I’m just gonna say it..

JRT812

@JimWallace said:
I'm going to say he's on the team until Kirby says he isn't. If he's on the team I support him. If he abandons the team I wish him well but don't let the door hit him in the behind on the way out.

I'm also concerned that he got bad advice and is still getting bad advice. The race card? Really! Really? Hopefully that is a nasty rumor. It's nasty in any case.

Kirby kept saying stuff all year about Fields being ready and all that, but I never saw it. We all see the potential, but if he leaves I have concerns about his future. I hear talk that he's got the number one draft pick slotted into his calendar, but what film are people watching when they say such things?

I want him to stick around and see if he can earn a starting spot, but it sure smells like he's leaving for what may or may not be greener pastures.

This mess makes me appreciate Eason and his family for the class act his transfer was. Hopefully Mr. Fields and his family will do what they can to follow that example.

Go, Dawgs!

Greener pastures are greener for a reason... manure

texdawg

@JimWallace said:

And I've said this before - a lot of Dawg fans are going to be frustrated when Justin Fields has a lot of success - because he will. And he may turn out to be better than Fromm. But Fromm was the best choice when they were both on the same campus.

If Fields stayed, I think it's highly likely that he wins the job in spring practice.** But not without a fight - Fromm has that "IT" factor. We'll just never know.**

That's just my opinion.

What in the world leads you to believe Fields is anywhere near Fromm? Take away all the HS hype, focus only on on-field performance. Fields right now (after 13 games) isn't even close to where Fromm was last year against ND. The gap is wide. Fields has some advantages, but Fromm is a total package rarely seen.

Tap the brakes. I definitely said Fromm was the guy. Have been all year. But Fields is talented. Just said if Fields stuck around in the spring he would have a chance to beat out Fromm. But we'll never know.

I get that Fromm is a special. I've been involved in the game for a very long time - I do understand a few things.

Read what you actually said, please, sir.

I hope Fields sticks around and that much of what we've heard turns out to be malarky. Having said that, Fields clearly has potential, but that's all he's shown us. I see very little to indicate Fields is anywhere near where a guy needs to be to succeed as a starting QB in a big time program.

He's not highly likely to beat out Fromm in the spring. I doubt he has a bat's chance. I'm not convinced he will be a good quarterback at any program until he learns to read the defenses and stand in the pocket. He's a deer in the headlights. Yes, he has potential, but that counts for nothing on the field of play.

You say you know the game, and perhaps you do. I can't claim to omniscience about football, but I'm open to you telling all of us what you see that causes you to believe Fields has a chance to or is highly likely to displace Fromm should he continue the ongoing competition, a competition it appears he's withdrawing from (and why would he do that with such good prospects?).

From my point of view Fields hasn't grown much over the course of the season. I'm sure he's worked hard and been coached up and had significant reps in practice and all that. Why hasn't he developed?

My guess...Well, we'll save that for down the road.

Go, Dawgs!

OK. you got me.

I've made it clear in every post that i've posted that Fromm is a special QB. Maybe I worded it wrong but I do believe Fromm would keep his job. My point being- we'll never know.

But Fields is a special talent. What separates the two more than anything is Jake's film room work ethic and his overall understanding of the game. Does Fields learn that and take it with him - don't know.

I don't want Fields as my QB - I want Fromm. But I do believe Fields will figure it out and be very special.

JoeClark

@JimWallace said:

And I've said this before - a lot of Dawg fans are going to be frustrated when Justin Fields has a lot of success - because he will. And he may turn out to be better than Fromm. But Fromm was the best choice when they were both on the same campus.

If Fields stayed, I think it's highly likely that he wins the job in spring practice.** But not without a fight - Fromm has that "IT" factor. We'll just never know.**

That's just my opinion.

What in the world leads you to believe Fields is anywhere near Fromm? Take away all the HS hype, focus only on on-field performance. Fields right now (after 13 games) isn't even close to where Fromm was last year against ND. The gap is wide. Fields has some advantages, but Fromm is a total package rarely seen.

Tap the brakes. I definitely said Fromm was the guy. Have been all year. But Fields is talented. Just said if Fields stuck around in the spring he would have a chance to beat out Fromm. But we'll never know.

I get that Fromm is a special. I've been involved in the game for a very long time - I do understand a few things.

Read what you actually said, please, sir.

I hope Fields sticks around and that much of what we've heard turns out to be malarky. Having said that, Fields clearly has potential, but that's all he's shown us. I see very little to indicate Fields is anywhere near where a guy needs to be to succeed as a starting QB in a big time program.

He's not highly likely to beat out Fromm in the spring. I doubt he has a bat's chance. I'm not convinced he will be a good quarterback at any program until he learns to read the defenses and stand in the pocket. He's a deer in the headlights. Yes, he has potential, but that counts for nothing on the field of play.

You say you know the game, and perhaps you do. I can't claim to omniscience about football, but I'm open to you telling all of us what you see that causes you to believe Fields has a chance to or is highly likely to displace Fromm should he continue the ongoing competition, a competition it appears he's withdrawing from (and why would he do that with such good prospects?).

From my point of view Fields hasn't grown much over the course of the season. I'm sure he's worked hard and been coached up and had significant reps in practice and all that. Why hasn't he developed?

My guess...Well, we'll save that for down the road.

Go, Dawgs!

My question is - how can you make the assessment that Fields hasn’t grown?
He wasn’t in any game long enough to really get settled down and looked pretty good against UMass (I know,UMass)...
Fromm started plenty of games nervous and on this board almost every Saturday someone was in the thread mentioning he needs to calm down....
So what’s the difference...He’s a freshmen as well. There’s going to be nerves.

This isn’t making the case for him starting or Fromm blah blah blah but there are a lot grown adults on this board going on about a kid like he stole your pet or something.

scooterdawg

@JoeClark said:

@JimWallace said:

And I've said this before - a lot of Dawg fans are going to be frustrated when Justin Fields has a lot of success - because he will. And he may turn out to be better than Fromm. But Fromm was the best choice when they were both on the same campus.

If Fields stayed, I think it's highly likely that he wins the job in spring practice.** But not without a fight - Fromm has that "IT" factor. We'll just never know.**

That's just my opinion.

What in the world leads you to believe Fields is anywhere near Fromm? Take away all the HS hype, focus only on on-field performance. Fields right now (after 13 games) isn't even close to where Fromm was last year against ND. The gap is wide. Fields has some advantages, but Fromm is a total package rarely seen.

Tap the brakes. I definitely said Fromm was the guy. Have been all year. But Fields is talented. Just said if Fields stuck around in the spring he would have a chance to beat out Fromm. But we'll never know.

I get that Fromm is a special. I've been involved in the game for a very long time - I do understand a few things.

Read what you actually said, please, sir.

I hope Fields sticks around and that much of what we've heard turns out to be malarky. Having said that, Fields clearly has potential, but that's all he's shown us. I see very little to indicate Fields is anywhere near where a guy needs to be to succeed as a starting QB in a big time program.

He's not highly likely to beat out Fromm in the spring. I doubt he has a bat's chance. I'm not convinced he will be a good quarterback at any program until he learns to read the defenses and stand in the pocket. He's a deer in the headlights. Yes, he has potential, but that counts for nothing on the field of play.

You say you know the game, and perhaps you do. I can't claim to omniscience about football, but I'm open to you telling all of us what you see that causes you to believe Fields has a chance to or is highly likely to displace Fromm should he continue the ongoing competition, a competition it appears he's withdrawing from (and why would he do that with such good prospects?).

From my point of view Fields hasn't grown much over the course of the season. I'm sure he's worked hard and been coached up and had significant reps in practice and all that. Why hasn't he developed?

My guess...Well, we'll save that for down the road.

Go, Dawgs!

My question is - how can you make the assessment that Fields hasn’t grown?
He wasn’t in any game long enough to really get settled down and looked pretty good against UMass (I know,UMass)...
Fromm started plenty of games nervous and on this board almost every Saturday someone was in the thread mentioning he needs to calm down....
So what’s the difference...He’s a freshmen as well. There’s going to be nerves.

This isn’t making the case for him starting or Fromm blah blah blah but there are a lot grown adults on this board going on about a kid like he stole your pet or something.

That's true but there's also a lot of grown adults on here who are so terrified of losing one player that they will grasp at any straw to keep him...see..works both ways. I could also ask what, nerves aside, Fields did this year to make many on here think we are losing a once in a lifetime player?

Personally I've yet to see anything that makes me think it's anything but the fact that we've been hearing for so long that this guy is amazing that it must be true. I'll give Fields credit for one thing: he's managed to ride good camp performances and a high star rating vs. actual on field results in a transcendent manner.

PerroGrande

@scooterdawg said:

That's true but there's also a lot of grown adults on here who are so terrified of losing one player that they will grasp at any straw to keep him...see..works both ways. I could also ask what, nerves aside, Fields did this year to make many on here think we are losing a once in a lifetime player?

Watch his film. Great arm, mechanics, size, speed. He runs like an SEC tailback already, even with Kirby yelling at him about lowering his shoulder. That tells you he is a competitor. Watch how he finds the open receivers on the G Day highlights. He has good vision. He came in intermittently against the top teams in the SEC as a TF who didn't have the advantage of starting the whole year and getting the reps. If you don't believe me, scooter, and I understand you think we are looking through rose colored glasses, watch how hard he gets recruited. Teams are salivating over Fields because he is a generational talent and it's obvious to them.

texdawg

@scooterdawg said:

@JoeClark said:

@JimWallace said:

And I've said this before - a lot of Dawg fans are going to be frustrated when Justin Fields has a lot of success - because he will. And he may turn out to be better than Fromm. But Fromm was the best choice when they were both on the same campus.

If Fields stayed, I think it's highly likely that he wins the job in spring practice.** But not without a fight - Fromm has that "IT" factor. We'll just never know.**

That's just my opinion.

What in the world leads you to believe Fields is anywhere near Fromm? Take away all the HS hype, focus only on on-field performance. Fields right now (after 13 games) isn't even close to where Fromm was last year against ND. The gap is wide. Fields has some advantages, but Fromm is a total package rarely seen.

Tap the brakes. I definitely said Fromm was the guy. Have been all year. But Fields is talented. Just said if Fields stuck around in the spring he would have a chance to beat out Fromm. But we'll never know.

I get that Fromm is a special. I've been involved in the game for a very long time - I do understand a few things.

Read what you actually said, please, sir.

I hope Fields sticks around and that much of what we've heard turns out to be malarky. Having said that, Fields clearly has potential, but that's all he's shown us. I see very little to indicate Fields is anywhere near where a guy needs to be to succeed as a starting QB in a big time program.

He's not highly likely to beat out Fromm in the spring. I doubt he has a bat's chance. I'm not convinced he will be a good quarterback at any program until he learns to read the defenses and stand in the pocket. He's a deer in the headlights. Yes, he has potential, but that counts for nothing on the field of play.

You say you know the game, and perhaps you do. I can't claim to omniscience about football, but I'm open to you telling all of us what you see that causes you to believe Fields has a chance to or is highly likely to displace Fromm should he continue the ongoing competition, a competition it appears he's withdrawing from (and why would he do that with such good prospects?).

From my point of view Fields hasn't grown much over the course of the season. I'm sure he's worked hard and been coached up and had significant reps in practice and all that. Why hasn't he developed?

My guess...Well, we'll save that for down the road.

Go, Dawgs!

My question is - how can you make the assessment that Fields hasn’t grown?
He wasn’t in any game long enough to really get settled down and looked pretty good against UMass (I know,UMass)...
Fromm started plenty of games nervous and on this board almost every Saturday someone was in the thread mentioning he needs to calm down....
So what’s the difference...He’s a freshmen as well. There’s going to be nerves.

This isn’t making the case for him starting or Fromm blah blah blah but there are a lot grown adults on this board going on about a kid like he stole your pet or something.

That's true but there's also a lot of grown adults on here who are so terrified of losing one player that they will grasp at any straw to keep him...see..works both ways. I could also ask what, nerves aside, Fields did this year to make many on here think we are losing a once in a lifetime player?

Personally I've yet to see anything that makes me think it's anything but the fact that we've been hearing for so long that this guy is amazing that it must be true. I'll give Fields credit for one thing: he's managed to ride good camp performances and a high star rating vs. actual on field results in a transcendent manner.

It's difficult to have a conversation about Fields because most (maybe not everyone) has such a strong opinion one way or another.

Really not fair to either Jake or Justin. As I've said many times - both will or should be very good. It's just unfortunate for UGA and both Jake/Justin that they weren't separated by more than one year.

This is Fromm's team. Justin was never given the opportunity to show what he can do (and he shouldn't have been given the opportunity).

JoeClark

@scooterdawg said:

@JoeClark said:

@JimWallace said:

And I've said this before - a lot of Dawg fans are going to be frustrated when Justin Fields has a lot of success - because he will. And he may turn out to be better than Fromm. But Fromm was the best choice when they were both on the same campus.

If Fields stayed, I think it's highly likely that he wins the job in spring practice.** But not without a fight - Fromm has that "IT" factor. We'll just never know.**

That's just my opinion.

What in the world leads you to believe Fields is anywhere near Fromm? Take away all the HS hype, focus only on on-field performance. Fields right now (after 13 games) isn't even close to where Fromm was last year against ND. The gap is wide. Fields has some advantages, but Fromm is a total package rarely seen.

Tap the brakes. I definitely said Fromm was the guy. Have been all year. But Fields is talented. Just said if Fields stuck around in the spring he would have a chance to beat out Fromm. But we'll never know.

I get that Fromm is a special. I've been involved in the game for a very long time - I do understand a few things.

Read what you actually said, please, sir.

I hope Fields sticks around and that much of what we've heard turns out to be malarky. Having said that, Fields clearly has potential, but that's all he's shown us. I see very little to indicate Fields is anywhere near where a guy needs to be to succeed as a starting QB in a big time program.

He's not highly likely to beat out Fromm in the spring. I doubt he has a bat's chance. I'm not convinced he will be a good quarterback at any program until he learns to read the defenses and stand in the pocket. He's a deer in the headlights. Yes, he has potential, but that counts for nothing on the field of play.

You say you know the game, and perhaps you do. I can't claim to omniscience about football, but I'm open to you telling all of us what you see that causes you to believe Fields has a chance to or is highly likely to displace Fromm should he continue the ongoing competition, a competition it appears he's withdrawing from (and why would he do that with such good prospects?).

From my point of view Fields hasn't grown much over the course of the season. I'm sure he's worked hard and been coached up and had significant reps in practice and all that. Why hasn't he developed?

My guess...Well, we'll save that for down the road.

Go, Dawgs!

My question is - how can you make the assessment that Fields hasn’t grown?
He wasn’t in any game long enough to really get settled down and looked pretty good against UMass (I know,UMass)...
Fromm started plenty of games nervous and on this board almost every Saturday someone was in the thread mentioning he needs to calm down....
So what’s the difference...He’s a freshmen as well. There’s going to be nerves.

This isn’t making the case for him starting or Fromm blah blah blah but there are a lot grown adults on this board going on about a kid like he stole your pet or something.

That's true but there's also a lot of grown adults on here who are so terrified of losing one player that they will grasp at any straw to keep him...see..works both ways. I could also ask what, nerves aside, Fields did this year to make many on here think we are losing a once in a lifetime player?

Personally I've yet to see anything that makes me think it's anything but the fact that we've been hearing for so long that this guy is amazing that it must be true. I'll give Fields credit for one thing: he's managed to ride good camp performances and a high star rating vs. actual on field results in a transcendent manner.

I hear ya on the first part. I’m personally not terrified of losing one person but don’t think he should be nailed to a cross either.

Also, the hype comes with the rating and the skill set. I mean there were plenty evaluators who confirmed that he had a high IQ and could hang with the best of them.
Add that to the fact that to a CFB that sees Tua and TL change their teams completely and I think it’s a given (I do think their situations were different. They weren’t replacing Fromm)

scooterdawg

So what y'all are saying is that Fields has great physical gifts. I don't think anyone would dispute that. But if we're using the TF argument then why doesn't that apply to Fromm as well last year.

I'm not saying that the guy doesn't have all the physical tools to be amazing..in the future. But currently either he's lacking in the mental department so far, or Jake is that much more cerebral. Jake's the lesser talent and probably got a lot less snaps with the 1s in practice before Eason went down than Fields did this year, yet Jake led us to the NCG game and Fields had some nice throws against UMass and Vandy in mopup duty.

Could Fields be uber successful? Of course! Is he anything other than a very raw passer right now? I'd say no. And if he's in legit Heisman contention next year then I'll never post here again and I'll get a Fields tattoo. And by next year I mean if he's allowed to play immediately wherever he goes.

donm

@JoeClark said:

@JimWallace said:

And I've said this before - a lot of Dawg fans are going to be frustrated when Justin Fields has a lot of success - because he will. And he may turn out to be better than Fromm. But Fromm was the best choice when they were both on the same campus.

If Fields stayed, I think it's highly likely that he wins the job in spring practice.** But not without a fight - Fromm has that "IT" factor. We'll just never know.**

That's just my opinion.

What in the world leads you to believe Fields is anywhere near Fromm? Take away all the HS hype, focus only on on-field performance. Fields right now (after 13 games) isn't even close to where Fromm was last year against ND. The gap is wide. Fields has some advantages, but Fromm is a total package rarely seen.

Tap the brakes. I definitely said Fromm was the guy. Have been all year. But Fields is talented. Just said if Fields stuck around in the spring he would have a chance to beat out Fromm. But we'll never know.

I get that Fromm is a special. I've been involved in the game for a very long time - I do understand a few things.

Read what you actually said, please, sir.

I hope Fields sticks around and that much of what we've heard turns out to be malarky. Having said that, Fields clearly has potential, but that's all he's shown us. I see very little to indicate Fields is anywhere near where a guy needs to be to succeed as a starting QB in a big time program.

He's not highly likely to beat out Fromm in the spring. I doubt he has a bat's chance. I'm not convinced he will be a good quarterback at any program until he learns to read the defenses and stand in the pocket. He's a deer in the headlights. Yes, he has potential, but that counts for nothing on the field of play.

You say you know the game, and perhaps you do. I can't claim to omniscience about football, but I'm open to you telling all of us what you see that causes you to believe Fields has a chance to or is highly likely to displace Fromm should he continue the ongoing competition, a competition it appears he's withdrawing from (and why would he do that with such good prospects?).

From my point of view Fields hasn't grown much over the course of the season. I'm sure he's worked hard and been coached up and had significant reps in practice and all that. Why hasn't he developed?

My guess...Well, we'll save that for down the road.

Go, Dawgs!

My question is - how can you make the assessment that Fields hasn’t grown?
He wasn’t in any game long enough to really get settled down and looked pretty good against UMass (I know,UMass)...
Fromm started plenty of games nervous and on this board almost every Saturday someone was in the thread mentioning he needs to calm down....
So what’s the difference...He’s a freshmen as well. There’s going to be nerves.

This isn’t making the case for him starting or Fromm blah blah blah but there are a lot grown adults on this board going on about a kid like he stole your pet or something.

Kirby has said on numerous occasions that Fields is a hard worker and has improved a lot.

dawghouse

I find it hard to feel any bitterness towards Fields, even considering the likely ill intent of the timing of the leak. I can only see him now as leaving our program in utter defeat. He came in understandably confident (as one of the highest rated 5-stars ever) that he would eventually beat out Fromm, but instead he could see -- I imagine rather quickly -- that wasn't ever going to happen as long as Fromm was around.

In my eyes he's walking away from the ring as the defeated fighter. No lost honor in that. Hopefully he keeps his dignity by dropping the weak racist card play -- it would be a shame to go out that way.

HunkerDown1MoreTime

@dawghouse said:
I find it hard to feel any bitterness towards Fields, even considering the likely ill intent of the timing of the leak. I can only see him now as leaving our program in utter defeat. He came in understandably confident (as one of the highest rated 5-stars ever) that he would eventually beat out Fromm, but instead he could see -- I imagine rather quickly -- that wasn't ever going to happen as long as Fromm was around.

In my eyes he's walking away from the ring as the defeated fighter. No lost honor in that. Hopefully he keeps his dignity by dropping the weak racist card play -- it would be a shame to go out that way.

Hes not gone yet dude , he may not even go. Pump the brakes , lets wait and see. We will be fine either way!

JoeClark

@donm said:

@JoeClark said:

@JimWallace said:

And I've said this before - a lot of Dawg fans are going to be frustrated when Justin Fields has a lot of success - because he will. And he may turn out to be better than Fromm. But Fromm was the best choice when they were both on the same campus.

If Fields stayed, I think it's highly likely that he wins the job in spring practice.** But not without a fight - Fromm has that "IT" factor. We'll just never know.**

That's just my opinion.

What in the world leads you to believe Fields is anywhere near Fromm? Take away all the HS hype, focus only on on-field performance. Fields right now (after 13 games) isn't even close to where Fromm was last year against ND. The gap is wide. Fields has some advantages, but Fromm is a total package rarely seen.

Tap the brakes. I definitely said Fromm was the guy. Have been all year. But Fields is talented. Just said if Fields stuck around in the spring he would have a chance to beat out Fromm. But we'll never know.

I get that Fromm is a special. I've been involved in the game for a very long time - I do understand a few things.

Read what you actually said, please, sir.

I hope Fields sticks around and that much of what we've heard turns out to be malarky. Having said that, Fields clearly has potential, but that's all he's shown us. I see very little to indicate Fields is anywhere near where a guy needs to be to succeed as a starting QB in a big time program.

He's not highly likely to beat out Fromm in the spring. I doubt he has a bat's chance. I'm not convinced he will be a good quarterback at any program until he learns to read the defenses and stand in the pocket. He's a deer in the headlights. Yes, he has potential, but that counts for nothing on the field of play.

You say you know the game, and perhaps you do. I can't claim to omniscience about football, but I'm open to you telling all of us what you see that causes you to believe Fields has a chance to or is highly likely to displace Fromm should he continue the ongoing competition, a competition it appears he's withdrawing from (and why would he do that with such good prospects?).

From my point of view Fields hasn't grown much over the course of the season. I'm sure he's worked hard and been coached up and had significant reps in practice and all that. Why hasn't he developed?

My guess...Well, we'll save that for down the road.

Go, Dawgs!

My question is - how can you make the assessment that Fields hasn’t grown?
He wasn’t in any game long enough to really get settled down and looked pretty good against UMass (I know,UMass)...
Fromm started plenty of games nervous and on this board almost every Saturday someone was in the thread mentioning he needs to calm down....
So what’s the difference...He’s a freshmen as well. There’s going to be nerves.

This isn’t making the case for him starting or Fromm blah blah blah but there are a lot grown adults on this board going on about a kid like he stole your pet or something.

Kirby has said on numerous occasions that Fields is a hard worker and has improved a lot.

He has said that; however, when many posters share their “evaluations” of his development they use his reactions over a few peculiar snaps and that’s what I’m questioning.

None of us are at practice. We have reports and coach speak and the little snaps but there continues to be “he hasn’t developed or shown anything” comments... I’m just asking - how can they make that assessment.

DawginSC

Justin Fields = Cam Newton or Matt Stafford. I'm not saying he'll be a first round draft pick... but both of those guys had incredible physical tools and had to work their asses off to improve at reading defenses and making good decisions in games.

Jake Fromm = Drew Brees or Tom Brady. I'm not saying he'll be a 10+ year NFL starter, but those are all examples of talented but not "first round pick" talented guys who had a quicker/easier time reading defenses and learning to make good decisions.

That decision making is the hardest thing for a QB to get... and the most important thing for a QB to have success. You can have elite physical talent like JaMarcuss Russell, Ryan Leaf or Vince YOung... but those guys never were able to get good enough at the decision making side and were busts. Meanwhile a guy who clearly lacked NFL talent like Chad Pennington can have a long NFL career despite a noodle arm because he did have the decision making side down pat.

In the Rose Bowl last year... we had a True Freshman QB making audibles into big plays after reading the defense... while OU had a Heisman winner who looked to the sideline before each snap to see what the coach wanted him to call.

Fromm's ability to read the defense and adjust at the line and his ability to know where to go with the ball during the play are a talent that isn't common. Most people have to develop that over years. He had it better than most Senior QB's do as a True Freshman. And that ability is the most important factor in playing QB... not being a fast runner or having a rocket arm.

Yes... you'd love a guy like both. John Elway was an example of that. But if you don't have both you take Drew Brees over Matt Stafford.

Fields doesn't have that yet. He doesn't make multiple reads and runs way too quickly under pressure. You don't bench the guy with the proven decision making for the one who doesn't have it but has talent and hope it develops. I remember when Texas did that by benching Major Applewhite in favor of Chris Simms. It was the wrong move.

JimWallace

@DawginSC said:
Justin Fields = Cam Newton or Matt Stafford. I'm not saying he'll be a first round draft pick... but both of those guys had incredible physical tools and had to work their asses off to improve at reading defenses and making good decisions in games.

Jake Fromm = Drew Brees or Tom Brady. I'm not saying he'll be a 10+ year NFL starter, but those are all examples of talented but not "first round pick" talented guys who had a quicker/easier time reading defenses and learning to make good decisions.

That decision making is the hardest thing for a QB to get... and the most important thing for a QB to have success. You can have elite physical talent like JaMarcuss Russell, Ryan Leaf or Vince YOung... but those guys never were able to get good enough at the decision making side and were busts. Meanwhile a guy who clearly lacked NFL talent like Chad Pennington can have a long NFL career despite a noodle arm because he did have the decision making side down pat.

In the Rose Bowl last year... we had a True Freshman QB making audibles into big plays after reading the defense... while OU had a Heisman winner who looked to the sideline before each snap to see what the coach wanted him to call.

Fromm's ability to read the defense and adjust at the line and his ability to know where to go with the ball during the play are a talent that isn't common. Most people have to develop that over years. He had it better than most Senior QB's do as a True Freshman. And that ability is the most important factor in playing QB... not being a fast runner or having a rocket arm.

Yes... you'd love a guy like both. John Elway was an example of that. But if you don't have both you take Drew Brees over Matt Stafford.

Fields doesn't have that yet. He doesn't make multiple reads and runs way too quickly under pressure. You don't bench the guy with the proven decision making for the one who doesn't have it but has talent and hope it develops. I remember when Texas did that by benching Major Applewhite in favor of Chris Simms. It was the wrong move.

Nicely done. Thanks for being so clear. I know you and I see this as stating the obvious, but it must not be obvious to everyone.

Go, Dawgs!

pgjackson

@donm said:

@JoeClark said:

@JimWallace said:

And I've said this before - a lot of Dawg fans are going to be frustrated when Justin Fields has a lot of success - because he will. And he may turn out to be better than Fromm. But Fromm was the best choice when they were both on the same campus.

If Fields stayed, I think it's highly likely that he wins the job in spring practice.** But not without a fight - Fromm has that "IT" factor. We'll just never know.**

That's just my opinion.

What in the world leads you to believe Fields is anywhere near Fromm? Take away all the HS hype, focus only on on-field performance. Fields right now (after 13 games) isn't even close to where Fromm was last year against ND. The gap is wide. Fields has some advantages, but Fromm is a total package rarely seen.

Tap the brakes. I definitely said Fromm was the guy. Have been all year. But Fields is talented. Just said if Fields stuck around in the spring he would have a chance to beat out Fromm. But we'll never know.

I get that Fromm is a special. I've been involved in the game for a very long time - I do understand a few things.

Read what you actually said, please, sir.

I hope Fields sticks around and that much of what we've heard turns out to be malarky. Having said that, Fields clearly has potential, but that's all he's shown us. I see very little to indicate Fields is anywhere near where a guy needs to be to succeed as a starting QB in a big time program.

He's not highly likely to beat out Fromm in the spring. I doubt he has a bat's chance. I'm not convinced he will be a good quarterback at any program until he learns to read the defenses and stand in the pocket. He's a deer in the headlights. Yes, he has potential, but that counts for nothing on the field of play.

You say you know the game, and perhaps you do. I can't claim to omniscience about football, but I'm open to you telling all of us what you see that causes you to believe Fields has a chance to or is highly likely to displace Fromm should he continue the ongoing competition, a competition it appears he's withdrawing from (and why would he do that with such good prospects?).

From my point of view Fields hasn't grown much over the course of the season. I'm sure he's worked hard and been coached up and had significant reps in practice and all that. Why hasn't he developed?

My guess...Well, we'll save that for down the road.

Go, Dawgs!

My question is - how can you make the assessment that Fields hasn’t grown?
He wasn’t in any game long enough to really get settled down and looked pretty good against UMass (I know,UMass)...
Fromm started plenty of games nervous and on this board almost every Saturday someone was in the thread mentioning he needs to calm down....
So what’s the difference...He’s a freshmen as well. There’s going to be nerves.

This isn’t making the case for him starting or Fromm blah blah blah but there are a lot grown adults on this board going on about a kid like he stole your pet or something.

Kirby has said on numerous occasions that Fields is a hard worker and has improved a lot.

Every coach since the beginning of time has said that about their QBs. Do you think Smart would say in public "yeah, he's not really improving...." It's "coach-speak". I'm sure Fields works hard and has improved...the problem for him is that the #1 guy works harder and has improved more.