Lets take a look at QB, the most important position for next year, since Hess, 6'3, 230 will be gone. He set new records for passing at YSU but leaves without playing a single playoff game. Often described as a "system" QB, was not quick and spent most time throwing and not running. Here's what back for next year--
Dante Nania, 6'0, 205, was the back-up. Short, an athletic QB who likes to run and did in H.S., but also prone to what happens to running QBs -- injuries. I'm nervous when he throws as he'll throw in a crowd, doesn't always make all his reads and true arm strength is a question. While Montgomery calls plays, the QB often has options and decision making with Nania maybe his downfall. Not much experience.
Tanner Garry, 6'0, 200 was the 3rd team QB. He was a walk-on at BG who transferred here. Father was a H.S. coach. Has a live arm but lacks even more of ability in making all his reads and makes poor decisions on who or where to throw the ball to.. Exhibits hotdog mentality which means his maturity level lacks for a strong, disciplined player on the field. Little experience.
Nick Wargo,6'3, 215, the 4th team QB. Played one year as a starter in H.S. No experience here. Was red-shirted. Lacks arm strength and doesn't make good reads. He look lost at times. Considered a project and probably a candidate for another position.
Ricky Davis, 6'3, 190, currently a Red-shirt. Played little in H.S. and transferred from Moeller to Fenwick to start for one year. Has some arm strength but accuracy and arm strength need work. Haven't seen enough to rate decision making abilities nor making his reads but can say he needs some work and might do with a couple of seasons of development.
YSU has a verbal from Hunter Wells, 6'4, about 175 . He set records in Stark Co. but played at a D-V H.S. with less than quality competition. Lacks arm strength and overall body strength. Needs a serious weight program for several years. Played in an O where he made few reads. Will not be used to the speed and abilities at this level. My evaluation is he is a project. Expect him to red -shirt.
My advice to the coaching staff -- beat the bushes for a Juco QB or find a quality transfer who isn't getting playing time but has the abilities. Montgomery needs to evaluate what we can realistically do here next year and consider making wholesale changes to work with what limited talent is here now. Hint -- heavy run game, play action passes off the run game, waggle and delay patterns. Throw more to your backs. Use a ball control attack running & passing with short passing game, screens, etc. May need to take more time off the clock and not worry with how many plays you can run quickly. Next year is going to be really different.
