Fitzgerald, got a buddy that has been

[coach66]

To three practices this summer. He has been going to practices for years.
He believes Fitz may be one of the most accurate passers we have ever had, sez he has been puttin on a show. Rarely throws a bad pass.

 

[FlabLoser]

I'm pretty sure I've heard that exact same story...about every backup QB we've ever had.

 

[coach66]

No doubt about it but I do believe he is

Going to be special. We will see!

 

[57stratdawg]

Hes #2 on the depth chart ahead of Staley.

 

[Dawg1976]

I'm pretty sure I've heard that exact same story...about every backup QB we've ever had.

The difference here is no one is suggesting he should be our QB right now.

 

[coach66]

Valid point, I'm certainly not suggesting that, just passing along an

observation from a seasoned fan with good access that has watched many MSU QB's over the years.

 

[Digging dog]

I've stayed cautiously optimistic about Fitz. Everything I've heard about him has been good. Still is Dak's predecessor though. (How good will be the underlying question).

 

[patdog]

Still is Dak's predecessor though.

Dak's predecessor was Tyler Russell. I think Fitzgerald will be his successor though.

 

[DirtyDog]

You mean what he knew

Dak's predecessor was Tyler Russell. I think Fitzgerald will be his successor though.

nm

 

[bonedaddy401]

I keep hearing Elijah Staley will eventually be the guy once he gets on the....

field.

The same people saying that don't knock Fitz to praise ES so it's not a one or the other debate for me. I think they both can be really good QB's, I just think there is a reason Fitz hasn't been publicly cemented as the #2 QB. Here is hoping they both get to play in Hattiesburg.

 

[patdog]

I keep hearing that too. From posters on message boards who really don't have a clue who the next QB will be. I don't have a clue either. But I do know Fitzgerald has looked very good in the 2 spring games I've seen him play in. If Staley can beat him out, he's a hell of a QB. Either way, I think we'll be in good shape at QB next year. And I agree, they both need to get backup snaps this fall and then fight it out in the spring.

 

[coach66]

My buddy said Staley is not nearly as accurate as Fitz right now but does look

like a good prospect. I hope they will push each other and can co-exist in a positive way.

 

[shotgunDawg]

We are set up well at QB for sure.

IMO, Staley has to get quicker feet. The two things I look for in a QB are accuracy & how quick his feet are.

Fitz reminds me of Ryan Tannehill

 

[GloryDawg]

I keep hearing that too. From posters on message boards who really don't have a clue who the next QB will be. I don't have a clue either. But I do know Fitzgerald has looked very good in the 2 spring games I've seen him play in. If Staley can beat him out, he's a hell of a QB. Either way, I think we'll be in good shape at QB next year. And I agree, they both need to get backup snaps this fall and then fight it out in the spring.

I watched the spring game again the other day and all I watched was Fitz and the two freshman running backs and I was impress with all three. Fitz is going to be good and that extra spring training he got is panning out now.

 

[aTotal360]

I've read the comments that Mullen has made about ES. He thinks very highly of him. But I also think it could be coach speak to keep his spirits up. I'm like you, I find it hard to believe that Fitz is not the QB of the future.

 

[Digging dog]

Dak's predecessor was Tyler Russell. I think Fitzgerald will be his successor though.

Whoops. Pre-coffee response.

 

[codeDawg]

We are set up well at QB for sure.

IMO, Staley has to get quicker feet. The two things I look for in a QB are accuracy & how quick his feet are.

Fitz reminds me of Ryan Tannehill

From what I've seen from Staley, he's a really long strider. He needs to shorten up his gait moving in the pocket. He's a basketball player at heart, so he should be able to adjust to moving in tight spaces. In the open field he's going to look slow when he's actually booking it because of his long strides.

From what I've seen of Fitz, he has the awareness that can't be taught. He sees down the field and around himself in the pocket at the same time. I will be shocked if Staley overtakes Fitz this year, but I understand the upside on Staley too. We're in a good position.

 

[Arthur2478]

But I also think it could be coach speak to keep his spirits up.

I've heard several of the coaches speak about Staley at private gatherings, booster club meetings, etc. They all light up when talking about his potential. They seem to think his ceiling is higher than Fitz's. Whether he reaches that potential or not is a different story, but his upside is huge.

 

[bonedaddy401]

You sure you didn't mean people who are talking to staff members?

GL BOL

 

[bonedaddy401]

but what does "Deep" think?***

only kidding...

D Williams redshirting tells you all you need to know about Fitz and ES. Looking forward to actually paying attention during garbage time this year in our non conference games. Hopefully thats where they get to battle it out and not in the heat of the fire.

 

[coach66]

I am anxiously awaiting Deep's practice visit*, he is an ex QB but more of a

veer guy so I have to filter his QB opinions*

 

[maroonmania]

like a good prospect. I hope they will push each other and can co-exist in a positive way.

Right now Staley just needs to concentrate on getting 100% healthy. Apparently he still has some lingering issues with his knee. After that, he can fully compete with Fitz for the backup job.

 

[bulldogbaja]

Over/under on the number of games until the first "bench Dak!" post*

 

[coach66]

Agree, he still looks gimpy and looks like he might have added a few pounds. I

wonder if he could take a medical redshirt and still have 3 years to play?

 

[patdog]

He's got 5 years to play 4. Last year he redshirted. So he can't use another redshirt season. Only exception would be if BOTH last year and this year were medical redshirts. It's pretty apparent the decision has been made that Williams will redshirt if possible and Fitzgerald and Staley will be the backups.

 

[patdog]

Pretty sure I meant what I said. I guess we'll all find out in a year.

 

[philduckworth]

I just fear, really fear that Mullen will go with a 2 QB system next year. I really hope he picks one and goes with him!

 

[bonedaddy401]

"Pretty sure"

/

 

[TheStateUofMS]

We're one play away from Fitz being the starter....

 

[aspendawg]

We're one play away from Fitz being the starter....

Jesus Germans and Indian Burial mounds.... I get what you're stating but please let that be the only time something like that is said....

 

[TheStateUofMS]

We're set at quarterback for the next decade tho*

nt

 

[DAWG61]

D Williams redshirting tells you all you need to know about Fitz and ES. Looking forward to actually paying attention during garbage time this year in our non conference games. Hopefully thats where they get to battle it out and not in the heat of the fire.

Does it though? Think about it. Why would Dan redshirt Williams this year if Fitz and Staley are ahead of him? To me I think that means the opposite. Williams is who Dan sees as the starter for two years not the other two.

 

[dotcomdawg]

It's likely that Williams wants to transfer and redshirting this year will give him two full years at wherever he transfers.

Does it though? Think about it. Why would Dan redshirt Williams this year if Fitz and Staley are ahead of him? To me I think that means the opposite. Williams is who Dan sees as the starter for two years not the other two.

 

[patdog]

There are different ways Williams redshirting could be interpreted. It could be that he's just not back from his spring injury yet. It could be that Mullen wants him to start in 16 and 17. Or it could be that Mullen knows that he will never be the starter and is giving all the backup snaps to Fitzgerald and/or Staley to get them ready to start in 16. I think it's the third scenario, obviously you think it's the second. Hopefully, we won't find out the truth until next summer.

 

[rem101]

I'll set it at 1/2 a game. And I hope I'm right. Would rather Fitz and Staley split time the 2nd half in hburg.

 

[DancingRabbit]

It's first and/or third scenario. It's not the 2nd one.

Damian got most of his playing time as a 3rd stringer. As evidenced by Ohio State, 3rd stringers can be important contributors.

I think he'll transfer but maybe he'll hang around and enjoy life as a Bulldog, but it won't be as the starter over a healthy Fitz. Damian gave us all he had and helped us win a couple of games. I wish him the best whatever he does.

There are different ways Williams redshirting could be interpreted. It could be that he's just not back from his spring injury yet. It could be that Mullen wants him to start in 16 and 17. Or it could be that Mullen knows that he will never be the starter and is giving all the backup snaps to Fitzgerald and/or Staley to get them ready to start in 16. I think it's the third scenario, obviously you think it's the second. Hopefully, we won't find out the truth until next summer.

 

[DAWG61]

There are different ways Williams redshirting could be interpreted. It could be that he's just not back from his spring injury yet. It could be that Mullen wants him to start in 16 and 17. Or it could be that Mullen knows that he will never be the starter and is giving all the backup snaps to Fitzgerald and/or Staley to get them ready to start in 16. I think it's the third scenario, obviously you think it's the second. Hopefully, we won't find out the truth until next summer.

Mullen has proven to be loyal to his guys and Williams is definitely one of his guys. This is why I think we'll see Williams get the starting job first.

 

[patdog]

I agree that Williams will be given a legitimate opportunity to win the starting job. But Mullen's not stupid enough to just hand it to him if he doesn't win it.

 

[johnson86-1]

Damian got most of his playing time as a 3rd stringer. As evidenced by Ohio State, 3rd stringers can be important contributors.

I think he'll transfer but maybe he'll hang around and enjoy life as a Bulldog, but it won't be as the starter over a healthy Fitz. Damian gave us all he had and helped us win a couple of games. I wish him the best whatever he does.

I agree. I don't think Mullen would be planning on going this whole season with his "real" 2nd string qb being redshirted. I don't have any info, but if he's our clear number 2 option and he's healthy enough to play, we'd have to be preparing him to play this season, not redshirt. On the other hand, if he's not our clear number 2, then he probably won't ever be our starter over a healthy Fitz or Staley after they have another year in the system and redshirting him gives him and MSU the most options later on.

 

[DAWG61]

I agree that Williams will be given a legitimate opportunity to win the starting job. But Mullen's not stupid enough to just hand it to him if he doesn't win it.

He's already won it. He's recovering still from offseason surgery so why play him this year as the #2 when you can save two years off him as the #1. Williams is the steady veteran type. He's not as flashy as Fitz/Staley but he's got experience against the best the SEC offers. He started vs Arkansas, Bama and Ole Miss. He's a big tough dude and he's got a strong arm. Is his ceiling as high as the other two no but I think his floor is higher too. Maybe not Fitz as he may be the real deal but I get the feeling Staley is feast or famine. Amazing when on but also susceptible to 4 picks and a temper tantrum on the sidelines. Could be totally wrong about Staley though so don't kill me over it. Just my gut feeling on the pecking order.