". In a game of inches, that's how the great coaches coach, IMO. (Saban, Urban, Belichick, TH (?), etc.)

No offense intended. You are certainly likely to have sources and know the insiders far better than I. I just know what I read here for the most part.

 

[FriscoWolf]

Ketch

Is there a signing period for Jucos?
Has Texas made contact with any of those DL players?
Also any possible Juco TEs worth pursuing?

 

[hutchenc]

Ketch

Is there a signing period for Jucos?
Has Texas made contact with any of those DL players?
Also any possible Juco TEs worth pursuing?

@Ketchum ^This^ How likely is Texas to go looking at the JUCO market this summer for the DL?

 

[Baguette]

@Ketchum what makes you think MZ starts if he comes to Texas? Is he that much better than SB?

Help no! People are tripping if they think Zaire is gonna waltz in here & start over Shane! Based on what? He's taller & is a better runner? Phuleeze.

 

[HORN4LIFE512]

Regarding 7 on 7, would there be two different teams? One with Shane and one with Sam? Who plays with Sam and who plays with Shane if so?

 

[texasd11]

who said he was a sure thing?

@Colonel Banana Dark did

 

[texasd11]

So if MZ doesnt show whos the next guy we try pulling in?

Jerrod Heard

 

[McLovin327]

Threat... tomorrow.

Stay away from the best striker in Europe and, no, do not want Sturridge. Find some other sucker.