Mitch
Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
I know there is a thread going right now---but I wanted to highlight three extraordinary things about Jake Coker: (1) 14-0 as starter; (2) he is still under the radar even in post-draft shows; (3) his play in the playoffs.
To me, I cannot believe Jake Coker has been so under the radar---especially in light of the way he performed in the NCAA playoffs and Championship Game. He was highly efficient, poised and productive versus excellent defenses. He went 14-0 for crying out loud---and Bama lost the one game he didn't start.
Just last night I am watching ESPN's Draft Grades Special and when they got to the UDFA segment, they only listed two notable UDFA QBs: Vernon Adams and Mike Bercovici.
Watching this Wisconsin tape---again versus a very good defense---and let's not forget this was the first game of the season---his setups were textbook, he was very poised and highly efficient. Plus, even though the announcers keep saying Coker 'is not a runner," he showed good feet, save one of the sacks where he didn't feel the pressure soon enough and tried too late to escape. Big, strong and tough---just the way BA likes his QBs.
Then fast forward to Bama's three playoff games:
1. SEC Championship vs. Florida
If any of you watched Florida's defense this year---they were the best defense in the country.
Bama wins this game 29-15 and Coker goes 18/26, 69.2%, 204 yards, 2-0 TD- INT.
2. The Cotton Bowl (National Semi-Final) versus Michigan St.
Bama wins 38-0.
Coker goes 25/30, 83.2%, 286 yards, 2-0 TD-INT
3. The National Championship Game versus #1 Clemson
Bama wins 45-40
Coker goes 16/25, 64%, 335 yards, 2-0 TD-INT.
Summary: Versus 3 of the best defenses in the country, needing to win all three games to win the National Championship, Jake Coker passes for a combined:
59/81, 72.8%, 825 yards, 6 TDs, 0 INTs, averaging 37.3 ppg.
Wow. Just simply, wow!
To me, I cannot believe Jake Coker has been so under the radar---especially in light of the way he performed in the NCAA playoffs and Championship Game. He was highly efficient, poised and productive versus excellent defenses. He went 14-0 for crying out loud---and Bama lost the one game he didn't start.
Just last night I am watching ESPN's Draft Grades Special and when they got to the UDFA segment, they only listed two notable UDFA QBs: Vernon Adams and Mike Bercovici.
Watching this Wisconsin tape---again versus a very good defense---and let's not forget this was the first game of the season---his setups were textbook, he was very poised and highly efficient. Plus, even though the announcers keep saying Coker 'is not a runner," he showed good feet, save one of the sacks where he didn't feel the pressure soon enough and tried too late to escape. Big, strong and tough---just the way BA likes his QBs.
Then fast forward to Bama's three playoff games:
1. SEC Championship vs. Florida
If any of you watched Florida's defense this year---they were the best defense in the country.
Bama wins this game 29-15 and Coker goes 18/26, 69.2%, 204 yards, 2-0 TD- INT.
2. The Cotton Bowl (National Semi-Final) versus Michigan St.
Bama wins 38-0.
Coker goes 25/30, 83.2%, 286 yards, 2-0 TD-INT
3. The National Championship Game versus #1 Clemson
Bama wins 45-40
Coker goes 16/25, 64%, 335 yards, 2-0 TD-INT.
Summary: Versus 3 of the best defenses in the country, needing to win all three games to win the National Championship, Jake Coker passes for a combined:
59/81, 72.8%, 825 yards, 6 TDs, 0 INTs, averaging 37.3 ppg.
Wow. Just simply, wow!