Will UNT See More QB Runs in 2014?

[MeanGreenGlory]

We know that McNulty and Greer are currently the top two candidates for quarterback and both of these guys have some decent wheels.

Do you think we'll utilize QB run plays more often in 2014 than we have the past few seasons? If so, how much of a factor do you think QB runs will be our offensive play book?

[Harry]

I sure hope so. Look at what DT was able to do. A run threat at QB will allow our running game to make big plays.

[SilverEagle]

If you are just talking about foot speed then (IMHO) the QB's are in this order, Williams, McNulty, Means, Greer, and since he is still on the roster Shanbour.

Foot speed is not enough. You have to have good-to-great peripheral vision, the ability to c hange directions pretty quickly, and you must be DURABLE.

The best "mobile" QB's I've seen at North Texas, based on the above stated criteria, are (in historical order)..

Kenny Washington, quick feet and pretty fast, but he spent too much time running around in circles (Fran Tarkington style) and more often as not, losing yards. He was just barely durable enough to make the list.....just barely.

Jordan Case, great footwork and only ran as a last resort. Pretty effective when he did.

Joe Stephenson, an equal threat running or throwing. Probably as fast as Washington

Greg Carter, quick feet and above average speed. Almost a pure veer QB.

Scott Davis. like Joe Stephenson, an equal threat running or throwing. Very durable as he ran the "flying wishbone" while playing QB at NT.

Mitch Maher, the surprise was not his running ability, but his passing ability. He was, after all, a "run first" Plano Wildcat QB. The second surprise was how durable he was since he played most of his career at about 180lbs.

Scott Hall, the second coming of Jordan Case, but a little faster and with a little stronger arm.....very tough.

Edited June 24, 2014 by SilverEagle

[Ben Gooding]

If McNulty is our starter then absolutely. If he's just a tiny threat to run then that opens things up for everyone, particularly the deep ball and outside power runs that UNT likes to do. I think if it's not DW as our starter then IMO it has to be McNulty. I just pray he has matured and will be able to minimize turnovers.

[GrayEagle]

I don't really think so. Occasionally, you may see a quarterback draw but with the potential talent that we have at running back and the possiblity of a strong receiving corps I think we generally need to stick with our strengths and have the quarterback run only when he sees an opening.

[MeanGreenGlory]

The best "mobile" QB's I've seen at North Texas, based on the above stated criteria, are (in historical order)..

Surprised you left Riley Dodge off your list.

If McNulty is our starter then absolutely. If he's just a tiny threat to run then that opens things up for everyone, particularly the deep ball and outside power runs that UNT likes to do. I think if it's not DW as our starter then IMO it has to be McNulty. I just pray he has matured and will be able to minimize turnovers.

I think McNulty will be the starter - and I'm good with that.

It seems like people are skeptical of him, and I understand there's always skepticism when counting on someone to do something they haven't done before, but here's why I think McNulty will do well at North Texas:

1) Mac's system is built on controlling the clock and avoiding turnovers. Our QB doesn't need to launch it 40 yards because that increases the chance of a turnover and reduces the amount of time we control on a drive. Our QB needs to be a reliable bus driver who makes good decisions - McNulty can do that.

2) McNulty has been learning from Canales for 3 years now. Chico is really good at coaching QBs. I trust McNulty's technique and physical abilities are in good shape.

3) McNulty has been in the system with the same playbook for three years - he should know it inside and out.

4) McNulty has some game time experience with the team and has been in hostile environments. There will still be a learning curve in terms of dealing with pressure but I think it will be a shorter learning curve than most expect.

5) McNulty's running abilities should open up the run and pass game by holding defenses accountable.

All in all, when you pair McNulty with a solid OL, a power run game, a pretty reliable receiving corps, and the option to run, I think we will see a much more efficient offense this year than we saw last (and we'll need it...especially if our defense and special teams can't put up the points like they did last year).

On a side note - I love the smash mouth football that McCarney has implemented here. It's not always the sexiest thing to watch play after play, but it sure is fun in the second half when the opposing defenses are worn out and we bump up the tempo.

[cookecountykid]

Run or pass, stay healthy and win games! Go Eagles!!!

[UNTexas]

Honestly I was nervous, or maybe even angry, with our Quarterback situation this time last year. However, he played well in almost every game. Hopefully one of these guys can step up to the plate and lead the offense. We have a good coaching staff that is there to win. From what I've seen we can trust this staff's decision making.

[greenit]

It's obvious that we are planning to implement the wishbone for the whorn game.

Man that would be a classic.

[UNT86]

You don't run the QB when you only have one. That has been the case the last couple of years (and DT was slow anyway).

I think you will see more of the QB running this year. It seems that we have 2 QB's of somewhat equal ability, so if one goes down we still have another.

And, remember when McCarney came here he said he didn't want a QB that was a statue. DT was close to that. You can see by the QB's they have recruited that a more mobile QB is preferred.

I look for more read option this year.

[emmitt01]

If you are just talking about foot speed then (IMHO) the QB's are in this order, Williams, McNulty, Means, Greer, and since he is still on the roster Shanbour.

Foot speed is not enough. You have to have good-to-great peripheral vision, the ability to c hange directions pretty quickly, and you must be DURABLE.

The best "mobile" QB's I've seen at North Texas, based on the above stated criteria, are (in historical order)..

Kenny Washington, quick feet and pretty fast, but he spent too much time running around in circles (Fran Tarkington style) and more often as not, losing yards. He was just barely durable enough to make the list.....just barely.

Jordan Case, great footwork and only ran as a last resort. Pretty effective when he did.

Joe Stephenson, an equal threat running or throwing. Probably as fast as Washington

Greg Carter, quick feet and above average speed. Almost a pure veer QB.

Scott Davis. like Joe Stephenson, an equal threat running or throwing. Very durable as he ran the "flying wishbone" while playing QB at NT.

Mitch Maher, the surprise was not his running ability, but his passing ability. He was, after all, a "run first" Plano Wildcat QB. The second surprise was how durable he was since he played most of his career at about 180lbs.

Scott Hall, the second coming of Jordan Case, but a little faster and with a little stronger arm.....very tough.

Woody Wilson

[UNT86]

Woody's claim to fame--- He's the last NT quarterback to beat $MU

[SilverEagle]

I tried to list QB's that started for at least a whole year. That's why I didn't list Riley Dodge....or Woody Wilson. I'll agree that Wilson was the best pure runner of the group. Riley was a very close second. But Riley just wasn't durable at all.

[golfingomez]

Woody Wilson

beat me to it