QB Situation 100% Settled?

#26
#26
Has anybody heard any comments from CDD or CJC that would lead you to believe that Bray has secured the position for good, regardless of his performance from here on out?

I know this is speculation, but let's just say that he puts in a stinker against Vandy (a couple or 3 picks) and then follows that up with a weak performance against Kentucky..

Any thoughts on what the situation would be moving forward? Does anybody think Simms would have a chance to regain the spot?

I don't want to even think about this, but let's say we lose to KY in part due to a poor outing from Bray.. you have to wonder what the mindset and confidence level would be moving into the offseason (especially with no bowl practice).

I just wonder about fan reaction and overall perception of Bray if he doesn't play lights-out these next 2 games. Hopefully everybody stays behind him, but we all know how fickle some of the negavols are - would people really be calling for Simms to be the guy for next year if Bray does struggle?

I really hope he continues his success and stays rock solid so this doesn't even become an issue. It's clear that he's the future and has a ton of potential, and I think we all know there will be some rough patches as he continues to mature and gain experience. :eek:k:

I am completely sure that he doesn't own the spot 'regardless' of his performance, but think he'll have quite a bit of latitude. He throws for 30% and 2 pick 6's against Vandy and he'll be watching from the sideline.

But I think that Dooley hopes he'll hang onto the spot and expects him to. Heard Dooley talking in the post game after Memphis and it CDD's words and tone sure sounded pretty firm. He spoke about it being a tough situation for a kid (Simms) 'who lost his job'. Not who just didn't start the game, etc.
 
#27
#27
Originally Posted by Jaytrain5
However, given history, it wouldn't surprise me to see Simms attempt to inoculate Bray by means of smallpox-infected blankets.


Could lead to a trail of tears from people leaving the UK game.

Racist punk. :ermm:

Pass the firewater. :crazy:
 
#28
#28
I like Sims and proud of his effort, but I believe if he played in the Ole Miss game, he would have been sacked at least 6 times. The subtle moves Bray makes in the pocket can't be taught. I just think the kid has "it". We may see picks and mistakes but the way he bounces back and doesn't fold from them is a joy to see. We haven't seen that in a long, long, long time.

This --- kind of like watching Sugar Ray Leonard subtley dodging punches all the while looking for openings and counter punches to throw. We haven't had anyone since Peyton who has had "it" in the pocket. Used to think that it was pretty instinctive but after watching people like Crompton and our other qb's without "it" I find it shocking - totally shocking that Bray didn't get an opportunity much earlier. He has the best pocket instincts that I have seen in quite a while. Has a fair arm to go along with it. I also don't look for much fall off for Vandy or Ky.
 
#29
#29
Yo, go easy. he's responding to my original post speculating about Bray's performance in the next 2 games.

I realize a lot of people are gulping that tasty koolaid and predicting Peyton 2.0 with a chance for heisman by his JR year. Some are acting like just b/c he had 2 stellar games against inferior comp that there's absolutely no way he'll disappoint in the future. IMO that's a pretty hefty presumption.

Like I said, I'm ALL for that and hope his success continues. My point is that the minute Bray starts struggling, I can already hear the chants of 'Crompton 2.0' and the coaches will have to start answering questions like "So, the offense is struggling.. When do you think we'll see Simms again?" etc.

Bray is better in the pocket than Cromton on his best day. He just has that intangible and that is not something that you can lose. It is a physical gift and short of multiple concussions don't think that he will ever lose that inate ability to feel and maneuver around the pocket. He sees the field well, has good touch and selects the open receiver. It is also possible that Peyton, Brady, or others have poor games but don't think that they will lose their basic skills or regress to the degree you are inferring. Crompton and Ainge are exceptions to the rule in my opinion.
 
#30
#30
Is this a serious question? Look at Bray's numbers compared to Simms' numbers. This is settled.
 
#31
#31
Bray all the way. Also with Bray doing so well does Worley's commitment waver before signing day. I think the fact that Bray doing as well as he is could open up other schools coming in and using that against UT with the fact that Worley might not see the field till his junior year unless he redshirts and that still has him sitting for 3 years.
 
#32
#32
Bray all the way. Also with Bray doing so well does Worley's commitment waver before signing day. I think the fact that Bray doing as well as he is could open up other schools coming in and using that against UT with the fact that Worley might not see the field till his junior year unless he redshirts and that still has him sitting for 3 years.

Most QBs at major universitys are backups until their junior year. Occasionally sophomores. I don't think he's going to decommit just because he's not going to come in and be the starter as a true freshman. That would certainly help recruit a guy, but he's not likely to start anywhere else, either.
 
#33
#33
I think it's a great question. We have a true freshman QB who has feasted on several really bad pass defenses and has been helped greatly by some insane catches by DMo, GJ, & JH. I don't think Vandy will be a problem, but if you think UK's defensive staff isn't spending the bye week designing coverages that will confuse TB and neutralize all of the limited routes we have been using then you are a lot more optimistic than I am.

Having said all of that - yes I do think Tyler will struggle against UK, and if we lose it will call a lot of things into question for next year. He will have to compete for the job again.

I think he'll win it though - GBO !
 
#34
#34
Bray all the way. Also with Bray doing so well does Worley's commitment waver before signing day. I think the fact that Bray doing as well as he is could open up other schools coming in and using that against UT with the fact that Worley might not see the field till his junior year unless he redshirts and that still has him sitting for 3 years.

If Bray continues to light it up next year, I think you could reasonably expect him to be gone after his Junior year. That gives Worley or anyone else plenty of time to grow into the position.:thumbsup:
 
#35
#35
If Bray continues to light it up next year, I think you could reasonably expect him to be gone after his Junior year. That gives Worley or anyone else plenty of time to grow into the position.:thumbsup:

At this rate, it's looking like that might just happen.
 
#36
#36
At this rate, it's looking like that might just happen.

Are you SERIOUS? "At this rate?"

People never cease to amaze me.

Headline: "Tyler Bray picks apart 118th ranked pass defense followed by one of the worst in the SEC, with a lot of help from turnovers. He's projected to go 1st overall in the 2013 NFL Draft!"
 
#37
#37
Are you SERIOUS? "At this rate?"

People never cease to amaze me.

Headline: "Tyler Bray picks apart 118th ranked pass defense followed by one of the worst in the SEC, with a lot of help from turnovers. He's projected to go 1st overall in the 2013 NFL Draft!"

He has the potential, is all I'm saying...
 
#38
#38
Are you kidding me? We have a kid that is a starting freshman that just threw 10 TD's in 10 quarters and you actually believe that a freshman coming in is going to surpass him?

You will lead the pack on the people wanting to give the #2 team QB a try after Bray has his first poor game.

Im all for Bray...but you havent seen Worley play.

Im from Rock Hill and see him every friday night. The kid has "it". Just like Bray seems to have it. 50tds and 7 ints aint to shabby. Should be an interesting spring
 
#39
#39
I think it's safe to say that it's Bray's job to lose. I don't think CDD would hesitate to put Simms in if he thought that would help the team win though....

This.

But I don't see Bray messing up enough in the next two games to cause Dooley to consider making a switch.

However, if Bray doesn't perform well if we go to a bowl, we will be hearing about the Bray/Worley/Simms qb competition all offseason.
 
#40
#40
The comparisons to Ainge and two of his first games are apt except Bray is much better on the field than Ainge when the pocket breaks down or a backyard play (shotput pass to his running back, throw it out of bounds, etc.) has to happen. Ainge never had that, and Peyton for the most part didn't either-neither of them had great "feet", IMO. That's my vote for the thing he does best of all. I was really surprised he was so aware of the field at this stage of his development...it just seems natural for him. It seems to be instinctive....he sees, he does...and smoothly, for his size.
 
#42
#42
Im all for Bray...but you havent seen Worley play.

Im from Rock Hill and see him every friday night. The kid has "it". Just like Bray seems to have it. 50tds and 7 ints aint to shabby. Should be an interesting spring

He's in high school, facing high school opponents.
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#43
#43
I just can't agree that Worley has the physical tools coming in that Bray had. The throws Bray makes are something that's been missing at UT for a long time. Crompton and Stephens each had strong arms, but had spotty accuracy especially early in their careers. Ainge was very accurate, but his arm strength was questionable. He never recovered his "umph" after injuries. Bray has the best combination of arm strength and accuracy since Peyton Manning at Tennessee. There's no doubt in my mind. Should he progress as a quarterback, there should not be any player that approaches his ability in the time he is here. Worley may end up being a quality quarterback for us, but I don't look for him to be drafted high like I expect from Bray.
 
#44
#44
Are you kidding me? We have a kid that is a starting freshman that just threw 10 TD's in 10 quarters and you actually believe that a freshman coming in is going to surpass him?

You will lead the pack on the people wanting to give the #2 team QB a try after Bray has his first poor game.

Not only that, but I don't think Worley can come in and knock Simms out of the backup role.
Posted via VolNation Mobile
 
#45
#45
Are you kidding me? We have a kid that is a starting freshman that just threw 10 TD's in 10 quarters and you actually believe that a freshman coming in is going to surpass him?

You will lead the pack on the people wanting to give the #2 team QB a try after Bray has his first poor game.

lol at your logic i mean if a frshman can do it this year he can do it next year :)
 
#47
#47
I think if we seriously were able to give Jim Bob Cooter another year of eligibility that he could contend for, if not even take Bray's spot. I don't think we'll get so lucky, unfortunately
 
#48
#48
I still think Bray would have gotten killed in Oct.

Very possible. I think this has been a plan from Fall Camp Day 1. We had to frankenstein an O-Line together, and it seems the move of Stone to Center finished that. Coincides with Bray's move to starter as the schedule and opposing defenses got much easier. I think the coaching staff knew this wasn't an SEC championship team (NO S%&T) so the offensive preparation is for growth going into 2011 with potential SEC Championship hopes for 2012.

As for Simms, I think he was the right person for the right job while the O-Line and the schedule were at their worst (plus we weren't there to see how Bray was coming along in practice). I applaude him for his toughness and poise (at times) but ultimately his inabilty to learn to read Defenses quicker and get rid of the ball before taking a sack a fumbling caused him to sit during the SCjr game, a move which I applaude as well. I do hope though that Simms can be honest with himself and realize that he is not going to be a NFL player, but he does have an opportunity here to 'start' an early coaching career, something far more realistic. Backup QB's do tend to make the best coached due to their perspectives on the field and sidelines. Plus he's always a play away from helping the team. I think his decision this off-season will show his character because he has no chance at a future in playing football, but can still be a help to this young, developing team.
 

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