AJ Bush

[Pennsyhusker]

I have a couple of questions regarding Bush and would like to get a discussion going concerning his future here.

1. How good is he as a QB? I suspect, based on raw athleticism alone, that he is a much better QB than people think

2. Is he more of a dual threat QB like Armstrong or could he fit nicely into Riley's more pro style offense? I am assuming he is more of a dual threat guy, but don't really know

3. Assuming he is more dual threat, why hasn't he transferred? Have the coaches told him they think he could be a good pocket passer and that he has a legit shot next year at being the starter?

4. Do we redshirt Obrien this year with the assumption that we will have two upperclassman next year at QB who can be effective?

 

[rrthusker]

1. He struggles with passing and reading defenses but he has demonstrated improvement
2.Dual threat

3. No idea. He must like it here.

4. I think the plan is to RS O`Brien if others stay healthy.

 

[LBremser]

This was included in Nyatawa's notes from this morning's practice:

>> As expected, sophomore AJ Bush and freshman Patrick O'Brien are battling for the No. 3 QB spot. Tommy Armstrong's the starter. Ryke Fyfe's the backup. "I'd be lying if I said that this is wide open," Riley said. ... So Bush and O'Brien will battle it out — and perhaps the coaches will know by the end of the week, Riley said. "Patrick is in limbo a little bit," Riley said. "He's redshirtable. We haven't made that decision."

Based upon this, I think that it is safe to say that AJ will never be a starter unless we have all kinds of injury problems.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

Thanks. So then I think rrt's response above to 3 sums it up: who knows why he did not transfer?

 

[Pennsyhusker]

Maybe he knows his future resides more in coaching as a career and wants to learn all he can from this staff

 

[Cornicator]

AJ runs like a Gazelle.




He also can throw a football 65 yards.






Anything else you ask a QB to execute?..... Not great.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

AJ runs like a Gazelle.




He also can throw a football 65 yards.






Anything else you ask a QB to execute?..... Not great.

So in reality, Riley's public statement today that Bush is battling for third string is really him asking "is Bush good enough that we can be comfortable red shirting POB?"

Personally, I hope OBrien does not redshirt and gets some meaningful reps this year

 

[TheLiberalHunter]

AJ runs like a Gazelle.




He also can throw a football 65 yards.






Anything else you ask a QB to execute?..... Not great.

So he is a taller TA?

 

[dckchusker]

AJ runs like a Gazelle.

He also can throw a football 65 yards.

Anything else you ask a QB to execute?..... Not great.

Sounds like a perfect candidate to switch to WR. Learn the position this year, have a realistic shot at playing next year.

 

[jlb321]

Sounds like a perfect candidate to switch to WR. Learn the position this year, have a realistic shot at playing next year.

I like the kid ... but we are recruiting very well at WR and to just assume any athlete can switch to WR I think diminishes the skills required to play the position

if he honestly doesn't have a realistic shot at ever playing QB in this offense then it would be best for him to transfer to a program that better suits his skills and free up the scholarship ... harsh, but this type of roster management is imperative at this level

 

[NikkiSixx]

So in reality, Riley's public statement today that Bush is battling for third string is really him asking "is Bush good enough that we can be comfortable red shirting POB?"

Personally, I hope OBrien does not redshirt and gets some meaningful reps this year

Although nothing directly has been said, I get the impression that POB isn't ready yet. I think it would be wise to get another transfer in for next year’s depth too. AJ does not sound really viable.

 

[jflores]

If O'Brien is battling it out for 3rd place with a guy who will never play QB here, I really doubt he plays "meaningful snaps" this year.

What do you tell Ryker? Sorry kid you are number 2, but its honorary.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

Although nothing directly has been said, I get the impression that POB isn't ready yet. I think it would be wise to get another transfer in for next year’s depth too. AJ does not sound really viable.

Transfers who are quality D1 quarterbacks are rare. Then add the fact that unless they have already graduated they have to sit out a year. So if we are looking for immediate depth for next year it better be someone who has already graduated. Possible but not likely.

POB has not even been here a full year. My guess is that he will be ready by next year. So they need to get him reps in games this year if the plan is to have him ready for next year. And remember... Lee has two years left to play. So if he turns out to be a very good QB, then unless POB really shines he will be in a back up role for the next two years, and will then be ready to be a starter in his junior year. Does he want to wait that long? How much will Gebbia push him?

Sometimes you can just overthink this stuff. Sometimes you just need to cut the kids loose, let them play, and then run with the guy with the hot hand, redshirts be damned. It should be interesting. Where does Bush fit in all this? Well, according to some comments above he doesn't.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

If O'Brien is battling it out for 3rd place with a guy who will never play QB here, I really doubt he plays "meaningful snaps" this year.

What do you tell Ryker? Sorry kid you are number 2, but its honorary.

What you tell him is that he is a true #2 in the sense that if Tommy goes down then he is our starter. He has the experience.

But that does not preclude being blunt with him and telling him he is not the QB of our future. Thus, we are going to give POB significant playing time in games where we have a good lead in the 4th.

 

[jlb321]

Transfers who are quality D1 quarterbacks are rare. Then add the fact that unless they have already graduated they have to sit out a year. So if we are looking for immediate depth for next year it better be someone who has already graduated. Possible but not likely.

POB has not even been here a full year. My guess is that he will be ready by next year. So they need to get him reps in games this year if the plan is to have him ready for next year. And remember... Lee has two years left to play. So if he turns out to be a very good QB, then unless POB really shines he will be in a back up role for the next two years, and will then be ready to be a starter in his junior year. Does he want to wait that long? How much will Gebbia push him?

Sometimes you can just overthink this stuff. Sometimes you just need to cut the kids loose, let them play, and then run with the guy with the hot hand, redshirts be damned. It should be interesting. Where does Bush fit in all this? Well, according to some comments above he doesn't.

Lee getting a 2nd year is huge ... he has 2 years which offers a bit of a security blanket if POB isn't going to the guy in 2018 to allow Gebbia to develop

high school to D1 QB is a crap shoot ... no guarantee that either POB or Gebbia are going to develop ... although one likely will be the real deal... I think Lee can at least be a game manager and serve as a bridge until one of those is ready to go

we should continue to look at JUCO or transfers until we are certain one of the recruits is a legit D1 QB

 

[bigboxes]

Honestly, you guys need some patience. It's so much better to redshirt O'Brien. The idea is to develop depth. That is something that even you guys have been complaining about. This year it's all about TA and then the rest. After this year you'll have a competition with Lee, O'Brien and Gebbia. Hopefully, Lee will be the real deal and we can redshirt Gebbia. Unless injuries hit us hard I don't see Riley burning POB's redshirt. It's just not wise.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

Lee getting a 2nd year is huge ... he has 2 years which offers a bit of a security blanket if POB isn't going to the guy in 2018 to allow Gebbia to develop

high school to D1 QB is a crap shoot ... no guarantee that either POB or Gebbia are going to develop ... although one likely will be the real deal... I think Lee can at least be a game manager and serve as a bridge until one of those is ready to go

we should continue to look at JUCO or transfers until we are certain one of the recruits is a legit D1 QB

For immediate depth for next year I think a Juco transfer like Zac Taylor is more likely than a graduated transfer

 

[bomber89]

Lee will be a 2 year starter. If you've heard Riley & Langsdorf's comments about Lee this week they basically said as much.

It's not what I would love but I want the best players to start.

 

[jflores]

What you tell him is that he is a true #2 in the sense that if Tommy goes down then he is our starter. He has the experience.

But that does not preclude being blunt with him and telling him he is not the QB of our future. Thus, we are going to give POB significant playing time in games where we have a good lead in the 4th.

So what's the point of making him the #2.

Just park him at the back of the depth chart and tell him he only see actions if there's a major injury

I know alot of folks just want to get the POB or Gebbia train going and just throw them to the wolves, but our two QB whisperers seem very, very averse to doing so. Especially since their QB of the future might be in 3 years. They seem to be high on Lee. We may not see POB for a long time. Edit: Bah, bomber beats me by a few seconds.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

Honestly, you guys need some patience. It's so much better to redshirt O'Brien. The idea is to develop depth. That is something that even you guys have been complaining about. This year it's all about TA and then the rest. After this year you'll have a competition with Lee, O'Brien and Gebbia. Hopefully, Lee will be the real deal and we can redshirt Gebbia. Unless injuries hit us hard I don't see Riley burning POB's redshirt. It's just not wise.

Not opposed to POB redshirting this year. Building depth, as you correctly point out, is huge. The question is, what aspect of POB is still underdeveloped? If he still needs to add size and strength, then he'll yes redshirt him. But if the issue is "lack of real experience" then redshirting is of marginal benefit in my view. And all of this is presuming that Lee is the real deal. What if he is only mediocre at best? So we go into next year with an athletically mediocre Lee and a completely inexperienced POB.

But who really knows? I sure don't. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Is POB just another Harrison Beck? Is Gebbia for real? How good is Lee really? And remember, we are looking here for a QB that can take us beyond "Peliniesque" results and truly to the next level. I for one am disappointed that the much ballyhooed POB isn't ready yet to even be groomed with a little experience in real games. He needs time on the scout team for a year? Ok, fine. Like I said, what do I know?

Just once I would like us to have a QB recruit come in and blow people away with how mature and ready to contribute he is. I am tired of the "we will be great again in 3 years" mantra. Tommie Frazier was a true difference maker as a freshman. And POB will be a sophomore next year. Time to get him ready now if he really is all that.

 

[dockentwo]

Maybe he knows his future resides more in coaching as a career and wants to learn all he can from this staff

Actually very astute, and you can bet a certain FB recruit and others, " get it ". You have really been on a roll, adding to the board. GBR

 

[jflores]

Not opposed to POB redshirting this year. Building depth, as you correctly point out, is huge. The question is, what aspect of POB is still underdeveloped? If he still needs to add size and strength, then he'll yes redshirt him. But if the issue is "lack of real experience" then redshirting is of marginal benefit in my view. And all of this is presuming that Lee is the real deal. What if he is only mediocre at best? So we go into next year with an athletically mediocre Lee and a completely inexperienced POB.

But who really knows? I sure don't. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Is POB just another Harrison Beck? Is Gebbia for real? How good is Lee really? And remember, we are looking here for a QB that can take us beyond "Peliniesque" results and truly to the next level. I for one am disappointed that the much ballyhooed POB isn't ready yet to even be groomed with a little experience in real games. He needs time on the scout team for a year? Ok, fine. Like I said, what do I know?

Just once I would like us to have a QB recruit come in and blow people away with how mature and ready to contribute he is. I am tired of the "we will be great again in 3 years" mantra. Tommie Frazier was a true difference maker as a freshman. And POB will be a sophomore next year. Time to get him ready now if he really is all that.

If you had to rank by general coaching vibe, its probably:

Lee
Armstrong
O'Brien.

And the only reason Armstrong is in the competition is because Lee is barred from playing. The only reason O'Brien is on there at this point in time, is because there is no realistic other choice for Riley's system in the future save Gebbia, who isn't even signing for a whole season yet.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

If you had to rank by general coaching vibe, its probably:

Lee
Armstrong
O'Brien.

And the only reason Armstrong is in the competition is because Lee is barred from playing. The only reason O'Brien is on there at this point in time, is because there is no realistic other choice for Riley's system in the future save Gebbia, who isn't even signing for a whole season yet.

I think this is probably spot on

 

[dockentwo]

Not opposed to POB redshirting this year. Building depth, as you correctly point out, is huge. The question is, what aspect of POB is still underdeveloped? If he still needs to add size and strength, then he'll yes redshirt him. But if the issue is "lack of real experience" then redshirting is of marginal benefit in my view. And all of this is presuming that Lee is the real deal. What if he is only mediocre at best? So we go into next year with an athletically mediocre Lee and a completely inexperienced POB.

But who really knows? I sure don't. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Is POB just another Harrison Beck? Is Gebbia for real? How good is Lee really? And remember, we are looking here for a QB that can take us beyond "Peliniesque" results and truly to the next level. I for one am disappointed that the much ballyhooed POB isn't ready yet to even be groomed with a little experience in real games. He needs time on the scout team for a year? Ok, fine. Like I said, what do I know?

Just once I would like us to have a QB recruit come in and blow people away with how mature and ready to contribute he is. I am tired of the "we will be great again in 3 years" mantra. Tommie Frazier was a true difference maker as a freshman. And POB will be a sophomore next year. Time to get him ready now if he really is all that.

Wasn't it Turner that got thrown in mid freshman season? Too lazy to try and remember

 

[jflores]

Just once I would like us to have a QB recruit come in and blow people away with how mature and ready to contribute he is. I am tired of the "we will be great again in 3 years" mantra. Tommie Frazier was a true difference maker as a freshman. And POB will be a sophomore next year. Time to get him ready now if he really is all that.

I would too. But me clamoring for it doesn't make it so. It does not appear POB is "that guy". We knew he was raw and relatively new to football having dropped baseball to concentrate on polishing his game. We know Gebbia needs weight room time, at a minimum.

POB had his time to come in and be Frazier, and it doesn't look like that will quite stick judging from reactions this camp. So we must play the waiting game.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

I would too. But me clamoring for it doesn't make it so. It does not appear POB is "that guy". We knew he was raw and relatively new to football having dropped baseball to concentrate on polishing his game. We know Gebbia needs weight room time, at a minimum.

POB had his time to come in and be Frazier, and it doesn't look like that will quite stick judging from reactions this camp. So we must play the waiting game.

Sadly, I have to agree. I sure hope Lee turns out to be a difference maker for us

 

[Pennsyhusker]

Great conversation guys. Thanks for the input. Just the kind of discussion I needed.

 

[jlb321]

I would too. But me clamoring for it doesn't make it so. It does not appear POB is "that guy". We knew he was raw and relatively new to football having dropped baseball to concentrate on polishing his game. We know Gebbia needs weight room time, at a minimum.

POB had his time to come in and be Frazier, and it doesn't look like that will quite stick judging from reactions this camp. So we must play the waiting game.

agree ... POB needs time to develop but just from reading the tea leaves I think he is more of a project than most of us had initially thought --- then again I could be completely wrong and he could be the guy next year

an astute poster has stated that we are in trouble if Lee is our best option next year but I just don't get the sense that there is going to be anyone else even remotely ready to go next year unless we see someone transfer in

 

[jflores]

agree ... POB needs time to develop but just from reading the tea leaves I think he is more of a project than most of us had initially thought --- then again I could be completely wrong and he could be the guy next year

an astute poster has stated that we are in trouble if Lee is our best option next year but I just don't get the sense that there is going to be anyone else even remotely ready to go next year unless we see someone transfer in

I think a general fan/board issue is and we see this all the time....

XYZ has great scores and he's so athletic, he's got to be legit. There's a large leap taken from pure athletic ability, to supposed football skill in a game situation (and generally we are hoping high stakes kinda games at that).

The prisons are full of people who have freakish athletic skills or strength. There really aren't a whole ton of NFL level talents in the prison population though. If you think my general analogy is off, look at the number of guys in high school and minor league baseball that some scout thought was a "5 tool" guy and doesn't every break out of AA ball.

Being athleticly freakish is a nice pre-req for be a high level football player, but it doesn't necessarily mean that because you are athletically gifted, you are very likely to be a high impact player right away.

TA has a nice set of athletic skills, people here can't wait to be rid of him.

 

[k9_r]

If you had to rank by general coaching vibe, it's probably:

Lee
Armstrong
O'Brien.

That would be amazing given that Armstrong is easily one of the top five QBs in the B1G. Perhaps top two. And I'm not even saying that order is wrong. Just saying it's high praise for Lee.

 

[jflores]

That would be amazing given that Armstrong is easily one of the top five QBs in the B1G. Perhaps top two. And I'm not even saying that order is wrong. Just saying it's high praise for Lee.

What's frustrating is that there isn't a whole lot wrong with TA's game. He's got to make a handful of better decisions and he'd be what we need to put us in that 10 win category as a start. Let Lee take it from there.

I seem to remember TA coming out the first couple of series against BYU and running the ball, throwing the check down, screens, sideline routes, crossing routes. I sat there thinking, Riley is a muther ****ing miracle worker. We might be unstoppable. TA didn't keep that up long.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

What's frustrating is that there isn't a whole lot wrong with TA's game. He's got to make a handful of better decisions and he'd be what we need to put us in that 10 win category as a start. Let Lee take it from there.

I seem to remember TA coming out the first couple of series against BYU and running the ball, throwing the check down, screens, sideline routes, crossing routes. I sat there thinking, Riley is a muther ****ing miracle worker. We might be unstoppable. TA didn't keep that up long.

I said something similar concerning TA in a different thread. I like Armstrong and the gifts he brings to the table. All he has to do is improve his decision making to cut down turnovers, and you are looking at a 10 or 11 game winning season.

 

[dockentwo]

I think a general fan/board issue is and we see this all the time....

XYZ has great scores and he's so athletic, he's got to be legit. There's a large leap taken from pure athletic ability, to supposed football skill in a game situation (and generally we are hoping high stakes kinda games at that).

The prisons are full of people who have freakish athletic skills or strength. There really aren't a whole ton of NFL level talents in the prison population though. If you think my general analogy is off, look at the number of guys in high school and minor league baseball that some scout thought was a "5 tool" guy and doesn't every break out of AA ball.

Being athleticly freakish is a nice pre-req for be a high level football player, but it doesn't necessarily mean that because you are athletically gifted, you are very likely to be a high impact player right away.

TA has a nice set of athletic skills, people here can't wait to be rid of him.

It could be called " natural spatial relations ability "; and tied to " field intelligence tracking ability ". I suspect TA doesn't score as high in these area's = more interceptions and related. GBR

 

[TruHusker]

AJ was always a project at QB. Look at his offer list. Late addition to this class. The fact he is battling a true freshman for 3rd spot should tell you something. He is a good athlete from all appearances but that doesnt make him a good QB. What is to overthink, he cant beat out a true Frosh and a former walk on. Obrien wont get any playing time unless there are injuries. How many games does anyone think we will run away with to get our #3 in? I cant believe we would spend a scholarship on a juco QB. They would come in to join the battle of Obrien and Lee. AJ is not in the mold of QBs that Riley is getting now.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

AJ was always a project at QB. Look at his offer list. Late addition to this class. The fact he is battling a true freshman for 3rd spot should tell you something. He is a good athlete from all appearances but that doesnt make him a good QB. What is to overthink, he cant beat out a true Frosh and a former walk on. Obrien wont get any playing time unless there are injuries. How many games does anyone think we will run away with to get our #3 in? I cant believe we would spend a scholarship on a juco QB. They would come in to join the battle of Obrien and Lee. AJ is not in the mold of QBs that Riley is getting now.

Agree with most of this except for the Juco comment. Looking for a Juco for next year would be a waste of a scholarship unless the coaches truly felt that neither Lee nor OBrien are capable of winning us games. This is Nebraska. Fan expectations are high. Win now baby or else. Riley already has his 5-7 Mulligan year. So just like Callahan went out and found Zac Taylor so too our coaches might try the same in a pinch. And Taylor turned out to be one tough competitor. So yeah, Juco is a waste IF the guys we have on roster are capable of getting it done. But what if they aren't? Juco transfers are not ideal, but sometimes they work out well as a "bridge" when you have no other options

 

[sparky62]

We have to remember that POB wa getting ready for his Senior season at this time last year. It seems like he's been here for a while since he came at mid-term. IMO if he is ready I would like to see him at #2 & then have Gebbia RS next year. Put a little distance between them. BUT I'm the armchair guy.

 

[dockentwo]

We have to remember that POB wa getting ready for his Senior season at this time last year. It seems like he's been here for a while since he came at mid-term. IMO if he is ready I would like to see him at #2 & then have Gebbia RS next year. Put a little distance between them. BUT I'm the armchair guy.

This is a great arm chair idea. If POB beats out AJ; I would add AJ could make a heck of a TE Spring conversion - he has the size and smarts in the qb testing; he was virtually a bring three men to tackle me guy in the Spring game. There is a history for this happening; even UNO put a qb in the pros as a TE. GBR

 

[HuskerMike85]

According to some he is a left handed Cam Newton....

 

[NikkiSixx]

...
Being athleticly freakish is a nice pre-req for be a high level football player, but it doesn't necessarily mean that because you are athletically gifted, you are very likely to be a high impact player right away.

TA has a nice set of athletic skills, people here can't wait to be rid of him.

I will be happy when we have a 'winner' at the QB position again. It's an important position, probably the most important. Yes, I put the wins and losses on the QB by a large percentage. I'll be happy when we recruit a player that absolutely hates to lose more than anything else. That's when you are going to make a run. Of who we got right now, my money is on Gebbia.

 

[jeans15]

A 3rd of TA INTS last year came in wins

3 against Rutgers
2 against Michigan St
4 against Iowa Loss

2-1 with 9 INTs

So he averaged less than 1 INT a game the other 10 games.

The INTS are not why we had a losing season, imo.

Getting stops at the end of games, changes last year, save NW....That INT ended up costing us.