Kaaya leaving provides a great opportunity to set the course for the next 3-4 years. Totally agree with Gary on this one that it will likely to come down to Perry/Weldon and for more than they are Richt's true first QB recruits. Add Allison and you have 3 very interesting candidates. We have had 2 in the past competing but not 3-4 if you add Rozier. If nothing else, I very much trust that Richt will put the guy on the field who gives us the best chance to win next year. Here is why I am excited about Weldon/Perry and less concerned than most about Kaaya leaving.
1. Perry/Weldon because put up big numbers with good competition. Allison has good tools but was not nearly as productive. These guys can sling the ball around.
2. Perry/Weldon can also move around well. Perry a bit more but Weldon can also run. Totally different than what we have had the last 25 years at QB here (save for one year with Kenny Kelly) and more in line with what is needed to put up big numbers today. Also helps the early adjustment period to a new QB (when you can run for a few first downs) and an OL that will be progressing but not a core strength. This cannot be underestimated.
3. I reviewed the highlights from this year and it is incredible how many big plays came on guys who were wide open or 'easier to complete' passes that turned into big gains. Kaaya made some money throws (2 FSU TD's are a great example) but there were A LOT of open dudes for big plays. Weldon/Perry will thrive in this offense.
Four other reasons why we can still win big next year.
1. Walton, Richards and Hearndon will take the pressure off the new QB.
2. Defense will be stout and keep us in games if the QB struggles early or has an off game.
3. Schedule will be manageable especially if we get a good draw, ie put Bethune Cookman in week 1, go to Ark. St. week 2, have Toledo at home in week 4. Syracuse, Virginia or GT at home for week 3 would be a good early ACC game. Kaaya went to Louisville and to Nebraska in week 1 and week 4. Not an easy start.
4. If Trubisky leaves as expected, the 3 best teams in the Coastal will also be breaking in new QB's and lose a bunch of talent. VT lost Evans and Ford, NC would lose the QB and Switzer, GT loses Thomas, etc. We have as much or more returning talent than any team in our division.
1. Perry/Weldon because put up big numbers with good competition. Allison has good tools but was not nearly as productive. These guys can sling the ball around.
2. Perry/Weldon can also move around well. Perry a bit more but Weldon can also run. Totally different than what we have had the last 25 years at QB here (save for one year with Kenny Kelly) and more in line with what is needed to put up big numbers today. Also helps the early adjustment period to a new QB (when you can run for a few first downs) and an OL that will be progressing but not a core strength. This cannot be underestimated.
3. I reviewed the highlights from this year and it is incredible how many big plays came on guys who were wide open or 'easier to complete' passes that turned into big gains. Kaaya made some money throws (2 FSU TD's are a great example) but there were A LOT of open dudes for big plays. Weldon/Perry will thrive in this offense.
Four other reasons why we can still win big next year.
1. Walton, Richards and Hearndon will take the pressure off the new QB.
2. Defense will be stout and keep us in games if the QB struggles early or has an off game.
3. Schedule will be manageable especially if we get a good draw, ie put Bethune Cookman in week 1, go to Ark. St. week 2, have Toledo at home in week 4. Syracuse, Virginia or GT at home for week 3 would be a good early ACC game. Kaaya went to Louisville and to Nebraska in week 1 and week 4. Not an easy start.
4. If Trubisky leaves as expected, the 3 best teams in the Coastal will also be breaking in new QB's and lose a bunch of talent. VT lost Evans and Ford, NC would lose the QB and Switzer, GT loses Thomas, etc. We have as much or more returning talent than any team in our division.
