Longhorn QB Connor Wood Reportedly Visiting Colorado Today
by Jon Woods on Aug 29, 2011 12:09 PM MDT
in Buffaloes Football Season
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PrintOrangebloods.com reporter Jason Suchomel reported on Twitter that current Texas Longhorn quarterback Connor Wood is in Boulder today visiting with the Colorado coaching staff about a possible transfer.
Had a source I trust tell me #UT QB Connor Wood is visiting Colorado today to discuss a possible transfer. #hookem #Longhornsless than a minute ago via TweetDeck 
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Jason Suchomel
jsuchomel
Wood is currently tied for the 3rd quarterback spot on the Texas depth chart that was released today with true freshman David Ash, but many pundits have him a bit behind Ash at this moment. Wood was a highly recruited 2010 quarterback from Houston, Texas who was rated as the 3rd best pro-style qb in his class. He was brought in with Colt McCoy's younger brother, Case.
Tennessee is rumored to be the other school that Connor is interested in at the moment. The Buffaloes already have a commitment from 4-star quarterback Shane Dillon in the 2011 recruiting class.
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hmmm, interesting
http://rivals.yahoo.com/colorado/football/recruiting/player-Connor-Wood-74363
A big pro-style QB that can also run. I like the sound of that. He has my permission to come here ;-)
No thanks to another QB
I have a moral issue with taking UT’s rejects, plus I’m fairly well satisfied with Hirschman and Dillon. Texas is such a football machine that kids have to understand when they sign on in Austin there is a big chance they will never see the playing field due to the other 80 5-star recruits on the team.
Sorry to sound bitter, nothing against the kid, just wish he had chosen the Buffs in the first place like Dillon did.
must've contacted Kennedy, as he wasn't even showing a CU offer originally
this seems odd, and I probably wouldn’t be too pleased if I was Hirschman, Schrock, Dorman, or Dillon, as it doesn’t say a lot about the staff’s confidence in those guys. Maybe CU’s just doing their due dilligence, but to have 2012 start with 2 RS sophmores (Hirschman, Wood), 2 RS freshmen (Dorman, Schrock- who I only include because he beat out 2 scholarship QBs for the #3 spot) and 1 true freshman (Dillon) seems like quite the logjam. If he comes, then yay, but I guess I’d rather just give the scholarship to Schrock if he’s earned it.
Look, I've already told Utah to suck it. There's no going back now.
Nice!
I definitely wouldn’t mind getting this guy in here. I wonder if he had come originally to CU where he’d be on our depth chart. If he beats out everyone else we have, even better.
Would he be transferring this year? So he could play next year?
problem w/ transfer
b/c classes have already started here, he’ll have to get some special exemption of some sort. Sounds like he could make it happen. Bottom line, if he’s gonna move, he’s gotta move now! Otherwise, he’s looking at wasting another year of eligibility and won’t be available until 2013. Also looking at Tennessee.
If the Buffs new mantra really is “the best will play” then the team could use the upgrade in talent. Could jeopardize the Dillon verbal, though. Who’s got the bigger upside Wood or Dillon? Dillon would obviously have more eligibility. Make mine Dillon.
I for one love this if it happens
Hirschman, Dorman and Schrock probably weren’t pleased when they signed Dillon and they won’t be pleased when they sign the next group of quarterbacks.
We have been poor at quarterback and on offense the past few years and the more competition and depth we can bring in here, the better we will be. You can recruit other blue chip players with guys like Wood and Dillon. The fact that Kennedy has some familiarity with him is a good sign that he thinks highly of him.
He also has three years to play three years so he isn’t a one year guy, he is a guy you can build around. Maybe Wood wins the job and Dillon is able to redshirt. Maybe Hirschman wins the job for the next few years with Wood and Dillon here. Who knows how it will all shake out. The fact is we haven’t seen Dillon, Shrock or Hirschman on the field for a division one football game yet. Darrell Scott was already supposed to have a Heisman by now. The more talent we have at the most important position in football is a good thing.
May the best man win the job next year, that is what this program needs to get back to.
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I'm not necessarily against the idea. I'm just not sure I would take the same approach.
One of the reasons Embree cited for going after Burnette was a desire to spread out the classes (which I thought at the time was a wasted scholarship, and seems doubly so now). Well, this is the opposite of that. Obviously they won’t all stick around, but a constant state of flux at the QB spot isn’t something I find terribly appealing. Like I said, if he comes, then yay. If not, it’s not something I’ll be wringing my hands over.
Look, I've already told Utah to suck it. There's no going back now.
I don't know how to feel about this...considering I'm so excited about Dillon
If Wood’s transfer were to happen, here is what the QB landscape would probably look like next year at this time:
Wood-Sophomore (RS) 3 years left (assuming he transferred now and sat out this year)
Hirschman-Sophomore (RS) 3 years left
Dorman-Freshman (RS) 4 years left
Schrock-Freshman (RS-he is 3rd string but he is still red shirting right…?) 4 years left
Dillon-Freshman (will red shirt and sit out a year) in theory 5 years left
In short:
1. Wood and Hirschman would battle it out the next year, and may dominate the position for 3 years.
2. Dorman and Schrock may get lost in the mix.
3. Dillon would start his Junior (RS) season assuming everything goes to plan.
What do you guys think of this? Would Dillon be OK with all of this? It would certainly give him a chance to grow, learn the offense, and be in a college weight program…but will he become impatient…? Lots of questions…not many answers….I’m uneasy about this…
don't forget we'll have Burnette on scholly as a senior too
but based on his standing this year it’s kind of doubtful he’ll be in the running to start
Schollies are year to year
then can pull his but would be pretty messed up if they did. Look at all the dudes that got walking papers when Embo got here.
I would be S-H-O-C-K-E-D if that happened
I don’t expect all the attrition we had this year to be a yearly thing. That sort of stuff happens when new staffs come in. Burnette was one of JE’s guys and as long as he comes to practice and goes to class he’ll have his scholarship (even if he’s like 10th string QB as a senior, haha)
We'll also likely add QB Ryan Novak in 2013
He’s already visited CU 3 times thus far.
The big question is do we have the coaches to identify and develop QB talent? We’ve seen tape on a most of these QB’s and they appear to have potential but can they take it to the next level? What troubles me is that our QB coach Rip Sherer has been a coach in the league for over 30 years and the longest he’s stayed in one spot was 5 years with Memphis. Does the fact that he won’t be around long mean he’s not a good coach?
I say bring Woods on but until we can get a proven QB coach we can probably expect more of the same.
Shoulder to Shoulder
and he was the head coach there, so unlikely to fire himself as the QB coach
also concerning is that John Fox apparently didn’t think enough of him to bring him to the Broncos, his last 2 jobs would appear to be steps backward, and pretty much none of his recent teams were known for lighting up the scoreboard.
Look, I've already told Utah to suck it. There's no going back now.
I like the distribution
Nothing against Dillon but I don’t think stressing about his thought process should be a concern. If he doesn’t like competition, so be it but he might also get an offer from USC or some other school and jump ship on Colorado three months down the line. Nothing is guaranteed. Wood would have to make a decision soon to enroll at Colorado if he wants to switch schools this calendar year. He would be a guaranteed roster guy this spring.
I get worried about, for lack of better words, “crowning” a guy without taking the field at the college level. Bottom line, if Wood wants to be a Buff and Kennedy/Embree/Bieniemy/Rip likes Wood and Wood wants to compete for the starting job in 2012, lets do it. Deal with the Dillon consequences & ramifications later. I think it sets a bad precedence if you don’t recruit kids because another recruit may get his feelings hurt.
Sure Dillon may leave and go on to be an All American at some other school and I’ll look really stupid but sitting here today, we need depth and quality competition.
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Best of both worlds
we get both, both turn out to be stars and we have consecutive quarterbacks who help bring Colorado back to prominence. The only way we are going to get this thing turned around is a consistent pipeline of quality players, especially at quarterback, at Colorado. That is the only way
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I wouldn't worry about Dillon getting his feelings hurt
I would, however, get a little worried if he thinks that he was lied to and spreads the word around. One of the reasons for his commitment was that Embree told him that he would only take one QB this cycle. While this doesn’t violate that statement to the letter, I could certainly see how one could infer that it wasn’t 100% truthful. That’s not a good reputation to get. regardless of however much truth there may be in it.
Look, I've already told Utah to suck it. There's no going back now.
I don't think it's dishonest at all
Wood would be 2 years ahead of Dillon. Dillon will still have his chance to be starter for a couple of years if it all works out. Unless he was promised he would be a 4 year starter (which we obviously know wasn’t the case) then there is nothing wrong with bringing this guy in. Hirschman is the guy that would be most likely to be upset, but who cares if he is. If he wants to be starting QB he needs to earn it. The coaches need to do whats best for the team.
would you feel the same way if he was a JC kid and not a transfer?
I could certainly see how someone could perceive “we’re only taking 1 QB” as meaning just that, from any class. Again, I don’t really know- just speculating. But it really doesn’t matter if it’s dishonest or not. Only if he believes it’s dishonest and starts telling all his blue chip buddies that.
Look, I've already told Utah to suck it. There's no going back now.
My thoughts exactly about not taking another QB
What does this mean for Ryan Novak who I’m reading about on Rivals?
probably not much
by 2013, Wood and Hirschman would be seniors, and Novak would be in line for a redshirt anyway. I’d assume Novak would be more concerned with the presence of Dillon.
And probably not even that. kids should know that schools are going to be aiming at bringing in a new guy pretty much every year.
Look, I've already told Utah to suck it. There's no going back now.
I guess I'm not following ya
I agreed with ya when you said:
One of the reasons for [Dillon’s] commitment was that Embree told him that he would only take one QB this cycle. While this doesn’t violate that statement to the letter, I could certainly see how one could infer that it wasn’t 100% truthful. That’s not a good reputation to get. regardless of however much truth there may be in it.
I can understand how Wood wouldn’t be “considered” in Dillon’s class, but Novak certainly would be. Wouldn’t that be a broken promise?
Dillon graduates in 2012
Novak in 2013
by blooming rock on Aug 29, 2011 5:51 PM MDT up reply actions
Dillon finished 7th at the espn elite11 qb competition, his stock is on the rise
not sure what that means for his commitment to cu but surely he has been pummled with offers and pressure from top programs since then. its a thin line between having healthy compeition and keeping a promise to a recruit but. i’d like to believe that inventory plus incoming is sufficient but …
Cody Hawkins finished as an "elite 11" QB
Should we just blindly go off those results? Every school will have QB’s to compete with. Look at SC, they take a 5 star every year. A good program does not start freshman at the QB position unless they are once in a generation prospects
OR they're CSU...
Who has enough talent to be a mediocre Division 3 team.
Oops. Is it too early for the CSU hate???
12 PAC - Sh*t runs downhill
by huckthefuskers on Aug 29, 2011 5:10 PM MDT up reply actions
conceded, fair point.
the july ‘11 video is on the espn site, worth a listen as background. i would hope the competition and training have improved since ’05. dilfer seems high energy and knowledgeable. the competition seemed brisk if a bit staged. i’m just guessing. if a recruit is that fragile that he can’t take competition or expects to play right away, maybe he’s not a true buff. still, it is a bit of a retreat from the ‘1 qb this cycle pledge’ and a possible hit to staff cred. i digress.
weirdly, Dilfer is also Hirschman's private QB coach
I wouldn’t really count on the fact that the competition and training have improved. It’s not like Nike to do anything half assed. Plus, the QBs get graded on a lot more than being physically impressive. It’s about footwork and mechanics and work in the classroom, all f which Cody has in spades. Plus, look at the rest of his classmates. It’s not an unimpressive list.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN_RISE_Elite_11
Look, I've already told Utah to suck it. There's no going back now.
I saw that
Nick’s Dad helped build Dilfer’s custom home.
Shoulder to Shoulder
by Buff'em Up on Aug 29, 2011 9:10 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions
Its possible that Dillon shouldn't be worried anyways
This guy is basically 4th string behind no much at UT, so….. I don’t think one can anoint anyone until they actually play a down in a real game, so that lets out everyone except Hansen.
lets be real. depth of talent is king.
This guy is a player. Texas people claim wood was their qb with the most pro potential. Hes big, fast, smart, and can sling it. I see a guy with HUGE potential.
I believe it was embree who was talking a few weeks back about how he wanted to get back to the days when the buffs had guys like chad brown on the scout team. you bring in ALL the top talent you can. It protects you against injury while also creating that absolutely necessary competitive atmosphere. We dont want to force dillon to start as a freshman, and what makes you so sure hirschmann will be a star? When has he shown himself as a sure thing? He has shown some potential but nothing more. If Wood flops, he still pushes Hirschmann to up his game and see his potential. Things go right with Wood, he has the potential to be a program changer. He will hand the reigns of a BCS contender over to Dillon for his redshirt sophmore year (after he puts on 30lbs and knows the offense backwards).
Sound good?
it was Cabral who said that, and linebacker is a lot different than QB
and still- what? I don’t give a damn about pro potential. I only care about college production. And the Texas people who matter, ie the coaches, say that a QB who was decidedly mediocre last year, who beat out Wood last year, beat him out again. See BuffnBigD’s comment above. It’s funny that you talk about being “sure Hirschman will be a star.” He has exactly the same number of college passes as Wood. And Hirschman will have the advantage of basically a 2 year head start on the playbook, because he’ll be getting backup reps and Wood will be splitting scout team reps. There’s a pretty big contradiction in being high on Wood and questioning Hirschman when they’ve both proven exactly the same thing. Why would he “hand the reigns of a BCS contender” when he can’t take the reigns from a QB who oversaw his program’s decline from just that?
Yes- competition is very important. But as it stands, we’re burning 2 scholarships on backup kickers, 1 scholarship on Burnette, possibly another on Dorman. We have talent issues all over the field, so scholarships are precious. Having 5 scholarship QBs lumped together with 4 as sophomores are younger is questionable (and I don’t consider “pull someone’s scholarship” to be a viable alternative).
Look, I've already told Utah to suck it. There's no going back now.
Gilbert beat out two other damn good quarterbacks besides Wood as well
and that’s with a new OC.
Dorman will most likely end up being an unfortunate scholarship and like you say, we should never ever consider pulling someone’s schollie for something like that.
But by the same token, we can’t not bring in a guy with a ceiling as high as Wood’s at the most important position on the team just because we may have had two guys on the roster that won’t make an impact (Dorman, Burnette)
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but by the same token
we don’t know where he ranks in the hierarchy with those other 2 QBs, and we don’t know if they’re actually good. All we know is that the guy who won the competition was bad last year.
I agree with your 2nd point, but you’d better be damn sure of the commodity you’re getting.
Look, I've already told Utah to suck it. There's no going back now.
missing the point
qb i a lot different than linebacker. and every other position. this is why it is vital that we have someone who can play. i wasnt down on hirschmann. I was making the point that none of these guys are proven. bringing in more talent leaves us with options when one (or three) of our prospective quarterbacks dont pan out. Ya, Wood might not turn into anything – but he has a chance. As does hirchmann. Take both and youll probably get one good quarterback in the end. It is certainly a step toward “quality” at quarterback. For too many years we have suffered with our riches of “quantity”.
And just because Wood didnt win the Texas job doesnt mean the kid cant play. The job doesnt always go to the best player at Texas (Politics?). Ask Major Applewhite – he will confirm.
all i am saying is we are in no position to turn down a highly talented quarterback. bring him in and let the best man win.
I do not agree,
The Applewhite decision probably means that Mack Brown never again does he choose potential over production, but Gilbert’s production is pretty shitty anyway. And wins will trump politics every day of the week. Gilbert presided over the worst team in Mack Brown’s Texas tenure by far. Brown had to fire half of his staff. There’s no way in hell that takes a backseat to some vague amorphousness like “politics.”
Look, I've already told Utah to suck it. There's no going back now.
by Phil Fraser on Aug 29, 2011 10:05 PM MDT up reply actions
i shouldve said - (Politics, promises,stubbornness, etc.)
I figured you would understand the standing joke that is UT’s connection to money and politics.
I never said he picked potential over production with Gilbert. The Applewhite case only shows that the player who obviously gives you the best chance to win doesnt always get the nod (sometimes not a chance). When Gilbert was a true freshman, they moved the second stringer ( a spread option quarterback who was the number two behind vince young before mccoy) to third string so gilbert (a pocket quarterback right out of high school) could be the second stringer. They did this knowing that an in game injury would force them to immediately change the offense they had been running and practicing for the last 7 years. Now maybe he really was the best option texas had at winnng in Colt’s absence, but if the natl title game was the best anyone couldve done- then i have overestimated texas’ talent level.
similarly, oregon’s team took the next step when their “star” quarterback was kicked off the team and the backup was forced to play.
The point is that you shouldnt assume a kid cant play just because he didnt win the penultimate athletic position at arguably the best program in the country. If a kid shows he cant play, we know he cant play. I, for one, am all about taking the best talent we can and building a winner.
by rckymtnbuff on Aug 29, 2011 11:16 PM MDT up reply actions
Wood was in a no win situation
He was stuck at texas behind the local golden child (Gilbert) and the blood heir to the throne (McCoy). The guy has big time talent, as in early round draft pick talent.
phil & rcky, i concede
so my only issue is how recruits will perceive our staff, i..e., does our veracity and credibility, a vital element of recruiting i believe, take a hit? or is it not a consideration? thanks for the chat, b
it depends on how everything played out after the fact.
As I said above, our staff’s credibility could take a hit if Dillon perceived himself as being lied to, and is vocal about it. If he isn’t, then there’s no real downside, and possibly an upside if it opens further recruiting inroads into Texas (not to mention if he becomes a good QB)
Look, I've already told Utah to suck it. There's no going back now.
I assume they have discussed it with dillon if it is going to happen
these coaches know how to recruit. most kids are worried abt kids there own class – they will sit for a couple years to get ready, but they dont want to sit for three years before they learn they will never be the man.
I see zero reason to make this assumption
As you’ve said- QB is the most important position on the field. If it’s all about competition, and you believe in Wood, then you make the offer. Period. If you believe in Dillon and are worried about hurting his feelings, then you don’t. Also period. As I mention below- I see no reason to come to hat conclusion, but still. As I’ve said ad nauseam, there’s no reason to worry about Dillon unless he perceives that he’s been lied to. And if you go back to him to talk it through, then you’re already admitting that you weren’t completely truthful.
Look, I've already told Utah to suck it. There's no going back now.
by Phil Fraser on Aug 29, 2011 10:15 PM MDT up reply actions
i didnt mean they asked permission
or sheepishly apologized.
I mean that they probably have talked him through the quarterback situation – whether they would consider recruiting freshmen, juco guys, or even transfers.
What i am trying to say is if they are committed to a future with dillon, i assume they have discussed all the scenarios. like you say – let it play out. if they want dillon to redshirt or get some time as a backup before he is put in, then im sure they will (as they should) offer wood to compete with hirschmann. if they see dillon as a day one starter, then i assume they wont bring in wood.
i dont care who our quarterback is – i want him to be the guy who can lead the buffs to victories. personally, i am not yet confident enough in our depth chart to turn down a guy who just might help us at quarterback.
All this is obviously depends on whether or not the coaches think Wood can help.
by rckymtnbuff on Aug 29, 2011 10:51 PM MDT up reply actions
Daily Camera Quotes a Source Close to the Program
That the staff is considering whether Wood is a good for the program or whether the transfer would have any impact on the commit from Dillon. “Dillon is viewed as the long term future of the program and the priority at quarterback”
http://www.buffzone.com/ci_18781547
Shoulder to Shoulder
by Buff'em Up on Aug 29, 2011 9:21 PM MDT via mobile reply actions
what an odd quote
If you think Dillon’s the future, and there’s no real reason why you should, then don’t bother with this guy. If he comes in with 3 years to play, then there’s plenty of time to recruit a next The Future, and it’s not a particularly encouraging thing to say to the other guys on the roster. Either way, you definitely don’t say anything to a reporter. Since this is the first “inside info quote” I can remember from Ringo, I’m going to call shenanigans on how close the source is to the program.
Look, I've already told Utah to suck it. There's no going back now.
betting it was Klatt
this kind of thing would be right up his alley
hahaha. true.
I really do hate Joel Klatt.
Look, I've already told Utah to suck it. There's no going back now.
by Phil Fraser on Aug 29, 2011 11:32 PM MDT up reply actions
Considering all of the debate on this blog
imagine what the coaching staff is thinking. The more I think about it, the more I think we should pass on Wood. Even at the expense of depth, I think we need to focus on Dillon; the player who chose CU in the first place and has proven just as much as Wood has playing at Texas.
and if Dillon ends up being a bust we're left with a hole at quarterback.
No thanks
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If any of the playes on this team think they have a shot at the NFL
then they better get used to having the best of the best around them to earn where they are going. And I’m sorry, anymore a “letter of intent” from a 18 year old high school top dog is one step ahead of a “like” button on Facebook. How does anyone know this isn’t driven by word that Dillion is getting offers every day and is pressing the “like” button on those too. You bring in everyone that can help your team period. To even be discussing having too many top rated QB’s on the roster should be bringing big smiles on our faces, it’s showing where this team is going!
if he transfers, it has to happen soon, right?
Anyone know when the deadline for CU or Wood to make a decision is? If he is to sit out this year to transfer, it would have to been quite soon, no?
There are rumors that it will happen today
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I think anytime you can upgrade, especially at QB position you have to take it
If Dillion is the real deal, and I hope he is, he should have no problem coming in and earning the starting roll on the team. Regardless of who is already here. I think if this kid can play, you let him transfer, you also never know with the health of the QB position.
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
"Good, bad, I'm the guy with the gun" - Ash from Army of Darkness
"H.I., you're young and you got your health, what you want with a job?" - Evelle from Raising Arizona
"It happens sometimes. People just explode. Natural causes." - Agent Rogersz from Repoman
MORE TALENT + MORE COMPETITION = SUCCESS
It is pretty simple. All this worrying about how Dillon will feel about this is just a product of a bunch of fans who have watched a crappy team for years and are worried to lose their first decent recruit commitment. If Dillon leaves because he’s scared to compete, we don’t want him anyway. Go play at Kansas or something! This is how you build a strong program! Texas isn’t sad because Wood is leaving. I won’t be if Dillon get’s beat out for the starting QB job either.
12 PAC - Sh*t runs downhill
by huckthefuskers on Aug 30, 2011 12:25 PM MDT reply actions
Are you acusing us of being a bunch of fans who have watched a crappy team for 5 years..
And are afraid to lose our first decent recruit??!! Yip, that would be me.
Haha, Yes I'm talking to you
That is a losers attitude. It’s time to get your head out of the Hawkins misery! That wasn’t CU. This is!
12 PAC - Sh*t runs downhill
by huckthefuskers on Aug 30, 2011 5:02 PM MDT up reply actions
Exactly!
Hawkins was the exception to excellence. Not the rule.
by BuffulanceMan on Aug 31, 2011 12:00 PM MDT up reply actions
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