Colorado State University Athletics
Quarterbacks Not Stressed About Learning New System
3/10/2020 7:30:00 PM | Football
Lynch says group is meeting his install pace
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – New is no longer daunting.
Not to Justice McCoy, who had three offensive coordinators in high school. Not to Patrick O'Brien who has done this a number of times already in college.
"It's really nothing new doing this," O'Brien said. "My fourth head coach, my forth offense. It's pretty normal to me now."
Which is pretty much what Colorado State offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Joey Lynch has seen. Everybody on the unit has to learn the system he's installing, but the guys in his room have to know it quicker so they can help direct traffic.
While the Rams are only five practices into the process, Lynch says his small group – just three in the room – have adapted well and pushed forward.
"Honestly, I've been really pleased with our group as an offense, and starting with the quarterback position," Lynch said. "Day five today, and we've had a scrimmage, so we haven't installed much, so I'm really, really impressed with how they've picked it up, with how they've taken the meeting room to the field. Some guys get it in the meeting room, but it's slower on the field. I feel as a group they've done a nice job of taking the meeting to the field and getting us started the right way."
Lynch admits he didn't know what to expect, because while some of the systems would transfer over, the terminology can sometimes be a hurdle to clear. Nobody is saying anything has been perfect, but it has progressed.
With spring break splitting up spring camp, Lynch set a target for what he wanted to install by that time, and with Thursday's practice being that bullseye, he said they are right on schedule. McCoy said that alone is a pat on the back for what the group has been able to do through the transition.
He also agreed the system is rather adaptable from the quarterback's perspective. That doesn't mean it doesn't put a lot on their shoulders, but the translations have been smooth.
"I'm fine with the new offense," he said. "I feel like I've got it down to the point where I can change protections and stuff like that.
"I feel like it's more user friendly for a quarterback, because it's less stress on us protection wise, but I like having that load on my back. It makes me feel like I'm a true leader and tell people what to do and protect myself in the pocket."
There are only three quarterbacks on roster, which in some instances may become problematic. Five is the norm, with practice plans accounting for at least four.
However, with a clean sweep of the coaching staff, having only three quarterbacks on hand could turn out to be a blessing in the learning process.
"There's nothing like live reps," Lynch said. "At quarterback, there's only one ball and only one guy can play on a given snap. Being a bit limited with only three guys, all the guys are getting reps and you see them grow because of it, and I think that's going to be really important moving forward."
Naturally, Lynch looked at film to get an idea of what the players could do in the old system, all the while trying to construct of vision of where they fit in his. Those who had impressed him still have, as have a few others.
With head coach Steve Addazio having a power-run background, some were wondering if the offense could still be high octane. From what the players have seen so far, there's no reason to worry about anything slowing down.
If anything, the quarterbacks see it picking up. McCoy sees more receivers becoming involved, as well as the running backs. O'Brien carries the same assessment.
"I think it's the complete opposite. I think it might be more explosive," he said. "There's a lot of opportunities for the quarterback where we're putting our best players in position to make big plays, and in this offense, I think it's going to help us. Honestly, in this offense, I think we might be more explosive than last year just passing the ball."
That will take time, more than just six days. But the glimmers are exciting for the players, and the coaches are seeing progress. With spring serving as the appetizer, the more the Rams learn in these 15 workouts will only aid what they can do in player-led summer sessions, setting them up for an August camp which could prove even more productive.
It's early, but for Lynch, being on schedule is a great start.
Not to Justice McCoy, who had three offensive coordinators in high school. Not to Patrick O'Brien who has done this a number of times already in college.
"It's really nothing new doing this," O'Brien said. "My fourth head coach, my forth offense. It's pretty normal to me now."
Which is pretty much what Colorado State offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Joey Lynch has seen. Everybody on the unit has to learn the system he's installing, but the guys in his room have to know it quicker so they can help direct traffic.
While the Rams are only five practices into the process, Lynch says his small group – just three in the room – have adapted well and pushed forward.
"Honestly, I've been really pleased with our group as an offense, and starting with the quarterback position," Lynch said. "Day five today, and we've had a scrimmage, so we haven't installed much, so I'm really, really impressed with how they've picked it up, with how they've taken the meeting room to the field. Some guys get it in the meeting room, but it's slower on the field. I feel as a group they've done a nice job of taking the meeting to the field and getting us started the right way."
Lynch admits he didn't know what to expect, because while some of the systems would transfer over, the terminology can sometimes be a hurdle to clear. Nobody is saying anything has been perfect, but it has progressed.
With spring break splitting up spring camp, Lynch set a target for what he wanted to install by that time, and with Thursday's practice being that bullseye, he said they are right on schedule. McCoy said that alone is a pat on the back for what the group has been able to do through the transition.
He also agreed the system is rather adaptable from the quarterback's perspective. That doesn't mean it doesn't put a lot on their shoulders, but the translations have been smooth.
"I'm fine with the new offense," he said. "I feel like I've got it down to the point where I can change protections and stuff like that.
"I feel like it's more user friendly for a quarterback, because it's less stress on us protection wise, but I like having that load on my back. It makes me feel like I'm a true leader and tell people what to do and protect myself in the pocket."
There are only three quarterbacks on roster, which in some instances may become problematic. Five is the norm, with practice plans accounting for at least four.
However, with a clean sweep of the coaching staff, having only three quarterbacks on hand could turn out to be a blessing in the learning process.
"There's nothing like live reps," Lynch said. "At quarterback, there's only one ball and only one guy can play on a given snap. Being a bit limited with only three guys, all the guys are getting reps and you see them grow because of it, and I think that's going to be really important moving forward."
Naturally, Lynch looked at film to get an idea of what the players could do in the old system, all the while trying to construct of vision of where they fit in his. Those who had impressed him still have, as have a few others.
With head coach Steve Addazio having a power-run background, some were wondering if the offense could still be high octane. From what the players have seen so far, there's no reason to worry about anything slowing down.
If anything, the quarterbacks see it picking up. McCoy sees more receivers becoming involved, as well as the running backs. O'Brien carries the same assessment.
"I think it's the complete opposite. I think it might be more explosive," he said. "There's a lot of opportunities for the quarterback where we're putting our best players in position to make big plays, and in this offense, I think it's going to help us. Honestly, in this offense, I think we might be more explosive than last year just passing the ball."
That will take time, more than just six days. But the glimmers are exciting for the players, and the coaches are seeing progress. With spring serving as the appetizer, the more the Rams learn in these 15 workouts will only aid what they can do in player-led summer sessions, setting them up for an August camp which could prove even more productive.
It's early, but for Lynch, being on schedule is a great start.
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