My Least Favorite JMU Football Tradition
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Spring practice finally wrapped up last Friday and all indications are that the JMU Dukes will head into next season without a clear number 1 QB. For a school that lacks many deep traditions, the QB battle stretching into September is making a serious move to become one. And while I’ve already stated my opinion on the matter, let me just reiterate that including “holding the door open for strangers” on a list of traditions is utterly ridiculous. You can’t just claim practices that are generally accepted in society as your own traditions. It makes no sense. Go ahead and claim shaking hands and looking both ways before you cross the street as JMU traditions while you’re at it. It’s a JMU world Madison Society. But I digress. The point is that the lack of stability at QB has been more the norm that than the exception for a while now.
We heard indications that Mickey Matthews was going to name a starting QB coming out of spring ball this year. It didn’t work out that way though. Spring practice opened with four playes battling for the spot, Justin Thorpe, who started games at QB as a freshman 2 seasons ago, redshirt freshman Jace Edwards, redshirt freshman Billy Cosh a transfer from Kansas State, and true freshman Andre Coble. Due to several factors including a rash of injuries, Andre Coble spent much of the spring working out at WR, so let’s assume this battle is now a 3 man race.
Each player has strengths and weaknesses obviously. We’ve all seen Thorpe play at the collegiate level, but Edwards and Cosh have never played a down beyond high school. Thorpe is a tremendous athlete who struggled with decision making as a starter. He was only a freshman though and he did play well enough to win the CAA Offensive Rookie of the Year. Edwards is a big dual threat QB who can get it done with his feet or his arm. Cosh is the boy with the golden high school stats who is more of a traditional passer. I’ve already made my prediction that Cosh wins the job. We were hoping to know by now, but we’re going to have to wait until the Fall for a decision.
Yeah, this sucks. I want Cosh to win the job. I don’t want it given to him though. I would love to see Thorpe move to the slot or something. I never played a down of football in my life, so I’ll just do my part and root for them and drink beer at the tailgate.
Not that a dual threat QB can’t be successful but remember that Rascati was more of a pocket passer type and that got us the National Championship. I realize things have changed since the ’04 offense, but all other things being equal, I am wondering if having a better running game and a pocket passer (with stellar defense) really is the recipe for success.
I agree with both of you guys. Like Tedward, I want Cosh to win it, and that’s not a slight on Thorpe. I just think Justin might be more valuable playing another role and add a dimension to the offense that otherwise would be missing.
Jason, I’m in complete agreement that a better rushing attack is going to be key no matter who wins the QB job. I know it’s a cliche, but a lot of this team’s success will come down to the offensive line and how good they can make the QB look.