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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Sep 22, 2007
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Ben Mauk's appeal for a 6th year of eligibility was denied by the NCAA. Can't say that I'm too surprised, but a little disappointed. The 'Cats should still be in decent shape in the QB position though. They have Grutza returning for his final year, as well as ND transfer Demetrius Jones. It should provide for some good competition in the spot in the offseason. Good luck in your future endeavors Ben!
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Sep 22, 2007
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So, logically, the next question would be, who do you think will win the starting job at QB for next season? Here is a list of the current QB's:
Chazz Anderson So. 6-2/200
Zach Collaros So. 6-1/190
Dustin Grutza Sr. 6-2/195
Jones ND So. 6-1/200
Tony Pike So 6-6/200
Brendon Kay FR
Am I missing anyone? As I alluded in my previous post, I'd bet we'll see a real competition develop between Grutza and Jones, and while Jones has a couple more years of eligibility, I'd expect to see Grutza come out starting. Maybe another platoon situation like we saw last season with Grutza and Davila (although I don't like this option)? Also, do you guys think Grutza, or Jones, has what it takes to keep UC in the top 25?
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Reputation:95
Level:Superstar
Since:Aug 24, 2006
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I'd say Jones or Grutza will be the option. Grutza played well in the Motor City Bowl, and when he relieved Mauk he did pretty well, so I'm not too worried about him. Jones didn't look great when he played a quarter for ND, but it didn't look like Weis knew what to do with him. He was likely highly recruited for a reason, and I think Kelly should have more luck with him.
I agree, Grutza would be a good starter for next year, especially since he's watched Kelly's system for a year, with Jones following up for two years. I still don't know about Tony Pike, I heard a lot of good things when he came in, but I don't know where he fits in, unless he really impresses people in camp.
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Reputation:74
Level:Pro
Since:Dec 3, 2006
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Im a Notre Dame and UC fan. Wies never gave Jones a chance, he played the 1st half of the Georgia Tech game, then was benched. Thats when he transfered. I think he is going to be amazing, hes big, 6-4 220 i think it is. I am sad that Mauk didnt get his 6th year though, he was an absolute joy to watch. I wish him well in whatever he does. Any body know how many years of eligibility Demetrius has? 2 or 3? Did they even count his 6 snaps tat he took in 07?
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Reputation:89
Level:All-Star
Since:Nov 27, 2007
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I am a little shock by the decision. I thought he would be a lock to get his extra year. The kid is a total class act. He did things right not only was he a good athlete, but even better in the class room. I wish him well on his future.
That said, it looks like Spring Ball will get pretty interesting. I like the idea that there will be a lot of competition at QB. I think the right guy to take the reins is here, and look forward to finding out who it is. With everyone who is returning, it looks like things are promising for the Cats next year.
GO CATS!
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Feb 28, 2007
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That's a tough break for you Bearcat faithful, it will be tough to replace him. In your near future though, I think one of those incoming freshman will become the real deal - the problem is Mauk's departure might cost him a season because he may not be redshirted in 2008, as he probably would have been with Mauk on the roster. I'm talking about B. Kay. I saw this kid do some AMAZING things in high school last year, including bring his team back from a 28-0 deficit in the state playoffs against a team which is a perennial state powerhouse. I've watched high school football for many years, and have seen many QB's who have gone on to succeed at the next level - but I've never seen a kid with the kind of poise that Kay has when the chips are down. Add to that poise, a 6'3", 220 lb. frame, great mobility and a cannon for an arm - I'm not really a Cincinnati fan, but I'll be watching for this kid in the next couple of years.
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Sep 22, 2007
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Thanks for the info on Kay, DetBlueDemon, I really don't know much about him. I don't think he will be tied to Mauk and loose the chance for a redshirt though. At least I would hope not, although I realize UC doesn't have a very good track record with the NCAA administration. I'll be looking forward to seeing him perform.
I don't really follow Notre Dame. I know that Jones was benched during the first game, and that's when he transferred. From what I hear, he had a pretty bad quarter, or half, or whatever it was, but I'd imagine you'd have to have some pretty bad jitters in your first college game in a stage as big as South Bend. Does Notre Dame run the spread offense? Seems to me Jones would fit in well with Kelly's spread, and I was just wondering if Weis tried to put him into an offense he was less comfortable with?
By the way, thanks for the responses, I was a bit worried when I saw there were more posts on this subject in the WVU board than our own. I know it's the offseason, but I've been getting kind of tired talking to myself over here!
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Feb 28, 2007
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No problem, osogato, I am really pulling for Kay to make the step to D1. Don't be fooled by his two star rating on Rivals.com. This kid played his Soph and Junior years in a pure Wing-T offense which rarely allowed him to show off his skills (other than his ability to bulldoze over high school D linemen). I think a lot of recruiters overlooked him during the peak recruiting season because he just hadn't proven himself to be a pocket QB. His senior year, his coaches finally broke down and realized it was a crime not to showcase what this kid could do in a spread offense - and it resulted in a state championship for the team. Once you see the size of this kid, and see the zip he can put on the ball, you'll be sold on him. In high school, he was a three year starter and the team only lost 3 games in those three years (and Kay didn't play in two of those loses due to injury - and the loss he did play in was in the third round of the state playoffs his Junior year). The kid doesn't know how to fail.
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Reputation:89
Level:All-Star
Since:Nov 27, 2007
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I think we will get to see the freshman redshirt this year. I hope they do, not that they will not have a lot of talent, but they need to mature. It can be a lot to handle leaving mom and dad for the first time trying to adjust to D-1 football and college life on your own.
We will be fine, Grutza has experience, and all though he is not the first choice, he will put you in position to win games. I think Jones should get the shot. Put aside all of the transfer stuff, he may be the best fit to excite us and win games. Remember what I said about being on your own at a young age. This is a perfect example. He was overwhelmed a ND and has had a year to calm down. Besides, he never really had a shot there. Claussen was Weiss' golden boy recruit, and now they have that stud from California coming this year, who committed as a junior. Jones would have never gotten a fair chance there. There loss, our gain.
GO CATS.
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