Offseason Part 3: Quarterbacks

Tonight I want to start looking at each position, player by player, and break down what was done individually, and as a group. I will also look at incoming recruits and breakdown their impacts as well. Also, if you didn't see my post on Peegs, there no kids coming in this weekend.

Kellen Lewis: 6'1" 180 RS Junior
Kellen was the starter from day 1 this season and started all 13 games. Since IU runs a zone type of spread offense, the QB position has to be able to run the ball, throw the ball, and smart enough to read the defense and be able to decide just what to do, either hand off, run himself, or throw it. It's an offense that desires an athletic QB, but still has to be able to throw it. KL came to IU as a run first, pass second type of player, and he's still learning how to be that passing type of QB.

In 2006, KL started the last part of the season, but still played in 11 games. His numbers were 124 rushes for 441 yards and 5 TDs, and he completed 190 passes in 346 attempts for 2221 yards and 14 TDs with 7 INTs. He accounted for 2662 yards by himself with an average of 242 yards/game.

In 2007, KL ran the ball 147 times for 736 yards and 9 TD, and he completed 265 passes in 442 attempts for 3043 yards and 28 TDs with 10 INTs. He accounted for 3779 yards by himself with an average of 291 yards/game.

KL started out the season like a house a fire, but from the Illinois game on, he really went through a Sophmore slump that continued all the way through the bowl game. KL is immensely talented, but he has to learn to be smart with the ball and use his legs to set up the pass. In games that he would struggle, he would try to set up the run, with the pass, and it just didn't work. There are many reason as to why that was, but for IU to improve on offense and limit the turnovers, especially the fumbles, KL has to improve. There is no doubt in my mind that he will. He's the leader of this team and not much rattles this kid. I fully expect another huge year from him and he'll enter the Spring as the #1 guy.

Ben Chappell: 6'3" 235 RS Sophmore

Ben was IU's 2nd string QB last year and was able to play in 3 games. Unfortunately for Ben, his most memorable performance wasn't a very good one, as he was inserted into the Northwestern game and to everyone surprise, he tried to throw a pass, and it was picked off and returned for a TD.

Ben did have 4 rushes for 2 yards and he completed 1 pass for 14 yards with 0 TDs and that 1 INT. Though Ben is very, very green in terms of in game experience that doesn't mean that the coaches don't like what they see out of him. Ben performed very well in the spring last season and he continued to grasp the offense very well during fall practice. Ben came to IU known for his QB smarts and throwing ability and he's not disappointed there, and Ben has shown the ability to run the ball too. Obviously, he's not the shifty runner than KL is, but he can run the ball and he pack a real punch when he runs into you.

Ben will start the spring as the clear favorite to be 2nd string. Fans should not be as concerned if KL would go down, because Ben can step in and do pretty well.

Blake Powers: 6'4" 235 Senior
Blake lost the starting QB job last year, so he made an attempt to switch to TE. He played that position last spring and into the fall, but the decision was made to switch him back to QB during the season, as the TE position was once again going to be used as a blocking position to help the OL, and that certainly wasn't Blake's strength.

For the season, Blake only played in one game this season, Purdue, but he was able to do a QB sneak and picked up a huge first down for the Hoosiers. That sneak, comprised of picking up 2 whole yards, was all we saw of Blake on the field. But that wasn't really the true impact of Mr. Powers, as we didn't see what he did off the field as a leader that was the true impact of this team and one that will be hard to replace this coming season.

When Blake was replaced as the starter, due to injury, but completely after his return, he never said anything. In fact, he just worked and was a leader and showed his young teammates what it met to be a real leader. He mentored KL last season. This season, he mentored KL and Ben and Teddy. Blake was one of my favorite players when he was starter, but even more when he wasn't. He will be truly missed, and I think he would make a great coach one day.

Teddy Schell: 6'5" 220 RS Freshman
Teddy redshirted this season and spent the fall running the scout team for IU. Teddy came down to IU early last summer and participated in 7 on 7 drills and really did a very good job. In fact, if the OL had shown more, and Blake Powers wasn't summoned back to the QB position, I believe Teddy could have played had their been an injury to KL or Ben. However, it was very good that he got a RS year. He's put on about 10 pounds of muscle and he's working at learning the zone spread. Since he's a true pocket passer, IU would have to change it's offensive approach a little bit if he were to play. He's not a runner, though he could scramble a little in a pinch, but his true strength is his arm. I'm looking forward to see him in Spring ball and showing a bit of what he can do with this offense.

Dustin Hass: 6'1"220 RS Senior (walk-on)
Dustin has never played a down at IU so far, and I highly doubt he ever will, but that doesn't keep him from working hard and doing the things he needs to do. Dustin is very athletic and had offers to play QB in low football division as well as baseball in other divisions, but he chose to walk on and play for IU.

Adam Follett: 6'4 200 True Frosh from Alma, Michigan
Adam will be a true freshman this fall. Adam is a real sleeper, as he runs a 4.7 40 and has a very good arm. This season, he transferred to Alma, so that he could play in a pass first offense. Adam will no doubt redshirt next season, but though this kid is raw, he's really got a live arm and he can run. As he learns the offense, he really has to the potential to be an impact player at IU.

IU has also offered, and hosted on an official visit, Ohrian Johnson. He's a 6'2" QB/athlete from Gulfport, FL. He's a lot like KL in that he's got offers from Tennesse, South Florida, and interest from O$U as an athlete, but IU has made it clear, they want him at QB. Ohrian has stated he doesn't care where he plays and he's in the process of taking his visits and won't make a decision until very near signing day. He really enjoyed his official visit here, and several kids that visited that weekend did commit. Darius Willis has been in touch with him trying to persuade him that IU is the place for him. I think at this point, IU sits pretty well with him, and we will take him if he wants to commit, regardless if anyone else commits or not.

Next time, we'll look at the running backs.