Under the Radar, Witt Rises to Third
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August 22, 2007 by
The “Perfect Storm” forecasted by the Big Red Network’s own Darren Carlson earlier this spring continues to brew as Patrick Witt has now risen to third on the depth chart. As expected, Sam Keller and Joe Ganz hold the #1 and #2 quarterback slots for 2007 (respectively) but Witt has already advanced beyond upperclassman Beau Davis and recent arrival Zac Lee.
With Keller exhausting his eligibility it creates more space at the top next year. By that time, the highly touted Lee may surpass Witt and perhaps even Ganz. But it’s entirely possible that Witt holds off Lee and could even supplant Ganz. That could be important for Witt. Winning the job in 2008 may be necessary if he’s going to hold off an even bigger name in future years– Blaine Gabbert.
If there were no urgency to put Witt in a game (e.g. injuries to Keller and Ganz), most Husker fans would probably want to see Witt redshirt. He’s likely to get better with time and so an extra year could make him that much better and he'd be available an additional year. But that may not be a luxury Witt thinks he can afford.
So while much of the attention has shifted from quarterback to Matt Slauson, the I-backs, Zack Bowman, and the defensive line, the Witt saga continues under the radar. But come next spring, he may well be the most talked about player on the roster.
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Husker Mike Aug 22 07
Of all the quarterbacks recruited in this "NU" era, I've been most impressed with Patrick Witt over all the others. I don't look at highlight videos or measurements or the like, because I'm not sure I (nor anybody else who doesn't coach football 24/7) am qualified to make those comparisons. I look at the leadership and maturity qualities, which in this offense, might mean as much, if not more, than the physical traits that recruiting experts focus on. I think Patrick Witt is a special young man.
Tyler Goldapp Aug 22 07
Not going to have to worry about a quaterback for at least 5 years is the best thing I've heard come out of Big Red Camp in 5 years. I think Witt is a very smart kid who will master this system faster than anybody we've had, maybe even Callahan himself. And don't be suprised when he gives the "the Blue Chipper" Gabbert a run for his money.
Jeremy in MPLS Aug 22 07
And another thing about Witt is the fact that he showed up on campus 8 months ago! I know he's not doing formal practices, etc, when he was supposed to be in his last semester of high school, but he was on campus, in the training area, on campus, and being a Husker. Spring ball, all the summer stuff. He's already been around for 3/4 of a year.
Greg Morrow Aug 23 07
I can't be too intrigued about next year. The possibilities are plenty- and coupled with an election year!
Just too much, right now.
Callahan, who sends out signals- you just have to decipher 'em, made a clear signal by moving Witt to 3rd team. He's always said "don't worry about the depth chart, 2 deep is all we list anyway".
What I "read" into this is, Callahan likes Witt- this year. He just has more experienced players, (playing and system) listed above him.
Callahan has all but said Patrick has Zac's ability to absorb the offense. Which is a huge compliment.
In the end though, I think Callahan would burn a redshirt off of Zach Lee, than Patrick.
James Moore Aug 24 07
I was so impressed wuth the poise he played with in the Spring Game. He had Suh & the rest of the 1st team D applying all knids of pressure and he more than kept his wits about him. He's a player who will not be a career back-up, Gabbert or not. He's got pocket presence and throws a nice ball. Maybe Lee is better but I think that this kid could be a big player for us. Again, Gabbert or not, this guy is not going down quietly.