The Sunday Pulpit: Tom Herman should pursue a graduate transfer quarterback
Texas football coach Tom Herman can learn an important lesson from Charlie Strong.
When Strong arrived in Austin, he inherited quarterbacks David Ash, Tyrone Swoopes and Jerrod Heard, an incoming freshman. Ash had two starts in 2013 before sustaining a concussion against BYU. He returned two weeks later, left with a head injury against Kansas State, and wasn’t cleared to play throughout most of the 2014 preseason. Ash proceeded to sustain another concussion (cute word for brain injury) in the season opener, and never played football again. Swoopes played so poorly during the spring game of Strong’s first year, the coach considered moving him to tight end. That move never occurred, but Swoopes was incredibly inconsistent throughout his first season as a starter. Meanwhile, Heard was a freshman and not in the mix for playing time.
If the previous staff pursued a graduate transfer, somebody who could give the coaches above-average production while their young quarterbacks could sit back and learn, there is a chance Strong’s tenure could have gone differently. A veteran quarterback could have been the difference between six wins and possibly eight in 2014. At the very least, an experienced quarterback would have compiled more than 57 passing yards against Arkansas in that embarrassing Texas Bowl loss. The lack of consistent quarterback production was a huge detriment in Strong’s first year, and some might argue it was never adequately addressed through his tenure.
That is why it is so important for Herman to obtain a graduate transfer quarterback this year.
Sure, graduate transfers sometimes provide teams and fan bases with a false sense of hope. Former Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson emerged into a star as a graduate transfer. Meanwhile, some quarterbacks searching for playing time at other programs eventually held clipboards - again - in a different uniform. For the most part, if a quarterback is not playing, coaches usually have a good reason. If a school is stacked at the quarterback position, then it makes sense to leave, and that is how other programs benefit from a graduate transfer.
When Herman looks at his current roster, he should be apprehensive. Not only should Herman be concerned about having only three scholarship quarterbacks on the roster this season, he should be nervous about each passer. If anybody believes Herman has inherited a quarterback room without any question marks, they are not taking an objective look at that position.
Let us start with Shane Buechele.
Last season, Buechele finished with 2,958 passing yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions as a true freshman. According to UT, Buechele is the first Texas quarterback since Colt McCoy in 2009 to have at least 2,500 passing yards and 20 touchdowns in a season, the first player since Bobby Layne in 1944 to start his first career game as a true freshman at quarterback for Texas (only player in school history to start each of his first two games), and is tied for second-fastest to reach 2,000 passing yards in a season in UT history. We also know Buechele is a gym rat. Buechele's work ethic is the main reason why he started last season.
Nevertheless, former offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert did a great job of protecting Buechele this season. Gilbert did not ask Buechele to read the entire field, but they worked sidelines in the passing game. Buechele threw five interceptions in the last three games. In addition, Buechele’s small frame took a lot of hard hits down the stretch. There is no telling if Buechele can physically hold up during the 2017 season, or what kind of quarterback he could be if asked to do more in Herman’s offense.
Nobody really knows what Matthew Merrick brings to the table. When Merrick was initially signed, he was supposed to be a gray-shirt, and no one in the building expected him to receive playing time. Merrick continued to grind and played well enough to surpass Kai Locksley last year, while allowing Heard to switch positions. Considering Herman probably evaluated Merrick when he coached at Houston, it might be hard for him to factor into the quarterback competition this year.
The majority of people who follow recruiting believe incoming freshman Sam Ehlinger is the real deal. Ehlinger, a former Westlake standout, finished with 7,375 passing yards, 89 passing touchdowns and 126 total touchdowns during his tenure. As a junior in 2015, Ehlinger led Westlake to the 6A D2 State Championship game, losing to Galena Park North Shore.
However, Ehlinger has been plagued with injuries as a high school quarterback. Ehlinger reportedly broke his wrist, had surgery for a torn meniscus, and broke his thumb. Ehlinger may have a lot of talent, but his injury history should concern Herman and his staff.
Considering Herman is not expected to sign another incoming freshman quarterback, a graduate transfer is the best way to solidify that room.
Right now, there is not a lot of buzz surrounding graduate transfers. The market will heat up in April, and that is when Herman should answer every call he receives.
Here are a few quarterbacks worth considering:
- Houston quarterback Kyle Allen is the obvious graduate transfer candidate. Alex Dunlap previously reported Allen could follow Herman to Texas. Allen threw for 3,532 yards and 33 touchdowns over two seasons with Texas A&M from 2014-15 before transferring to Houston. Herman knows Allen better than any other transfer candidate.
UH QB Kyle Allen on pace for graduate transfer, HS coaching source says. Many are already assuming he follows Herman. Will have 2 years left
- Former Notre Dame quarterback Malik Zaire is the most popular name on the market right now. According to several published reports, Zaire will delay his commitment decision until mid-April, with Wisconsin and North Carolina as the front-runners. Zaire has played in 17 college games, completing 59.2 percent of his passes for 816 yards and six touchdowns with zero interceptions (a passer efficiency ranking of 149.3).
- Michigan quarterback Shane Morris is another option. Morris, a backup this season, announced he would transfer a few days ago. Morris is a very good athlete, but it is fair to question his arm. A one-time five-star quarterback prospect, Morris was one of the first players to commit to former Michigan coach Brady Hoke - making his pledge as a high school sophomore in 2011. For his career, Morris has gone 47 of 92 for 434 yards and five interceptions. He has rushed 18 times for 87 yards.
If Herman is unable to obtain a graduate transfer, it makes sense for him to kick the tires on Jerrod Heard and see if he can be a viable option. However, I still believe Heard is better utilized as a receiver than at quarterback.
Herman has done everything the right way since being hired. He has confidence, a plan, a great coaching and support staff, and could emerge into a fantastic coach at Texas. If there was a blueprint for what a successful young coach might look like, Herman would check every box. Heck, if Herman is satisfied with Buechele, Ehlinger and Merrick, we will have to trust his judgment.
However, Longhorn observers recently witnessed what happens if you are too complacent with the quarterback position. Herman should do his best to avoid the same oversight.
Sports On A Dime
1. We keep saying Herman “gets it," but one sentiment he expressed about Stan Drayton on Thursday sealed the deal for me. Herman said his goal is to develop Drayton into a head coach, which is why the running backs coach is also the associate head coach. According to The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport at the University of Central Florida, known as TIDES, there were 15 black head coaches in the Football Subdivision (four in Texas), which is viewed as the elite tier of college athletics, in 2016. Herman’s commitment to diversity resonated with me. I believe Herman's "realness" will have the same positive impression with the team's African-American players, and recruits, too.
2. The best thing about Herman’s completion of his staff is players finally have a chance to develop relationships with their position coaches. It is pretty clear Herman has an old school mentality and will challenge his players, but that allows position coaches to play the role of “good cop” and keep the necessary team unity.
3. The dead period is Monday through Thursday, and I expect Herman’s staff to hit the homes of recruits like spider monkeys later this week. Obviously, they are playing from behind and have an uphill battle, but if a few more players like Toneil Carter fall into their lap, Herman’s staff can feel good about its effort, and build toward next year.
Texas football coach Tom Herman can learn an important lesson from Charlie Strong.
When Strong arrived in Austin, he inherited quarterbacks David Ash, Tyrone Swoopes and Jerrod Heard, an incoming freshman. Ash had two starts in 2013 before sustaining a concussion against BYU. He returned two weeks later, left with a head injury against Kansas State, and wasn’t cleared to play throughout most of the 2014 preseason. Ash proceeded to sustain another concussion (cute word for brain injury) in the season opener, and never played football again. Swoopes played so poorly during the spring game of Strong’s first year, the coach considered moving him to tight end. That move never occurred, but Swoopes was incredibly inconsistent throughout his first season as a starter. Meanwhile, Heard was a freshman and not in the mix for playing time.
If the previous staff pursued a graduate transfer, somebody who could give the coaches above-average production while their young quarterbacks could sit back and learn, there is a chance Strong’s tenure could have gone differently. A veteran quarterback could have been the difference between six wins and possibly eight in 2014. At the very least, an experienced quarterback would have compiled more than 57 passing yards against Arkansas in that embarrassing Texas Bowl loss. The lack of consistent quarterback production was a huge detriment in Strong’s first year, and some might argue it was never adequately addressed through his tenure.
That is why it is so important for Herman to obtain a graduate transfer quarterback this year.
Sure, graduate transfers sometimes provide teams and fan bases with a false sense of hope. Former Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson emerged into a star as a graduate transfer. Meanwhile, some quarterbacks searching for playing time at other programs eventually held clipboards - again - in a different uniform. For the most part, if a quarterback is not playing, coaches usually have a good reason. If a school is stacked at the quarterback position, then it makes sense to leave, and that is how other programs benefit from a graduate transfer.
When Herman looks at his current roster, he should be apprehensive. Not only should Herman be concerned about having only three scholarship quarterbacks on the roster this season, he should be nervous about each passer. If anybody believes Herman has inherited a quarterback room without any question marks, they are not taking an objective look at that position.
Let us start with Shane Buechele.
Last season, Buechele finished with 2,958 passing yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions as a true freshman. According to UT, Buechele is the first Texas quarterback since Colt McCoy in 2009 to have at least 2,500 passing yards and 20 touchdowns in a season, the first player since Bobby Layne in 1944 to start his first career game as a true freshman at quarterback for Texas (only player in school history to start each of his first two games), and is tied for second-fastest to reach 2,000 passing yards in a season in UT history. We also know Buechele is a gym rat. Buechele's work ethic is the main reason why he started last season.
Nevertheless, former offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert did a great job of protecting Buechele this season. Gilbert did not ask Buechele to read the entire field, but they worked sidelines in the passing game. Buechele threw five interceptions in the last three games. In addition, Buechele’s small frame took a lot of hard hits down the stretch. There is no telling if Buechele can physically hold up during the 2017 season, or what kind of quarterback he could be if asked to do more in Herman’s offense.
Nobody really knows what Matthew Merrick brings to the table. When Merrick was initially signed, he was supposed to be a gray-shirt, and no one in the building expected him to receive playing time. Merrick continued to grind and played well enough to surpass Kai Locksley last year, while allowing Heard to switch positions. Considering Herman probably evaluated Merrick when he coached at Houston, it might be hard for him to factor into the quarterback competition this year.
The majority of people who follow recruiting believe incoming freshman Sam Ehlinger is the real deal. Ehlinger, a former Westlake standout, finished with 7,375 passing yards, 89 passing touchdowns and 126 total touchdowns during his tenure. As a junior in 2015, Ehlinger led Westlake to the 6A D2 State Championship game, losing to Galena Park North Shore.
However, Ehlinger has been plagued with injuries as a high school quarterback. Ehlinger reportedly broke his wrist, had surgery for a torn meniscus, and broke his thumb. Ehlinger may have a lot of talent, but his injury history should concern Herman and his staff.
Considering Herman is not expected to sign another incoming freshman quarterback, a graduate transfer is the best way to solidify that room.
Right now, there is not a lot of buzz surrounding graduate transfers. The market will heat up in April, and that is when Herman should answer every call he receives.
Here are a few quarterbacks worth considering:
- Houston quarterback Kyle Allen is the obvious graduate transfer candidate. Alex Dunlap previously reported Allen could follow Herman to Texas. Allen threw for 3,532 yards and 33 touchdowns over two seasons with Texas A&M from 2014-15 before transferring to Houston. Herman knows Allen better than any other transfer candidate.
UH QB Kyle Allen on pace for graduate transfer, HS coaching source says. Many are already assuming he follows Herman. Will have 2 years left
- Former Notre Dame quarterback Malik Zaire is the most popular name on the market right now. According to several published reports, Zaire will delay his commitment decision until mid-April, with Wisconsin and North Carolina as the front-runners. Zaire has played in 17 college games, completing 59.2 percent of his passes for 816 yards and six touchdowns with zero interceptions (a passer efficiency ranking of 149.3).
- Michigan quarterback Shane Morris is another option. Morris, a backup this season, announced he would transfer a few days ago. Morris is a very good athlete, but it is fair to question his arm. A one-time five-star quarterback prospect, Morris was one of the first players to commit to former Michigan coach Brady Hoke - making his pledge as a high school sophomore in 2011. For his career, Morris has gone 47 of 92 for 434 yards and five interceptions. He has rushed 18 times for 87 yards.
If Herman is unable to obtain a graduate transfer, it makes sense for him to kick the tires on Jerrod Heard and see if he can be a viable option. However, I still believe Heard is better utilized as a receiver than at quarterback.
Herman has done everything the right way since being hired. He has confidence, a plan, a great coaching and support staff, and could emerge into a fantastic coach at Texas. If there was a blueprint for what a successful young coach might look like, Herman would check every box. Heck, if Herman is satisfied with Buechele, Ehlinger and Merrick, we will have to trust his judgment.
However, Longhorn observers recently witnessed what happens if you are too complacent with the quarterback position. Herman should do his best to avoid the same oversight.
Sports On A Dime
1. We keep saying Herman “gets it," but one sentiment he expressed about Stan Drayton on Thursday sealed the deal for me. Herman said his goal is to develop Drayton into a head coach, which is why the running backs coach is also the associate head coach. According to The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport at the University of Central Florida, known as TIDES, there were 15 black head coaches in the Football Subdivision (four in Texas), which is viewed as the elite tier of college athletics, in 2016. Herman’s commitment to diversity resonated with me. I believe Herman's "realness" will have the same positive impression with the team's African-American players, and recruits, too.
2. The best thing about Herman’s completion of his staff is players finally have a chance to develop relationships with their position coaches. It is pretty clear Herman has an old school mentality and will challenge his players, but that allows position coaches to play the role of “good cop” and keep the necessary team unity.
3. The dead period is Monday through Thursday, and I expect Herman’s staff to hit the homes of recruits like spider monkeys later this week. Obviously, they are playing from behind and have an uphill battle, but if a few more players like Toneil Carter fall into their lap, Herman’s staff can feel good about its effort, and build toward next year.
