Paulus to Syracuse - That's Just Fine, Thanks
9 comments so far
May 14, 2009 by
It's official, Greg Paulus is going to try and play football at Syracuse. He picked the Orange over Nebraska. While I wish the young man well, his choice is just fine by me. For a lot of reasons the Huskers hosting a one-year quarterback prospect just didn't seem right.
Like I've Said Before...
My position about quarterback transfers has not changed any since I wrote this post a few weeks ago. Frankly, I would like to see continued stability at the QB spot for NU. The Huskers bringing in Paulus for a year doesn't help that. I don't think Paulus is cut from the same cloth as Sam Keller. But, sometimes you end up with this guy. Why roll the dice?
Also, the amount of energy and time needed to develop a quarterback who has not taken a snap in four years seems a little excessive to me. He's only going to play for a year. Isn't that time better spent getting the quarterbacks on your roster ready to play and develop over the long term? Every moment spent with Paulus would have been a moment not spent with LaTravis Washington or others.
I don't doubt his work ethic one bit. The guy started at Duke. But remember, the coaches can't even really interact with players during the summer. Are you telling me that Paulus will get all coached up just in fall camp? Doubtful.
Physical Limitations?
What I'm about to write might come off as sour grapes because he didn't choose NU. It's not, I felt this way before, but didn't want to knock the kid as a player. He deserves the opportunity. Frankly, I had issues with him as a player for NU, physically.
Consider this, no matter how good Paulus was in high school or much basketball he has played, this isn't basketball and this sure isn't high school. To paraphrase Colorado's Coach Hawkins..."It's the Big 12, brotha." At 6'1'' and 180 pounds, does Paulus fit with NU? Not really.
Consider that Joe Ganz was 6'1'' and 215 pounds and looked like an itty bitty guy out there at times. Unless he can put on 25 pounds (quickly) Paulus will look like a stick figure on the gridiron. Now, consider NU's schemes for 2009. No doubt, we're going to see more quarterback running game. Should Lee go down, you are better off riding or dieing with the 6'4'' 225 pound LaTravis Washington running the option, draws bootlegs and quarterback isolation plays. I really doubt Paulus could give you that element and hold up physically.
Best of Luck
To be clear, I'm not knocking this guy for trying. Really, I wish him the best of luck. If he succeeds at Syracuse it would be a fantastic story. Had he chosen NU, I would have welcomed him like any other Husker. But, let’s just say that from a time management and physical size standpoint, it doesn't break my heart that he's not a Husker.
Impact on NU
This affects the Huskers very little really. Zach Lee is still the entrenched starter. It's still important for Kody Spano to heal on time. LaTravis Washington is the backup. The Huskers still are trying to protect Cody Green's redshirt status.
The only real difference is that Taylor Martinez will now likely get a very legitimate shot to compete for a quarterback job, rather than play in the defensive backfield. So, we'll get to see how he can grow and develop this year, rather than Paulus coming and going in one year. That's just fine, thanks.
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Huskerdeck May 14 09
I agree with you 100% with this article Darren. I think this Martinez kid is going to surprise a lot of people. The competition level at where he played was pretty high and I don't think he is going to be over awed at the next level.
caveman99 May 14 09
I would like to have seen him show up, but it isn't a huge issue. I think he would have done more good than bad. Coaches don't just want to RS Green, they want to RS LTW as well. Watson absolutely loves that guy and wants to see what he has with him, that means if at all possible they will keep LTW and Green off of the field next year. Add to that the fact that Spano may not be healthy enough to even be a back up and you have a recipe for disaster. They don't have anyone else right to back up Lee. If Lee goes down, that changes the situation because then I think that LTW loses his RS. However assuming Lee stays healthy, NU needs someone to come in during mop up and take snaps so that Lee doesn't have to and risk getting hurt. The scholly doesn't affect the numbers for 2010, so overall I think it would have been a real positive for NU. However it wasn't meant to be I guess.
donfl May 14 09
Darren, I think you were right on with your comments, I know this sounds like sour grapes, but what if BC had not anointed Keller over Ganz? The learning curve is just TOO high for anyone to come in and learn a system in one year. JG knew the system inside out, and proved to be a remarkable QB when given the chance. Like you I wish all the best for Paulus, but I think it would have been an unecessary distraction at NU. As a side line, my nephew has been accepted to enroll at NU this fall and I hope to sit in the stands with him during some of the home games. Perhaps we will run into each other some time. GBR
Brandon May 14 09
My one regret in this whole Paulus episode?
Going with the alliterative "Paulus Opts for the Orange" for our wire link instead of the equally alliterative play on fruit harvesting words "Paulus Picks the Orange."
It was a gimme and I missed it.
darren May 14 09
Yeah, Brandon, that's an example of a playing being *too* easy...like dropping a pass when you are wide open and the ball is in the air for a long time.
You'll get the next one, big guy.
BTW, isn't it assonance when there is a repeated vowel sound? Alliteration is for consonants. {{NERD ALERT}}
Greg Morrow May 14 09
It struck me quizzical that Pelini and Wats were interested in this scooter, in the first place. I could see the interest with Marve (rhymes with Favre).
I can also understand this guy wanting to extend a big time athletic career and give himself a chance to answer "what if?"
For example, what if he showed up in Lincoln and all 4 QB's already on the roster were faster, stronger armed and are hopelessly further along in the playbook?
At least Osborne could've put him in at "wingback."
Not quite interested enough to look up the QB situation at the 'Cuse. Bully, for Syracuse though...
Maybe Watson gleaned from Callahan the practicality of maintaining an image of QB buzz. Can't hurt, unless you've got fragile psyches to reassure.
What this does for me, is reminds me that the team has their own scat quick, dual threat, 6 footer arriving soon, as Darren mentions.
Martinez was the LA region p.o.y., which does say something.
Btw, that photo of Keller is funny!
Reminds me of the shot some Buffy site had of him flinging the big gulp.
Greg Morrow May 14 09
I just read that Mike Minter might run for Congress as a Republican.
There could be "hope for change" after all!
huskermonkey May 15 09
This is the best for both NU an Greg. He might have started at Duke, but he did get benched because he often was the other teams best player with his poor play ( 3 point shots early when players out of rebound position, and turnovers) Washington has played QB more recently than greg, has better football size, and more time to develop. Glad to see him go. This year will be about pounding the rock, and defense. This isn't texas tech don't expect who ever the QB to be tossing the rock around like a pick up game.
Brandon May 15 09
Yep, assonance is right. Just pinch hit for me coach. I'll get 'em tomorrow.