There is just no clear answer.
Spring football will come to an end on Tuesday and the
quarterback situation has only gotten more complicated.
Saturday’s scrimmage at Drake Stadium proved that there
has been no clear winner this spring.
Highly touted freshman Ben Olson is still developing and trying
to rid himself of the rust from not playing for two years while he
was on his Mormon mission. He did put together a better showing in
Saturday’s scrimmage than in last week’s, completing
four of 12 passes for 47 yards. Nevertheless, the coaching staff
acknowledges his evolution will clearly take time.
“A good summer and a good fall I think (Ben) will be able
to compete in the fall,” offensive coordinator Tom Cable
said. “They all have to at this point, I don’t think
there is a clear guy.”
The play of freshman Pat Cowan on Saturday may have given the
Bruins one more name to throw into the ring. On Saturday, Cowan
demonstrated an impressive ability to throw the long-ball along
with his quick release, completing six of 12 attempts for 83 yards
and one 50-yard touchdown to Brandon Breazell.
“You saw Pat Cowan make plays, and I think you’ve
seen that time after time in spring football in terms of decision
making and managing his huddle,” Cable said.
“He’s been very impressive.”
Cowan’s numbers reflected a steady improvement he has made
over the course of the spring.
“He gives us a chance to throw the ball down the
field,” Cable added. “He’s got such a fast ball.
I just think the kid is coming along. He’s resilient. He
doesn’t seem to dwell on things. “
“He seems to go right back, after making an error, and
make a big play.”
Meanwhile, David Koral completed 8 of 12 passes for 102 yards
and a touchdown. Despite those solid numbers, Koral, the only of
the three quarterbacks with Division-I playing experience, has not
emerged in spring practice as a clear-cut choice over Cowan or Ben
Olson.
“Last year, I struggled with the offense,” Koral
said. “Hopefully, I showed the coaches I really understand
it, going through every read.”
Technically, the job is still in the hands of Drew Olson, but
the status of his torn ACL will likely prohibit him from returning
until fall camp. Until then, the coaches will reserve any
decision.
“We’re counting on Drew to be back and ready to go,
until proven otherwise, so we feel really good about that
position,” coach Karl Dorrell said. “We’re not
going to determine, though, after 13 days of practice, who would be
the starter if we had to play next week. That’s not something
we’re thinking about right now.”