Column: KU must consider options at QB

By Tom Keegan     Jan 18, 2015

The commitment of Vero Beach (Florida) High quarterback Carter Stanley gives Kansas University football coach David Beaty options not just at quarterback, but with quarterbacks.

By that I mean he can take a realistic look at the names on his roster that have “QB” listed next to them and think about changing that designation.

Jordan Darling is entering his third year in the program and is worth keeping on scholarship, but not to hold a clipboard and not to throw a football. Darling’s feet aren’t a good match for the position, especially in an offense that requires a quarterback with dual-threat capabilities.

Darling has three remaining years of eligibility. Twenty months of weight training, non-stop eating and intense instruction could transform him into a game-ready offensive lineman for the fourth and fifth years of his college football career. Darling stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 230 pounds. His wide frame looks as if it easily could pack on the necessary poundage to play offensive tackle. If his mind and body were to take equally well to the shift, he might even develop into an NFL prospect. It’s a conversation well worth having, first among the offensive coaches, then with Darling.

Kansas needs to be creative in finding O-linemen. Tanner Hawkinson came to KU as a tight end, moved to defensive end and then started four seasons as an offensive tackle. Anthony Collins played more basketball than football in high school. They both block in the NFL now.

The sooner Montell Cozart moves to wide receiver, the better, for a couple of reasons. First, he has the speed and is a big target, so why not find out if he can mute the sound of footsteps better at receiver than he did at quarterback? Second, the longer he stays at quarterback, the greater the risk the new staff will rate his potential at QB based on what the coaches see in practice, when nobody is allowed to hit the guy wearing a red shirt. He looks better in practice.

Processing and acting on information quickly is the most underrated trait for a quarterback. Todd Reesing did it remarkably well. Dayne Crist, Jake Heaps and Cozart showed no aptitude in those areas.

On film, Stanley showed an accurate arm, quick decision-making and nice mobility. No reason to believe he won’t compete with Michael Cummings for the starting job. Incoming freshman Ryan Willis also makes a move to new positions for Darling and Cozart easier to do. Now. No point in waiting.

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