Clearing up some things

Some of you have responded angrily at the suggestion, offered in this space Thursday night, that all four of MSU's potential 2009 quarterbacks (Kirk Cousins, Nick Foles, possible transfer Keith Nichol and 2009 verbal commitment Andrew Maxwell) won't be here when camp opens in 2009.

    This stuff isn't worth getting too worked up about, so I must apologize for including Maxwell. I only did because Cousins' father, Don, correctly pointed out that Maxwell will be arriving in 2009 and it would technically make for a four-way race to replace Hoyer.

    He shouldn't be included in this speculation. In all likelihood, he'll arrive, redshirt and be a freshman in 2010, when MSU's other quarterbacks, whoever they might be, are juniors. Whether Keith Nichol transfers to MSU or not (he certainly hasn't yet) does not really affect Maxwell.

    So this is really a three-person discussion. You may notice, by the way, that I haven't included Connor Dixon. Mark Dantonio mentioned during spring ball that a position switch was possible for Dixon, and now it is official that he is transferring. He has not picked a new destination yet.

    As for the other three, I'm basing that speculation on what I've seen here over the past decade or so. Gus Ornstein, Aaron Agler, Bradlee Van Pelt, Stephen Reaves, Domenic Natale. Those are the guys, off the top of my head, who transferred from MSU after it was clear they wouldn't see the field at quarterback. More and more, that's how it is at this position at this level.

    Don Cousins made it quite clear Thursday night that his son will be undeterred by a Nichol arrival, as he was when Foles switched from a commitment to Arizona State and signed up late for the 2007 class. I have no information suggesting that Foles would bolt if Nichol comes. I'd just be surprised if all three guys were here to battle each other in 2009. That's all. A guess. From the same guy who predicted Notre Dame would beat MSU in football last season.

     And finally, as for Nichol, some have suggested to me that the only reason for the hold-up is that he hasn't been released from Oklahoma. This is not true. He was released last Friday. The Nichols aren't talking yet. I would not be surprised at all if Nichol ends up coming to MSU, but I know for a fact that Mark Dantonio has not said as much to his other quarterbacks. So if you think this is a done deal right now, you also think Dantonio is deceiving his current players. How likely do you suppose that is?   

Comments

[stone]

you're still right though joe. although perhaps you could guarntee that 2 of those 4 (inc maxwell) wont be here then. it just happens.

let the best kid win the job

[Jimmy]

Yeah, great move in getting rid of Bradlee Van Pelt. His dad was a freaking legend at MSU and he didn't even get to step on the field. Even worse, he goes onto Colorado State and has a fabulous career.

[spartanforever]

Jimmy I was personally furious Bradlee didnot play as a Spartan,and by the way he played QB like a line backer with passion and smarts and got his team yards when they needed them.By the way Colorado State beat us back in those days,and let me be straight about this we had Smoker (who I loved)and Van Dyke (sad the way he got hurt when it was his chance).

Like coach's MSU has been one of those universitys (thanx Administrators)where free lancers come and try and make it,Reeves even Foles (it has been said he came here to compete against Mallett at woolvy,if not true I apologize for passing on a rumor).Its a business now unfortunately as an alum+ I would hope the players that laced'em up wanted to be Spartans.Coach's today could give a damn and we fans would not either if we were payed a MILLION(are we still paying jls-ha)to do something we like to do-only in America,lets hope it stays the greatest ever.

As it relates to Nichol-I agree that we need the line men first and he should walk-on and if he makes it fine...Its time for us to look out for MSU football and not accomodate a kid who likes MSU and had his chance.Nothing against Nichol but I never got the feeling he would be all that great any way-and by the way I am no one to comment on his abilitys-just going by feelings from observation of info available-I do wish him the very best.

[wc]

He(Nichol) can't be on Schlorship anyway, this year. I agree let him, walk on his first year, Play Scout Team. If he stil wants to be a Spartan, and shows potential then let him have a Schlorship. No More no less of Oppt.

[zing]

Nichol had his chance to be a Spartan. The 'help wanted' sign isn't hanging in the window Keith. Take a hike.

p.s. from what we've read today about Kirk, solid character, smart and willing to work his a$s off. Good stuff.

p.s.s. Maxwell will have plenty of time to show his stuff at State. That kid is legit. Won a couple of awards at a Texas qb camp that was stocked with D1 talent. Elite 11 anyone? Hell yeah.

[Hey. Don't Step on the 'S'! (aka Cmoney)]

So wait - who even says Hoyer will start come say...the 3rd game or something?

Come on, this all getting out of hand - lets not prejudge anything.