For the 2015 NFL Draft, Optimum Scouting will host a series of “Draft Journals”, written by some of the most intriguing prospects in the draft. The hope is that these journals can give some insight not only on these players’ backgrounds, but their interaction with training, events, NFL teams and more. So whether you’re an NFL Draft follower, a current college player or an evaluator of these players, these “Draft Journals” will hopefully be a resource for you. Enjoy!
“At 98% of the schools in the country, you’re the starting QB.” That’s what Coach Kelly and his staff told me just before the start of the 2012 season. I had been battling Marcus Mariota for the starting QB job at Oregon, and unfortunately for me, Marcus had won. It had been a great competition, and while it wasn’t easy to hear, the competitor in me brought me right to asking how else I could get on the field. Marcus had earned it, and we have remained good friends.
Now, 3 seasons later, Marcus and I have hung out a few times down is Carlsbad, CA., where we are both training at different facilities for the NFL Combine. I might not have believed it had you told me that in 2012, but everyone has their own path. This Draft journal will tell you a bit about mine.
I stayed in Oregon in 2012. I loved the University, the coaches, my teammates and the fans. I rooted for my friend Marcus, but the coaches always reminded me that I was just one snap away from being under center. I even talked to them about switching positions, but they wanted me to stay at QB in case Marcus went down. Instead, Marcus thrived, and when Coach Kelly left to take a job with the Eagles, I decided to transfer to I-AA Southeastern Louisiana so I could play right away. It was a tough decision.
I can still remember the moment I decided to commit to Oregon. I was on my trip the June before my Senior year at Crespi High School, and I walked down the tunnel and into Autzen Stadium. There was nothing like it, and I was a Duck right then and there. Walking away from that wasn’t easy, but I knew I could start elsewhere, and I needed to be on the field.
My experience at Southeastern Louisiana was everything I could’ve hoped for. We went to the NCAA playoffs for the first time in the history of the program my Junior year, and returned again this season. I also think it prepared me for the next level in the sense that I was able to show my versatility with our offenses.
The OC my first season was more pass-heavy, but he left for Eastern Illinois and we did a lot more in the run game my Senior year. In the 2 schemes I was able to get exposure to the drop back game, the quick game, the deep passing game, the option game and the zone read. I even made most of the run calls at the line. The only thing I didn’t get from those offenses was exposure to a pro style offense and taking snaps under center, but I’m working on that every day as we speak.
That brings me to where I am now – At Exos in Carlsbad prepping for the most important job interview of my life. It’s been an amazing experience. My QB coach is Jordan Palmer, and Sean Mannion from Oregon St. is the other QB training with me. Those guys are the best, and they push me to my limits every day. Not that I need it. It’s in my blood to compete, and I want to be nothing less than the best.
And I’m not gonna lie, I have a chip on my shoulder. I was so close to my dream – starting at QB for Oregon and playing in National Championship games. I let that dream slip away once, but I won’t let the NFL get away from me. I love this game, and I won’t let anyone outwork me. That’s why when my agent called me and told me to get on a red- eye from San Diego to Mobile so I could practice the next day at the Senior Bowl, I didn’t even hesitate. The chance to compete with the best of the best? You couldn’t have stopped me!
I landed at 8 am, took a physical, studied the offense for about an hour, and hit the field. It was a challenge learning the offense on the run, but I did a good job of picking it up quickly, and the Senior Bowl was an amazing experience. The scouts said they were impressed with my fluid throwing motion, my arm strength, my ability to fit the ball into a tight window, and my athleticism, but they also stressed that I need to continue to work on my consistency and in learning the nuances of an NFL pro-style offense. With that said, that week proved to me that I belong. I know I have a lot to work on, but I also know that I have some gifts that most QB’s don’t have.
Soon after I returned from Alabama I learned that I had been invited to the NFL Combine. It’s a tremendous honor and opportunity, and I’m working from sun up to sun down every single day to prepare myself for it. Most people have seen very little of me, so this is my chance to show the NFL execs, scouts and coaches that I possess the traits to grow into a starting NFL QB, and I plan on doing just that!
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