Position Preview: Quarterback

(Photo courtesy of Larry Sellers)

The Jackrabbits graduate the undisputed greatest quarterback in Jackrabbit history in Taryn Christion.  Nobody is going to immediately step in and replace his production.  However, there are three really strong candidates who possess different skill sets who will certainly vie to fill that role.  All three have shown glimpses of their potential but have yet to put it all together.  The benefit of whoever steps into this role is that they are surrounded by tons of explosive experience at the skill positions and talent along the offensive line. I was able to catch up with Coach Lujan and discuss the group.  He is excited about the group has looked in camp and the competition they are giving one another.  Lujan said they plan to name the starter about a week and a half before the first game so that everyone knows their role as they make final preparations for the Gophers.  Contrary to a report by the Brookings Register, a starter has not been named and the quarterbacks have been splitting reps with the first team offense.

#2 J'Bore Gibbs, 6-3, 225, was the top recruit in the 2018 recruiting class.  He spent most of the 2018 season learning the offense and growing as a leader.  The coaches continue to rave about his physical ability.  Lujan said that Gibbs has really grown in the play book and his understanding of the offense.  He also possesses the dual threat ability that Taryn Chirstion. While he may be a good runner J'Bore's best trait is his arm. He has the ability to make all the throws and knows when to put heat on the pass and when to put some more touch.

#12 Kanin Nelson, 6-4, 200, is a junior and has been in competition to be the top backup for the past two seasons.  Now, Nelson is competing to run the show.  Nelson is a really good runner but maybe doesn't have the arm strength and accuracy of Gibbs or Connors. Lujan said that Kanin has really impressed in camp so far with his ability to take what he is learning in the meeting room and carrying it over to the practice field.  Given his experience, Nelson should be the leader in understanding the playbook and what is being asked of the quarterback on any given play. 

#14 Matt Connors, 6-4, 200, really impressed in his first spring game this year.  The redshirt freshman throws a beautiful deep ball and has a command for the huddle that one expects from their signal caller.  Lujan said that Connors can really place the ball in a tight window and sometimes that results in interceptions.  Connors performance in the spring game really stood out and I think complicated the search for whoever is the next Jackrabbit signal caller. 

Keaton Heide and Karst Hunter are the two incoming freshmen and both have splashed early in camp.  The two spent their summer in Brookings and participated in the captain's practices.  That early dedication has allowed them to hit the ground running in fall camp.  Both Heide and Hunter played behind porous offensive lines their senior year and had to make plays while on the run.  Heide and Hunter are both good athletes with strong arms.  I look forward to watching their development in the system.

Go Jacks!
Matt