Monday morning QB watch
Let's talk about the one thing everybody talking about Central Michigan football wants to talk about.
The quarterback battle.
It's no secret it's the biggest gaping hole in the offense after losing 4-year starter Cooper Rush to the NFL this past offseason, and here we will talk a look at the pros and cons of each option the Chippewas will have to choose from in the next two weeks.
Tony Poljan: Redshirt Freshman
PROS:
Poljan's recruitment process was a long one, as he was highly thought of around the country as a great athlete. Standing at 6-feet, 7-inches, Poljan showed his legs at the high school to level warrant as a Division I tight end. In fact, it came down to a decision between CMU and Michigan State, as the Spartans wanted Poljan as a tight end.
But CMU wanted their future quarterback, and when he announced his commitment it was one of the biggest moments CMU has had in the recruiting realm in a long time.
As the Chippewas move to a new spread offensive system, Poljan is proving to be the prototypical man for the job. Head coach John Bonamego still wants to keep some balance on offense and Poljan's poise in the pocket, and ability to run when necessary, show he is ready for the job.
He worked all spring with the new system, and started the spring game showing flashes of what made him such a highly touted prospect. And it's not just his size and his running ability that make him dangerous, he has an accurate arm with zip behind it.
His knowledge of the new system under new offensive coordinator Chris Ostrowsky, and his ability to improvise and make plays, gives him a great chance to be the starting quarterback for the Chippewas in 17 days when they take on Rhode Island in the season opener.
CONS:
There aren't many, but one is something he will face until he gets the chance to play. And that would be the fact that he has zero experience as a starting quarterback at the Division I level.
Poljan sat out all of last season with a redshirt, learning from Cooper Rush and taking as much information in as he possibly could. Not to say he isn't prepared, but his lack of experience will play against him in the QB battle over the next two weeks.
Shane Morris: Senior Graduate Transfer, UofM
PROS:
When Morris announced this past winter that he would be transferring from the University of Michigan, the Chippewas' name immediately became a topic of discussion. In 2013, Morris was one of the top recruits in the entire country, garnering a 5-star rating despite missing most of his senior season with mononucleosis.
Ironically, Morris' college debut came the next season as a true freshman when he entered the game against Central Michigan, passing for 59 yards. Morris also saw more action that season after then-starting QB Devon Gardner faced injuries, and it was thought he may be the future at Michigan.
However, the next few years didn't play out that way, and as Jim Harbaugh moved in and built a top team, Morris' chances dwindled. He would make small impacts during those years as a backup, and even seeing some action at wide receiver, but he wanted to be a starting quarterback.
Morris is an all-time talent, and one that has a lot of experience at the highest possible level in college football. He's a left-handed quarterback, and the CMU wide receivers have said it has a different feel to it when he throws the ball. It has a different spin on it, but that he throws it with great accuracy and strength.
His experience makes him a top candidate for the CMU starting job, especially considering the amount of returning starters the Chippewas have on the offense side of the ball. The entire offensive line, multiple receivers and four running backs all return from last season, and Morris would bring a sense of comfortability to the huddle.
He's no slouch when it comes to using his legs either, as mentioned above, he did see some time at wide receiver for the Wolverines. Simply put, Morris' experience and potential make him a perfect candidate to take over an offense poised to explode this season.
CONS:
The cons against Morris are pretty easy to point out. He's the new kid on the block.
Bonamego has made it clear from day one that Morris will not be handed the job. He's walking into a brand new locker room and a brand new system, and was unable to participate in any spring activities.
He was on campus earlier this summer and got light work in when allowed, but has recently cemented himself into a tight battle with Poljan for the starting gig.
Tommy Lazzaro: Junior Juco transfer, Dodge City
Lazzaro is most likely headed for third-string duties this year after a full season assuming the backup role last season following a head injury to Jake Johnson.
Lazzaro, however, would be the best fit if CMU were running the spread option. Lazzaro is very fast and athletic, and uses his legs more than his arms to make plays.
He is entering his second year in the program after transferring from a junior college, and started opposite Poljan in the spring game this past April. He showed the ability to make some great plays, but with Morris and Poljan locked into a starting battle, Lazzaro may be relegated to scout team this season. Still, not a bad guy to have on your side if the injury bug catches up.
Hergott was past of the 2016 signing class when Bonamego brought him in from Fort Thomas, Kentucky, a school with multiple state championships in their storied history. He was also recruited by the Chippewas in part due to the fact that former running backs coach and recruiting coordinator Gino Guidugli also went to the same high school.
Hergott took a grey shirt last season, sitting out the season without taking up a scholarship spot. He is a big QB with an accurate arm, but arm strength has been brought into question during his time.
However, Hergott is technically now in his second season with the Chippewas, and brings a great sense of pride to the program. He also took part in the spring game and will be expected to help the team in any way possible this season.
Speaking of CMU quarterbacks, former standout Cooper Rush has made a name for himself in recent days. After being signed to the Dallas Cowboys as a undrafted free agent, Rush has seen significant playing time in the team's first two preseason games.
Fans on twitter have been pleading for Rush to jump ahead of Kellen Moore for the backup spot on the depth chart, especially after throwing this gem on national TV Saturday night.
It not only appears Rush will be making the team this fall, but he may even find himself backing up Dak Prescott in the regular season.