Naming a QB: How Long Are We Supposed to Wait?

This week, Coach Tedford reiterated that he will not name a starting quarterback by the end of Spring practice. Given that the QB carousel last year with departed Nate Longshore and Kevin Riley was one of the biggest reasons that Cal’s passing production was the lowest it had been in Jeff Tedford’s tenure as head coach at Cal, it’s no surprise that a few fans might be slumping their shoulders a bit right now.

Certainly, some of that angst might directed at Coach Tedford himself, and why he appears to be so reluctant to name a starter. Doesn’t he know that declaring a starter now just gives the offense that much more time to prepare for Fall Camp and develop an offensive rhythm? While other conference teams such as Oregon and Washington will benefit from giving their QBs all the time to work with their receivers, Cal will be that much more behind by continuing to split reps through fall camp.

There’s also probably some frustration that one of the QBs hasn’t run away with the starting job already. I mean, shouldn’t it be clear from day one, who the man is going to be? Kevin Price is beginning to run away with the starting spot at UCLA, Aaron Corp appears to be separating himself at USC. Why can’t Riley do the same?


Perhaps it’s all a ploy. I mean, wouldn’t Mansion or Sweeney have to play out of their minds to unseat Riley, the most experienced of the group? Is it that Tedford, the coach who closes his practices to the public, is merely trying to create a cloud of mystery about his offensive personnel?

I’m sure Tedford understands these concerns. Yet, he knows them well enough not to let them cloud his judgment. Face it folks: A starter likely won’t be named until late into fall camp. I don’t think it will take as long as it did last year, as naming Riley the starter was likely one of the most difficult professional and personal decisions that Tedford has had to make at Cal. But I still don’t think we’ll know who’s leading the team out onto the field until a week before the game. If we’re lucky.

The fan in me understands these concerns to an extent. I’d love to hear about one of the QBs playing so well consistently that they’re the clear cut starter going into the fall. I’d love to hear about our QB dedicating an entire summer to working out with his receivers to get their timing down to shred apart defenses come fall.

But the fan in me also understands that this competition has to make them, and subsequently, the team better. And I don’t mean competition that runs through November, but competition that occurs competition in March or April, or the early part of August. The team can afford to have their players duke it out a bit in Spring Ball, where the emphasis is more about evaluating talent, than creating a depth chart. Really, when else can we truly see what Mansion or Sweeney can do? And by we, I’m referring to our emblematic presence as fans, since we don’t get to actually attend practices. Ahem.

Also, I’ve thought about the message it might send to the team of not rewarding a starting spot to a player who is clearly showing they’re worthy of the spot. And for the record, no one has done that just yet.

But I believe the alternative message of being too quick to name a starter is far more injurious. What type of message would Coach Tedford be sending if he didn’t allow for competition, or give players a fair shake at playing to their potential? How can we deny Beau Sweeney a shot if we don’t truly know what the kid is capable of? Most players would agree, all they ask for is that opportunity. It’s up to them to take care of the rest.

Again, would I like to have our starter set? Absolutely. But not at the risk of him being named without the proper time to evaluate whether or not he is deserving of that spot. It simply isn’t that critical right now.