TL;DR - Wimbush looks like Tony Rice throwing the ball but there is reason to believe there is a lot of upside in his future.
Ever since people started reporting Wimbush was the best quarterback in the spring of 2016 (better than Zaire and Kizer), I was optimistic this dual threat quarterback would be among the best ever at Notre Dame. When Wimbush's name was included in a pre-season list of potential Heisman candidates (60-1) despite never having stated a game, my optimism only grew.
Early in the season I loved his athleticism and believed it was just a matter of time (a couple more games) before he'd look like Vince Young or Cam Newton putting up huge numbers running and throwing the ball.
The last two games had me wondering about his future. I'm still optimistic but seeing him throw such horrible passes over the past two games shook my confidence. Exactly how much improvement can we expect from a guy that can't complete a 3-5 yard pass and consistently overthrows his receivers beyond 5 yards.
I decided I'd look for a multi-year quarterback that really grew during their time at Notre Dame. Brady Quinn and Jimmy Clausen were different quarterbacks than Wimbush but made significant leaps in years 2 and 3.
I then looked at arguably the best dual threat quarterback ever in Vince Young. Similarly, he made huge strides in years two and three.
I'm not assuming Wimbush's name will be among that list of quarterbacks but at least there is precedent for players to make significant improvements year-over-year and when compared to the first year stats of the above players, I'm back to feeling optimistic. Wimbush's current year is looking a lot like Vince Young's second year.
So, what do you think Brandon's line looks like in 2018 and 2019?
Ever since people started reporting Wimbush was the best quarterback in the spring of 2016 (better than Zaire and Kizer), I was optimistic this dual threat quarterback would be among the best ever at Notre Dame. When Wimbush's name was included in a pre-season list of potential Heisman candidates (60-1) despite never having stated a game, my optimism only grew.
Early in the season I loved his athleticism and believed it was just a matter of time (a couple more games) before he'd look like Vince Young or Cam Newton putting up huge numbers running and throwing the ball.
The last two games had me wondering about his future. I'm still optimistic but seeing him throw such horrible passes over the past two games shook my confidence. Exactly how much improvement can we expect from a guy that can't complete a 3-5 yard pass and consistently overthrows his receivers beyond 5 yards.
I decided I'd look for a multi-year quarterback that really grew during their time at Notre Dame. Brady Quinn and Jimmy Clausen were different quarterbacks than Wimbush but made significant leaps in years 2 and 3.
Quinn
2003 - 157/332 (47%), 1,831 yards, 9 TD, 15 INT + 0 Rush TD
2004 - 191/353 (54%), 2,586 yards, 17 TD, 10 INT + 3 Rush TD
2005 - 292/450 (65%), 3,919 yards, 32 TD, 7 INT + 1 Rush TD
2006 - 289/467 (62%), 3,426 yards, 37 TD, 7 INT + 2 Rush TD
Clausen2004 - 191/353 (54%), 2,586 yards, 17 TD, 10 INT + 3 Rush TD
2005 - 292/450 (65%), 3,919 yards, 32 TD, 7 INT + 1 Rush TD
2006 - 289/467 (62%), 3,426 yards, 37 TD, 7 INT + 2 Rush TD
2007 - 138/245 (56%), 1,254 yards, 7 TD, 6 INT + 2 Rush TD
2008 - 268/440 (61%), 3,172 yards, 25 TD, 17 INT + 0 Rush TD
2009 - 289/425 (68%), 3,722 yards, 28 TD, 4 INT + 3 Rush TD
2008 - 268/440 (61%), 3,172 yards, 25 TD, 17 INT + 0 Rush TD
2009 - 289/425 (68%), 3,722 yards, 28 TD, 4 INT + 3 Rush TD
I then looked at arguably the best dual threat quarterback ever in Vince Young. Similarly, he made huge strides in years two and three.
Young
2003 - 84/143 (58%), 1,155 yards, 6 TD, 7 INT + 11 Rush TD
2004 - 148/250 (59%), 1,849 yards 12 TD, 11 INT + 14 Rush TD
2005 - 212/325 (65%), 3,036 yards, 26 TD, 10 INT + 12 Rush TD
2004 - 148/250 (59%), 1,849 yards 12 TD, 11 INT + 14 Rush TD
2005 - 212/325 (65%), 3,036 yards, 26 TD, 10 INT + 12 Rush TD
I'm not assuming Wimbush's name will be among that list of quarterbacks but at least there is precedent for players to make significant improvements year-over-year and when compared to the first year stats of the above players, I'm back to feeling optimistic. Wimbush's current year is looking a lot like Vince Young's second year.
Wimbush (Not Full Season)
2017 - 122/239 (51%), 1,569 yards, 14 TD, 6 INT + 14 Rush TDs
So, what do you think Brandon's line looks like in 2018 and 2019?
