Tiller and Jantz interview

[WalkingCY]

Q. Does anyone think that part of the spring game, (do to the QB competition), the QB's might go full contact for a series or so? Anyone know if CPR has brought this up? (High hits too, nothing around the knees/legs.)

Some BCS coaches have been known to do that during the spring time to light a fire under these guys sometimes.

 

[besserheimerphat]

Tiller finally seems like he really wants to be the starter. The last two years even when he started games he seemed to be "just glad to be here" and deferred to Arnaud. Now he finally seems to be trying to take what he feels is his. It's refreshing to see that attitude from him.

 

[jdoggivjc]

When was the last time we did not have a BCS QB on the roster? 1997 (year before BCS)?

According to a lot here, we haven't had a BCS-caliber QB since Seneca Wallace (be sure not to include me in that mix).

Okay, Austin Flynn may not have been much of a BCS-caliber QB (and I love the fact that he moved himself over to WR and caught basically everything thrown to him over the middle knowing he was going to take punishment - he will always be one of my favorites for that). But Meyer was a very good QB that was victimized by very poor coaching and Arnaud was a very good, sought-after QB that was victimized by having 3 different coaches with 3 very different ideas about what a QB's role should be over a 5 year period.

 

[jl112481]

According to a lot here, we haven't had a BCS-caliber QB since Seneca Wallace (be sure not to include me in that mix).

Okay, Austin Flynn may not have been much of a BCS-caliber QB (and I love the fact that he moved himself over to WR and caught basically everything thrown to him over the middle knowing he was going to take punishment - he will always be one of my favorites for that). But Meyer was a very good QB that was victimized by very poor coaching and Arnaud was a very good, sought-after QB that was victimized by having 3 different coaches with 3 very different ideas about what a QB's role should be over a 5 year period.

Agree with this completely. Austin Flynn was one of my favorite Cyclone receivers, but 2003 was beyond dreadful. Brett and Arnaud were decent QBs that probably could have been better with different circumstances.

 

[Al_4_State]

According to a lot here, we haven't had a BCS-caliber QB since Seneca Wallace (be sure not to include me in that mix).

Okay, Austin Flynn may not have been much of a BCS-caliber QB (and I love the fact that he moved himself over to WR and caught basically everything thrown to him over the middle knowing he was going to take punishment - he will always be one of my favorites for that). But Meyer was a very good QB that was victimized by very poor coaching and Arnaud was a very good, sought-after QB that was victimized by having 3 different coaches with 3 very different ideas about what a QB's role should be over a 5 year period.

I agree with the overall sentiment, but would say Meyer got destroyed by AWFUL offensive line play in his junior year, and like an abused dog, never fully recovered. Arnaud was a square peg in a round hole under Herman, yet he still managed to be productive, albeit nowhere close to his potential.

 

[FootballinTexas]

Granted, I don't see them actually running the offenses, but if i was watching drills alone, I would rank them:

Jantz
Barnett
Capello
Tiller

After reading Herman's quotes, listening to AA on the podcast, and watching the very limited amount of video, I would rank them this way right now.

Barnett, Jantz, Tiller, Capello
My opinion and reasoning for this is if Barnett is the most poised and mechanically sound QB that we have, he has ample knowledge of the offense, very strong arm, and athletic enough to play other positions, that's a strong foundation to build on. A poised and knowledgable QB will make good reads and put the ball where it needs to be because he won't be flustered. He's mechanically sound so he can trust himself to make accurate throws. And when in trouble, he's athletic enough to make things happen with his feet. So, hopefully they keep the battle open because it seem like he is pushing the pack too.

Now, he will probably end up 3rd due to experience. I still say that this is Tiller's job to win or lose but realistically Jantz is the frontrunner in the eyes of the coaches.

 

[vmbplayer]

Agree with this completely. Austin Flynn was one of my favorite Cyclone receivers, but 2003 was beyond dreadful. Brett and Arnaud were decent QBs that probably could have been better with different circumstances.

This. I would be very interested to see how Arnaud would have developed if he spent his entire career in one system under one coach. Obviously we haven't had a Cam Newton or Chase Daniel level of QB, but I think we often sell the last couple guys short because we look at only the on field results and ignore the circumstances. Like coaching changes and who they have around them.

Arnaud and Brett were both BCS level QBs IMO. They just weren't performing in the top half because of the system changes and the players around them not performing (whether that be the O-line or the receivers)

ISU:
Bret Meyer had a 138.94 passer rating in 2005 (second year in system)
Arnaud had a 127.44 in 2008 (second year in system)

Compared to the league:
Colt McCoy was as 139.16 his second year
Chase Daniel was a 145.06 his second year
Todd Reesing was a 148.93 his second year (orange bowl I think)
Josh Freeman was a 127.26 his second year
Robert Griffen was a 142.9 his second year
Tyler Hansen was a 113.58 his second year

Outside of Robert Griffen who is doing it next to alone I think Brett or Arnaud could have gone in to any of those other guys positions and been about 10 points higher on the passer rating. They're already in the mix of where the rest the league is. AA was on a team that only won 2 games and he still scored a 127.44 rating.

Our problem hasn't been our QBs they've been serviceable BCS QBs. Our problem has been having the talent around them to make things happen.

 

[cyhiphopp]

Here is the official cyhiphopp prediction for how I think everything will go down:

JT is the better athlete. Period. I don't think a lot of people will argue that. He is fast and has a very strong arm. But I don't think playing QB is natural for him.

That is where Jantz comes in. He is also a very good athlete, but he seems to have it come naturally to him.

It is all summed up by these two quotes:
“Coach is just harping on me not to get on myself so much and not to get down on myself when something gets bad and to let the play go and go to the next play,” - Jerome Tiller

“He has sort of (Austen) Arnaud’s ability to not get rattled when something goes wrong,” running back Jeff Woody said. “I think his composure is sort of what’s sticking out the most to me.”


Those qoutes tell me a lot about which of the two is the more natural QB.

Right now Tiller has the best grasp of the offense, and according to CPR, he can execute in practice. After reading the Register article I can sense a new found fire in his belly.
Those two things will make it interesting this spring.

Jantz, understandably, is behing Tiller in understanding of the playbook, but his natural QB instincts are evident. It sounds like it is much more effortless for him than it is for Tiller, even with less time in the system.

I think the starter will still be undecided at the end of spring practice even if one of them completely goess off during the spring game. Unfortunately the spring game probably wont tell us a whole lot. The pressure isn't the same as a real game and you have to take into account who they are playing with and against for everything.

Fall camp is where I think it is all going to go down.
By then, Jantz should have a much better grasp on the verbage of the playbook. He will also have had more time in summer drills and workouts.

By the time the first game rolls around, I think Jantz will have pulled ahead. If he is the starter for UNI it will be his final test. If he moves the offense effeciently without a lot of mental mistakes, I think he has it won.

The opportunity is still there for Tiller though. He has the physical tools and CPR says he has the ability. If, through enough reps, it starts to become instictive and he doesn't have to think about it as much, he could blow up with the amount of athleticism he has.



I think, in the end, Jantz will win out. His natual ability, combined with an increased grasp of the playbook after spring and fall, will be enough for him to overtake Tiller.
I also think that at that point, Tiller will begin the progression to WR and play there before the end of the season and possibly start at WR next season.

We shall see.

 

[cyrider2014]

Dear CF,
Look, since there is NO clear standout as of right now in what we or the coaches (via interview) has seen, we have to assume they are all pretty even. If that is the case, I am of the opinion that, with all things equal, Barnett should get the job or at least the opportunity. He has the biggest upside with the most time to reach his potential, we have been told he is the most poised and the most athletically capable already. He has 4 years left and if he is as close as he seems to be to the other guys as a freshman, lets see what he can do. Put him out there with the big boys and turn the lights on, because if he can get a couple of years as the starter, I think he could be special. His high school higlight tape & game film, some Sunday scrimmages, and a few practice videos coupled with everything we have heard about him from the people that know this topic best (coaches and AA) says he could be the real deal.
Bottom Line: As all other Cyclone fans, I just want to win. Now and into the future.

That is my OPINION, feel free to share your own. :smile:

 

[bosco]

Here is the official cyhiphopp prediction for how I think everything will go down:

JT is the better athlete. Period. I don't think a lot of people will argue that. He is fast and has a very strong arm. But I don't think playing QB is natural for him.

That is where Jantz comes in. He is also a very good athlete, but he seems to have it come naturally to him.

It is all summed up by these two quotes:
“Coach is just harping on me not to get on myself so much and not to get down on myself when something gets bad and to let the play go and go to the next play,” - Jerome Tiller

“He has sort of (Austen) Arnaud’s ability to not get rattled when something goes wrong,” running back Jeff Woody said. “I think his composure is sort of what’s sticking out the most to me.”


Those qoutes tell me a lot about which of the two is the more natural QB.

Right now Tiller has the best grasp of the offense, and according to CPR, he can execute in practice. After reading the Register article I can sense a new found fire in his belly.
Those two things will make it interesting this spring.

Jantz, understandably, is behing Tiller in understanding of the playbook, but his natural QB instincts are evident. It sounds like it is much more effortless for him than it is for Tiller, even with less time in the system.

I think the starter will still be undecided at the end of spring practice even if one of them completely goess off during the spring game. Unfortunately the spring game probably wont tell us a whole lot. The pressure isn't the same as a real game and you have to take into account who they are playing with and against for everything.

Fall camp is where I think it is all going to go down.
By then, Jantz should have a much better grasp on the verbage of the playbook. He will also have had more time in summer drills and workouts.

By the time the first game rolls around, I think Jantz will have pulled ahead. If he is the starter for UNI it will be his final test. If he moves the offense effeciently without a lot of mental mistakes, I think he has it won.

The opportunity is still there for Tiller though. He has the physical tools and CPR says he has the ability. If, through enough reps, it starts to become instictive and he doesn't have to think about it as much, he could blow up with the amount of athleticism he has.



I think, in the end, Jantz will win out. His natual ability, combined with an increased grasp of the playbook after spring and fall, will be enough for him to overtake Tiller.
I also think that at that point, Tiller will begin the progression to WR and play there before the end of the season and possibly start at WR next season.

We shall see.

Pretty good assessment. To piggy back on your post. I think the coaches would be smart to have Tiller the starter going into the first game unless someone else is substantially better so much that it is evident to everyone. Realistically I don't think that will happen.

With JT as the starter they can see how his preparation plays out in game situations and if he doesn't perform then they can go to whoever is the backup in the game or later.

 

[vmbplayer]

Decent projections. I would disagree that it comes natural to Steele. Based on the number of times I've heard someone talking about him being in the film room since he's been here i think he prepares his butt off to the point he makes it look natural.

I hope that they are pushing each other in the classroom as much as they are on the field. QBs spending time with the OC in the classroom and feeling a drive to work there as hard as they do in practice is what will put these guys over the top. I think it's pretty clear that Tiller has the physical ability and the ambition. If he realizes what film study can contribute to his game it will make his game exponentially better.

 

[cyhiphopp]

Decent projections. I would disagree that it comes natural to Steele. Based on the number of times I've heard someone talking about him being in the film room since he's been here i think he prepares his butt off to the point he makes it look natural.

I hope that they are pushing each other in the classroom as much as they are on the field. QBs spending time with the OC in the classroom and feeling a drive to work there as hard as they do in practice is what will put these guys over the top. I think it's pretty clear that Tiller has the physical ability and the ambition. If he realizes what film study can contribute to his game it will make his game exponentially better.

I deffinitely wasn't trying to say that Steele doesn't work hard in the film room. I just meant that he has better natural QB instincts. From what we have seen of JT on the field and in quotes from coaches, it seems like he overthinks things and gets rattled. All reports so far on Jantz is that he is more effortless and has a natural feel for things in the pocket.

Tiller will have to get more comfortable "with the bullets flying", as CPR said, for JT to succeed as the starter.

 

[vmbplayer]

I deffinitely wasn't trying to say that Steele doesn't work hard in the film room. I just meant that he has better natural QB instincts. From what we have seen of JT on the field and in quotes from coaches, it seems like he overthinks things and gets rattled. All reports so far on Jantz is that he is more effortless and has a natural feel for things in the pocket.

Tiller will have to get more comfortable "with the bullets flying", as CPR said, for JT to succeed as the starter.

Yea I think I probably worded my post poorly.

I was just trying to say that frequently guys who look like naturals look that way because of their level of preparedness.

 

[Aclone]

Dear CF,
Barnett should get the job or at least the opportunity. He has the biggest upside with the most time to reach his potential, we have been told he is the most poised and the most athletically capable already. He has 4 years left and if he is as close as he seems to be to the other guys as a freshman, lets see what he can do. Put him out there with the big boys and turn the lights on, because if he can get a couple of years as the starter, I think he could be special.

I think that perhaps you suffer from something of a misapprehension. The only "time" that Barneet has to reach his potential is until September 23. I guarantee you that CPR isn't about to stick a freshman quarterback out there just so that he can spend the next two seasons "learning".

Then there is the fact that he was injued last fall, and doesn't have that good a grasp of the offense.

And given that there are about to be four younger quarterbacks behind him (Richardson, Daniels, Knott and Rohach), things could quickly get interesting for Jared.

All reports so far on Jantz is that he is more effortless and has a natural feel for things in the pocket.

To me, it isn't just the "effortless and natural" qualities. What really struck me was, back on Signing Day, when the coaches kept saying that Steele Jantz just has that something "special" about him.

If you listen to that, and their comments at the start of Spring ball about how long the quarterback competition might last--which seemed dependent on how long it takes Steele to pick up the offense--it seems to me that, reading between the lines (and paying attention to what the coaches have said, rather than my own preconceptions), that they are giving Steele every opportunity to win the job--and would be delighted if he did.

Of course, that's just my impression.

 

[FootballinTexas]

I think that perhaps you suffer from something of a misapprehension. The only "time" that Barneet has to reach his potential is until September 23. I guarantee you that CPR isn't about to stick a freshman quarterback out there just so that he can spend the next two seasons "learning".

Then there is the fact that he was injued last fall, and doesn't have that good a grasp of the offense.

And given that there are about to be four younger quarterbacks behind him (Richardson, Daniels, Knott and Rohach), things could quickly get interesting for Jared.


To me, it isn't just the "effortless and natural" qualities. What really struck me was, back on Signing Day, when the coaches kept saying that Steele Jantz just has that something "special" about him.
If you listen to that, and their comments at the start of Spring ball about how long the quarterback competition might last--which seemed dependent on how long it takes Steele to pick up the offense--it seems to me that, reading between the lines (and paying attention to what the coaches have said, rather than my own preconceptions), that they are giving Steele every opportunity to win the job--and would be delighted if he did.

Of course, that's just my impression.

Did you see the report on Mizz and Tyler Gabbert? What's wrong with giving a freshman QB a shot if he's just as good as your older guys? ISU is not USC or Notredame and have a history of putting out great QB's year after year. The best QB gives you the best chance to win play after play offensively! Who cares if he's a freshman or walk-on! We need to get past the bs and play our best guys or we can continue to win 5-7 games each year and get upset when conference realignments leave us out because we're not competitive enough. I'm tired of being content with mediocrity, and you should be too! We need to play our best players....period.

 

[Clones21]

I really just get that feeling that they are giving Steel EVERY single chance to win the job. I think the competetion will end when Steele picks up the rest of the offense. If he has and is successful when he knows it, i think he will be the man.

 

[FootballinTexas]

I really just get that feeling that they are giving Steel EVERY single chance to win the job. I think the competetion will end when Steele picks up the rest of the offense. If he has and is successful when he knows it, i think he will be the man.

I agree. If 4 guys compete in a race but the winner is not crowned until all 4 guys cross the finish line, then it's not truly a competition. The judge should set a start and finish. All of the guys start at the same place and at the same time, and they all finish at the same place. You don't run them on different tracks, and you don't keep pushing out the finish line in an effort to give a guy extra time to catch up. That's not a competition. I have said it since day one, this one is in the book. And it's a shame that we may not see the "best" guy at the helm.

 

[Tre4ISU]

I agree. If 4 guys compete in a race but the winner is not crowned until all 4 guys cross the finish line, then it's not truly a competition. The judge should set a start and finish. All of the guys start at the same place and at the same time, and they all finish at the same place. You don't run them on different tracks, and you don't keep pushing out the finish line in an effort to give a guy extra time to catch up. That's not a competition. I have said it since day one, this one is in the book. And it's a shame that we may not see the "best" guy at the helm.

Haha, that's funny. How would you quantify the finish line? Do we take a day in the fall have each QB throw 20 balls to the same routes with same receivers? Would that be good enough for you? That seems like the way to do it. The question I have is what if Barnett doesn't win then? Then what do you propose?

 

[swarthmoreCY]

I agree. If 4 guys compete in a race but the winner is not crowned until all 4 guys cross the finish line, then it's not truly a competition. The judge should set a start and finish. All of the guys start at the same place and at the same time, and they all finish at the same place. You don't run them on different tracks, and you don't keep pushing out the finish line in an effort to give a guy extra time to catch up. That's not a competition. I have said it since day one, this one is in the book. And it's a shame that we may not see the "best" guy at the helm.

On the same note, it is not a true competition if the finish line premature. The finish line is the first game of the season. Not giving everyone time to make a strong push at closing a gap near the end is rigged in favor those with a head start.

 

[FootballinTexas]

Haha, that's funny. How would you quantify the finish line? Do we take a day in the fall have each QB throw 20 balls to the same routes with same receivers? Would that be good enough for you? That seems like the way to do it. The question I have is what if Barnett doesn't win then? Then what do you propose?

I'm not trying to quantify the finish line. My analogy was in response to Clones21 saying that the competition will go on until Jantz picks up the rest of the offense. That's not a competition. That's pushing out the finish line until my guy crosses it first. That's giving my guy time to win. I don't know what the finish line will be, I just know that if I were the other guys I would be ****** if that's Herman's plan. What would you do on your job if a promotion was at hand, you've worked your butt off and is capable of doing the job, you are vested in that company, but the boss give a new guy every opportunity to surpass you?

I have already said that Barnett will not "get" the job. That won't necessary mean that he didn't "win" the job or that he isn't our best QB. Lack of experience is the only thing will keep him off the field. But you know, no D-1 school has ever started a redshirt freshman and been successful.