Costa is probably the front runner but I think after the Sun Bowl and Civil War game performance that Justin Roper has to be in the mix and would probably be giving Costa a good run for his money. I've never seen Costa play so I don't know how good he is but I have read things about him and he is supposed to be pretty good. I would love to see Roper in there because I think he'd bring alot to the Oregon offense.
I don't know either, but I would have to think that it would be down to Costa, Roper and Thomas, and I would have to be of the mindset that Roper is in the lead at the time being because of the way he played in the Sun Bowl. From what I understand, Costa has better wheels, and it would probably take Thomas a while to get used to the system, so I doubt they start him right away. As far as I am concerned though, you really can't go wrong with any of the three, but like I said with Thomas still needing to learn the offense, he probably won't start (unless he picks it up REALLY fast). I would be comfortable with any of them, maybe, but at least initially, though, with Roper, because of the way he performed in the bowl game.
We were able to see Costa in the Portland State game back in '06. He looked good, definitely quicker than Roper. You can't forget about Cody Kempt though. He's said to be the white Dixon, who's nearly as fast. I can't see that happening.
Thomas won't be in the mix. He's only a freshman and is way behind in the learning curve. He's not even our best QB recruit this year. That distinction goes to Chris Harper. He could possibly see playing time, but with Oregon badly in need of wideouts (we lost a couple recruits this year), we'll probably need to switch him to receiver.
It comes down to Roper and Costa, both of which will probably see playing time. I hate when Bellotti does this because it never seems to work, but That's probably what we'll see. No one knows how Costa is going to be coming back from that knee injury, so that could have an effect. But I think we'll see Costa as the frontrunner going into next season
I was at the Portland State game when Costa came in and drove the offense about 90 yards for a touchdown on his first appearance. He has my vote as frontrunner. If he was healthy last year Leaf wouldn't have even seen playing time. Roper did show some promise, but I think Chip's offensive plan was flawless in the bowl game which made Ropers job a bit easier. Not to down play his performance because it was fantastic, but I think it is Costa's job to lose. Looking forward to football season.
I think it's a toss-up between Costa, Roper and Masoli. The freshmen will be good. Just not this season. Thomas will redshirt, Harper will probably be used as a "slash" guy. he'll probably line up under center for option situations.
Costa -- the "veteran" and Oregon's leader, according to a reliable source. Was a great athlete before he blew the knee out. I wonder how it healed. I've also never really seen him play. I think he got some garbage minutes in the USC game in '06 and all he did was tuck and run.
Roper -- his foot is in the door. He's a great decision maker. he makes good throws and knows when to run. He ain't fast, but he's picked up big yardage on his own on a few occaisions. He definitely leads the others in career stats. He really needs to beef up though.
Masoli -- wish he would have played in the spring game. his JC numbers are amazing and sounds like the complete package. I've just never seen him play. I think he has a good chance to start or at least split time.
Costa played in the Oregon vs Portland State game back in '06. I remember it because I was really excited watching him play. Did some good things. He could definitely run too. I also remember this game because I was pissed off at Bellotti for making him lose his redshirt by playing one series in a garbage game, but oh well. I hope he does well for us, seeing as it's his job to lose.
But if he does lose it, I think we'll be set. I haven't seen Masoli play, but I hear good things. JC is a lot different than the NCAA though, and he'll need to adjust to the game speed to get any playing time.
Roper is a great fall-back guy. WIth some more mentoring from Chip Kelly, and about 30 more pounds, he could definitely be a prototypical NFL QB. I'd like to see Roper get some reps in games this season. With what he did to USF, it'd be hard to deny him.
Thomas will definitely redshirt. In the spring game he was making bad decision, bad throws, and didn't run to well. He'll need another year of practice before he sees the field. Harper didn't throw any better, but his running ability is amazing. We'll see him all over the field hopefully come September. Option plays, the trademark "reverse throwback" from the WR to the QB we saw in the Tedford days, and maybe even as a receiver. Remember, he wasn't only the best QB in Kansas last year, he was the best athlete in Kansas. And he played WR as well.
It'll be nice to see where this team takes themselves when the season starts. The talent is there. The defense is there. Chip Kelly is there. I think we could definitely do some damage if we can manage our road schedule.
I remember being at the PSU game, but don't remember the Costa series. i just remember the series he played against USC...I dont think he threw a single pass and didnt impress me, but then again, i wasnt expecting much, nor did i care since we got torched. I wish we would have recruited some QB's last year....Still dont know why we didnt.
I'm in 100% agreement with your personel strategies and utilization. I think it's Costa's to lose too...But I keep hearing damn good things about Masoli....who knows? I think Roper will be the most popular back-up QB in UO history. Plus he's an easy target for the starting QB to see when he's flashing play signs from the sidelines. ha ha.
