Recruiting a top high school quarterback?

You shouldn’t let the recruit see this story if you run the spread offense. Former NFL star Joe Theismann thinks the spread is ruining quarterback play.

According to the Star-Telegram the spread offense is “light on football fundamentals.” “To have any kind of success at the professional level, I think it’s important for the young, college kids to work under center,” said Theismann, a former Washington Redskins standout who received the Davey O’Brien Legends Award during a Monday ceremony at The Fort Worth Club. “To hand off [from] under center. To run play-action.”

Theismann gives many reasons why the spread isn’t in favor with NFL teams, and why young players should eschew the spread. He cited rookie success stories Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan. Both quarterbacks directed pro-style offenses in college.

“Go to a camp where you learn how to work under the center. You’re going to be a professional football player. Learn to be one,” Theismann was quoted as saying by the Star-Telegram.

I’m sure that is being said on the recruiting trail, and it won’t change until someone like Tim Tebow changes the perception of the spread.

5 thoughts on “Theismann: Spread not good for QB play”

  1. It may not be good for QB play. but its won 2 of the last 3 Nat. Championships.

  2. yeah dumbass, but Florida doesn’t run a true spread and Tebow is a completely different kind of qb. his amazing running ability is what won both of those nc’s. Fla. is the only spread period that has a true running game. the spread is a sissy offense. Ark shut down Tulsas. Ole Miss shut down Tex Techs. Fla shut down Oklahomas. Bama shut down West. Ky., Ark. St. and Fla. and Utahs 3 out of 4 quarters each and those 2 teams ended up #1 and #2. with your 2 and 3*s’ what chance does the barn have? NONE! LOL! RTR!

  3. The philosophy of the spread is still sound to employ in the college game, and teams will continue to be successful with it, but Theismann’s right, spread QB’s rarely work out in the pros:

    Pat White is getting drafted as a receiver; Alex Smith (much to my chagrin) has yet to prove he’s an average NFL QB; Colt Brennan won’t ever be anything; and Chase Daniel will be a late-round pick.

  4. E.G. White. Florida is as true a spread offense as there is. You are dum.

  5. Never say never. I’ll bet the West Coast offense had plenty of detractors at its inception. I also couldn’t help noticing that both Super Bowl participants had fairly weak running games – the play-action’s a pretty weak arrow in their quivers. The game is changing.

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