QB or not QB: 2008 the Penn State quarterback debate

Going into 2008 spring ball, the big question is, “Who will it be, Clark or Devlin?” I’ve heard so many reasons supporting each candidate’s chances of earning the starting spot, none of which seem like the last word on what will go down this summer. I like both quarterbacks. But while the two-headed monster—using both quarterbacks—is cute, it’s not the answer to Penn State’s problems at that position. Actually, the talent both of these guys have is exactly what makes the conversation so relentless.

Through my long, tireless searching deep into the annals of college football recruiting (whatever popped up on the first three pages of a Google search) I was able to dig up a few blurbs on each quarterback. Obviously, Devlin was the higher-rated prospect coming out of high school, so he received more attention. Clark was a good prospect out of the Buckeye state.

From ESPN.com: (2005)

“Devlin is a smooth pocket passer with excellent touch on all his throws. He has a very good arm, but not great and delivers a catchable ball… Anticipation is one of his greatest assets and helps him make up for any lack of elite arm strength… Shows good timing and is extremely accurate… He appears to have good recognition skills and pulls the trigger once he runs through his progressions… Has adequate quickness, is mobile enough to roll out of the pocket and throws well on the run. Associated Press Class 4A All-State team... 2,245 passing yards and 21 touchdowns.”

From Scout.com: (2003)
“Clark has an amazing arm and good speed. Built on a nice frame. One of the most athletic QBs in Ohio (a legit 4.65). Daryll threw for approximately 1,900 yards and 18 touchdowns in 10 games during his senior season. He was named to the AP All-Ohio Division IV 2nd Team.”

Okay, that’s out of the way. Looking at those clips would indicate that Devlin is the surefire pick for Penn State’s 2008 signal caller, right? Nope. The Penn State nation is divided on this issue like they were Democrats and Republicans, only with more passion. Clark has seen the field so far, and despite what many will tell you, it’s not nearly enough to gauge whether he can go up against the likes of Ohio State and Wisconsin—both, by the way, Penn State must play away in 2008. Devlin has fallen victim to Penn State’s policy to stop throwing the ball after leading by more than 20 in the third quarter. He’s seen only a handful of snaps—none of which have been meaningful—and attempted all of one pass, a 59-0 win over Florida International. The pass fell incomplete.

So where does Penn State go from here? Whatever you do, don’t expect an answer from Joe Paterno. According to him, nothing will be decided for several months. I sort of understand that stance, but sometimes question whether it’s a good idea. Penn State has a deep, veteran team in 2008, a team that lost by more than seven only once in 2007. But fans can’t get caught up in what the message boards are saying. Reports from those close to the team say that Devlin is nearly as quick as Clark, but much more accurate. So it now becomes a toss up. What does Penn State want more?

I would love to see Devlin get the nod, if for no other reason than to have stability at a position that’s been unsettled since 2004. What happens to Clark then? Well, sometimes things don’t turn out the way people want. Yeah, I’d feel pretty bad about Clark putting in all the work and not getting time, but I also want to see this team win decisively in 2008. With the best offensive line, the best receiving corps, the best defense all combining for one of the best teams (on paper) Penn State’s had in a long time, the coaching staff shouldn’t take any chances with picking a starting quarterback.

If Clark proves that he’s the superior signal caller during spring and summer practice, fine, give it to him and tell him to go buck wild. But if Devlin emerges as the kind of player that could, and should lead this team to a run towards the Big Ten championship—or more—I would hope that Penn State’s coaching staff knew what to do. Unfortunately, we can only hope.