What is the QB Outlook

[catscat]

I predict that whoever plays QB for MSU this season will be at least slightly better, statistically, than Matt McKay and a much better overall decision-maker than McKay. In case that worries you, McKay was a 150+ pass efficiency guy (Gronowski: 147.3 in 2024) and only threw 3 interceptions. He also averaged 4.1 yards per carry and had 316 yards rushing in 11 games (Cam Miller: 4.4/631 in 16 games; Gronowski: 3.9/380 in 15 games).

McKay was a pretty decent quarterback. And I maintain that until he took the one specific hit in the Weeber State game. And it seemed to flip a switch that he didn’t get over. Don’t know if it was injury or what. But that seem to be the tipping point.

Yup. After that he would always hand the ball off in the reads which made defending pretty easy. His passes were mostly thrown early because he was afraid to take a hit.

I will be surprised if we bring in a portal QB. We have too much talent on the team already. The offense will adjust. Fewer QB runs - but our RBs will pick up what we lose from Tommy with enough QB runs to keep the defense honest. Our passing game will improve.

[BelligerentBobcat]

Im super intrigued by the incoming freshman Warren. I watched his highlights and was able to find a couple of full game films online. This kid is the real deal. He is a very good passer and an efficient runner. Based on everything I read he played a very high level of high school football. I think this kid might be our next QB. Another thing I love is he turned Colorado state and Toledo down on signing day. I guess they made a late push to flip him but he didn’t budge which means he truly wants to be here.

he turned em down because he wanted a better offer that didn't come.

If true that he turned them down on signing day, that means those offers came in the same time as ours…

I think he’ll be the real deal, the article about him shows great maturity about his waiting for a better offer, and it not arriving. However, if he comes and knocks it out of the park, I’m guessing he’ll be hoping for a bigger program again.

Huh?

Warren committed in July. Signing day was in December. That’s not remotely close.

[SparkCat]

Im super intrigued by the incoming freshman Warren. I watched his highlights and was able to find a couple of full game films online. This kid is the real deal. He is a very good passer and an efficient runner. Based on everything I read he played a very high level of high school football. I think this kid might be our next QB. Another thing I love is he turned Colorado state and Toledo down on signing day. I guess they made a late push to flip him but he didn’t budge which means he truly wants to be here.

he turned em down because he wanted a better offer that didn't come.

If true that he turned them down on signing day, that means those offers came in the same time as ours…

I think he’ll be the real deal, the article about him shows great maturity about his waiting for a better offer, and it not arriving. However, if he comes and knocks it out of the park, I’m guessing he’ll be hoping for a bigger program again.

Huh?

Warren committed in July. Signing day was in December. That’s not remotely close.

I guess I’m confused now too, sorry.

[MSU01]

Huh?

Warren committed in July. Signing day was in December. That’s not remotely close.

I guess I’m confused now too, sorry.

My understanding is that Warren could have been a Fall 2024 freshman, but didn't like the offers he had so decided to play at a prep school in the fall and begin his college eligibility in 2025 instead. The reported FBS offers he turned down were for the class of '24, and MSU signed him as part of the class of '25.

As for MSU's approach to the QB position, since spring classes have begun I feel like MSU might as well hold off on signing anyone for now and do a thorough evaluation of the QBs they already have during spring practice. After spring practice there will be a new portal window and additional transfer players to recruit and sign (and potentially additional outgoing transfers to replace) if the coaching staff decides they want to bring a transfer in. The wild card could be RJ Martinez, who still hasn't signed with a team and is reported to have interest from MSU. If he commits at this point he won't be on campus until the summer, but there appears to be at least some level of mutual interest there.

[Bobcat1boz]

I would be shocked if we went to the portal for a QB. I believe deeply in Chance. He’s the future and if he stays 3 years he might get us a natty and win it.

[94VegasCat]

Why is there a fascination with RJ Martinez? Sure he did alright at NAU but so what. I refer back to Colters pre-Natty interview with Prukop. Prukop said he had contacts all over the FBS asking about the Cats needing a dropdown QB. I have to believe we could get better options than Martinez.

[MSU01]

Why is there a fascination with RJ Martinez? Sure he did alright at NAU but so what. I refer back to Colters pre-Natty interview with Prukop. Prukop said he had contacts all over the FBS asking about the Cats needing a dropdown QB. I have to believe we could get better options than Martinez.

No fascination other than that the two names I've actually seen mentioned as players MSU has been interested in are Martinez and the Stanford transfer who went to Bowling Green. I think he'd be a very strong pickup for a Big Sky team given his performance at NAU before transferring, but yeah - maybe there are better options as well or will be some in the spring portal window.

[onceacat]

I find this whole conversation to be more than a little bit odd. Cats have 4 QBs on the roster, all of whom were great gets out of HS. In the last 15+ years, the Cats have only started 2 transfer QBs. McKay as others noted was plenty solid, and Bruggeman was terrible. In that time, the Cats started a RS frosh in Denaius McGhee (#1 all time passer in Bobcat history by a long stretch)), a RS sophomore in Dakota Prukop (#6 passer despite only playing 2 seasons), a converted LB who was the all BSC offensive player of the year, and a RS frosh who is the #6 all time passer, a Walter Payton winner, most TDs in a season, etc).

Heck, even Chris Murray ended up #7 on the all time yards list.

Long story short: If the Cats bring in a QB, it's because hes AT WORST Matt McKay or Chris Murray. But odds are that the next McGhee/Prukop/Mellot/Rovig/Lulay is already on the roster.

[kevin donovan]

When Matt McKay took that hit at Weber, it tore the muscles in his abdomen. He could barely move after each subsequent game. He knew there was pressure to play or be replaced. He played hurt.

[TomCat88]

When Matt McKay took that hit at Weber, it tore the muscles in his abdomen. He could barely move after each subsequent game. He knew there was pressure to play or be replaced. He played hurt.

That’s good to know. He made a few of the handful of good plays that the offense made in the Weber game. TD run, first down run to ice game, pass to set fg.

I say he’s at least what MSU should get statistically and better decision-making-wise because the coach/coaches didn’t hand pick him, while the QBs on roster were all recruited and signed by existing staff. So, not a whole lot of thought put into it.

[TomCat88]

When Matt McKay took that hit at Weber, it tore the muscles in his abdomen. He could barely move after each subsequent game. He knew there was pressure to play or be replaced. He played hurt.

That’s good to know. He made a few of the handful of good plays that the offense made in the Weber game. TD run, first down run to ice game, pass to set fg.

I say he’s at least what MSU should get statistically and better decision-making-wise because the coach/coaches didn’t hand pick him, while the QBs on roster were all recruited and signed by existing staff. So, not a whole lot of thought put into it.

That injury vs Weber was probably significant in terms of his ability/desire to run. He ran well vs ISU. He had a 56-yard TD (great run on third offensive play of the game) vs ewu the next game but only nine yards on eight carries after that, then vs Idaho he only had two yards on three carries after, then vs UM 23 on 8 carries. He did have a 30-yarder vs UM but it came on second drive. Assuming good runs early on were due him feeling good before getting hit.

[RyeCat]

I find this whole conversation to be more than a little bit odd. Cats have 4 QBs on the roster, all of whom were great gets out of HS. In the last 15+ years, the Cats have only started 2 transfer QBs. McKay as others noted was plenty solid, and Bruggeman was terrible. In that time, the Cats started a RS frosh in Denaius McGhee (#1 all time passer in Bobcat history by a long stretch)), a RS sophomore in Dakota Prukop (#6 passer despite only playing 2 seasons), a converted LB who was the all BSC offensive player of the year, and a RS frosh who is the #6 all time passer, a Walter Payton winner, most TDs in a season, etc).

Heck, even Chris Murray ended up #7 on the all time yards list.

Long story short: If the Cats bring in a QB, it's because hes AT WORST Matt McKay or Chris Murray. But odds are that the next McGhee/Prukop/Mellot/Rovig/Lulay is already on the roster.

You may be right, but what I don’t think you take into account is the constant pressure to “catch” the DSU’s and be in the hunt for a championship every year. During Lulay, McGhee and Prukop’s eras, MSU was thrilled to be in the playoffs and figuring out things as they went. The program is in a different place, recruiting is different and nobody is just thrilled to be in the playoffs anymore. I’ll probably get flamed for this, but I personally don’t think the staff has the luxury of taking another year to develop a QB already on the roster.

[Prodigal Cat]

When Matt McKay took that hit at Weber, it tore the muscles in his abdomen. He could barely move after each subsequent game. He knew there was pressure to play or be replaced. He played hurt.

That’s good to know. He made a few of the handful of good plays that the offense made in the Weber game. TD run, first down run to ice game, pass to set fg.

I say he’s at least what MSU should get statistically and better decision-making-wise because the coach/coaches didn’t hand pick him, while the QBs on roster were all recruited and signed by existing staff. So, not a whole lot of thought put into it.

That injury vs Weber was probably significant in terms of his ability/desire to run. He ran well vs ISU. He had a 56-yard TD (great run on third offensive play of the game) vs ewu the next game but only nine yards on eight carries after that, then vs Idaho he only had two yards on three carries after, then vs UM 23 on 8 carries. He did have a 30-yarder vs UM but it came on second drive. Assuming good runs early on were due him feeling good before getting hit.

If I remember correctly he got nearly all of the running yards at EWU on one huge play. The Offense was mostly stymied in what was a rare defense struggle between Cats and Eagles.

[onceacat]

I find this whole conversation to be more than a little bit odd. Cats have 4 QBs on the roster, all of whom were great gets out of HS. In the last 15+ years, the Cats have only started 2 transfer QBs. McKay as others noted was plenty solid, and Bruggeman was terrible. In that time, the Cats started a RS frosh in Denaius McGhee (#1 all time passer in Bobcat history by a long stretch)), a RS sophomore in Dakota Prukop (#6 passer despite only playing 2 seasons), a converted LB who was the all BSC offensive player of the year, and a RS frosh who is the #6 all time passer, a Walter Payton winner, most TDs in a season, etc).

Heck, even Chris Murray ended up #7 on the all time yards list.

Long story short: If the Cats bring in a QB, it's because hes AT WORST Matt McKay or Chris Murray. But odds are that the next McGhee/Prukop/Mellot/Rovig/Lulay is already on the roster.

You may be right, but what I don’t think you take into account is the constant pressure to “catch” the DSU’s and be in the hunt for a championship every year. During Lulay, McGhee and Prukop’s eras, MSU was thrilled to be in the playoffs and figuring out things as they went. The program is in a different place, recruiting is different and nobody is just thrilled to be in the playoffs anymore. I’ll probably get flamed for this, but I personally don’t think the staff has the luxury of taking another year to develop a QB already on the roster.

Yeah, but QB play was never the issue. Those guys were all BSC players as freshman or sophomores.

Of all the concerns I have IRT the cats making the semis or finals next year, QB play is pretty low on the list. Vigen has a pretty solid track record here...Its not like we are in a situation where we have an HC that is trying to figure out the QB situation on the fly.

[The Butcher]

Im super intrigued by the incoming freshman Warren. I watched his highlights and was able to find a couple of full game films online. This kid is the real deal. He is a very good passer and an efficient runner. Based on everything I read he played a very high level of high school football. I think this kid might be our next QB. Another thing I love is he turned Colorado state and Toledo down on signing day. I guess they made a late push to flip him but he didn’t budge which means he truly wants to be here.

So far, there have been 4 posts, and 3 of them are about how great Warren is. Is this Warren’s mom?

[BelligerentBobcat]

Why is there a fascination with RJ Martinez? Sure he did alright at NAU but so what. I refer back to Colters pre-Natty interview with Prukop. Prukop said he had contacts all over the FBS asking about the Cats needing a dropdown QB. I have to believe we could get better options than Martinez.

Because he's a good and proven QB at the BSC level and we don't have one of those.

[kwcat]

When Matt McKay took that hit at Weber, it tore the muscles in his abdomen. He could barely move after each subsequent game. He knew there was pressure to play or be replaced. He played hurt.

That’s good to know. He made a few of the handful of good plays that the offense made in the Weber game. TD run, first down run to ice game, pass to set fg.

I say he’s at least what MSU should get statistically and better decision-making-wise because the coach/coaches didn’t hand pick him, while the QBs on roster were all recruited and signed by existing staff. So, not a whole lot of thought put into it.

If you look back at my posts since Mckay was here, I have made the comment over and over that he wasn’t the same after that particular hit in the Weber game. I never would’ve guessed it was abdominal tears. Nonetheless, you could see a huge difference in his physical and mental performance in the game after that very particular hit.

[TomCat88]

When Matt McKay took that hit at Weber, it tore the muscles in his abdomen. He could barely move after each subsequent game. He knew there was pressure to play or be replaced. He played hurt.

That’s good to know. He made a few of the handful of good plays that the offense made in the Weber game. TD run, first down run to ice game, pass to set fg.

I say he’s at least what MSU should get statistically and better decision-making-wise because the coach/coaches didn’t hand pick him, while the QBs on roster were all recruited and signed by existing staff. So, not a whole lot of thought put into it.

That injury vs Weber was probably significant in terms of his ability/desire to run. He ran well vs ISU. He had a 56-yard TD (great run on third offensive play of the game) vs ewu the next game but only nine yards on eight carries after that, then vs Idaho he only had two yards on three carries after, then vs UM 23 on 8 carries. He did have a 30-yarder vs UM but it came on second drive. Assuming good runs early on were due him feeling good before getting hit.

If I remember correctly he got nearly all of the running yards at EWU on one huge play. The Offense was mostly stymied in what was a rare defense struggle between Cats and Eagles.

Actually, Ifanse (200+) had a big game and McKay (250+) had a good game throwing the ball. Think msu had close to 500 yards. Not much in terms of points though. 23-20.

[TomCat88]

When Matt McKay took that hit at Weber, it tore the muscles in his abdomen. He could barely move after each subsequent game. He knew there was pressure to play or be replaced. He played hurt.

That’s good to know. He made a few of the handful of good plays that the offense made in the Weber game. TD run, first down run to ice game, pass to set fg.

I say he’s at least what MSU should get statistically and better decision-making-wise because the coach/coaches didn’t hand pick him, while the QBs on roster were all recruited and signed by existing staff. So, not a whole lot of thought put into it.

If you look back at my posts since Mckay was here, I have made the comment over and over that he wasn’t the same after that particular hit in the Weber game. I never would’ve guessed it was abdominal tears. Nonetheless, you could see a huge difference in his physical and mental performance in the game after that very particular hit.

Big statistical drop off after Weber sans the EWU game.

[Norsky19]

When Matt McKay took that hit at Weber, it tore the muscles in his abdomen. He could barely move after each subsequent game. He knew there was pressure to play or be replaced. He played hurt.

That’s good to know. He made a few of the handful of good plays that the offense made in the Weber game. TD run, first down run to ice game, pass to set fg.

I say he’s at least what MSU should get statistically and better decision-making-wise because the coach/coaches didn’t hand pick him, while the QBs on roster were all recruited and signed by existing staff. So, not a whole lot of thought put into it.

That injury vs Weber was probably significant in terms of his ability/desire to run. He ran well vs ISU. He had a 56-yard TD (great run on third offensive play of the game) vs ewu the next game but only nine yards on eight carries after that, then vs Idaho he only had two yards on three carries after, then vs UM 23 on 8 carries. He did have a 30-yarder vs UM but it came on second drive. Assuming good runs early on were due him feeling good before getting hit.

If I remember correctly he got nearly all of the running yards at EWU on one huge play. The Offense was mostly stymied in what was a rare defense struggle between Cats and Eagles.

He wasn't a good QB. He was average at best. He had physical skills, but only threw timing routes and 1st read only. Couldn't read a defense. I watched his "highlight" reel from NC State, and every throw was a first read. No 2nd or 3rd reads because they didn't happen.