Game On! Austin Wilson Tells Fizz He’s Ready for QB Race with Zach Allen
D.A. | Jun 06, 2012 | Comments 8
At first Austin Wilson was shocked. The two-star quarterback from East Pennsboro, PA couldn’t believe Syracuse had just gotten another commitment from signal caller Zach Allen. It was just ten days after Wilson had decided he would wear the Orange. But as it was all unfolding, Wilson tells The Fizz Nate Hackett was in his ear reassuring him the Hill was still the right place for him.
“[He] called me and let me know what was going on, and how I still stood as their number one guy. He also reminded me [Allen] was a dual threat guy, and that I’m a pocket guy. It’s whoever really comes in and fits [Syracuse’s] offense better. And I feel like my style of quarterback is going to really help me in that situation.”
So despite the commitment of Allen, Wilson insists he is still “100% committed to SU.” While there’s clearly a role for athletes like Allen and the Syracuse Slash Ashton Broyld, it may not be predominantly under center.
“[Hackett] told me straight up they’re not going to change the offense at all.”
It would be more surprising if Hackett and co. did decide to change the offense from a West Coast/Pro Style to some sort of an option for slashers like Allen and Broyld. But there should be an interesting new dynamic with the versatile speedsters Marrone will mix in over the next handful of seasons.
One advantage Allen does have over Wilson is timing. Zach will be getting to Syracuse a semester early, as he plans to enroll in January ’13. Wilson tells The Fizz he would also look into graduating from high school early to hopefully get on campus at the same time. How interesting would it be to see both QB’s battling alongside Broyld, Terrel Hunt and Jon Kinder during next year’s spring practices? East Pennsboro HS runs on tri-mesters and Wilson says he’s looking into it.
“I’ve been talking with my athletic director and counselor about seeing if I can do that or not, based on credits. Right now I’m weighing my options.”
Wilson knows what type of advantage Allen would have by getting on the Hill more than six months earlier. It’s what’s motivating him right now.
“He’s and early graduate which is going to help, but I’m going to be ready to come in and compete.”
Is it premature to already call it a budding quarterback rivalry? You’ve got to like the drive and the attitude from Wilson just few weeks after SU coaches told him he could be “the quarterback of the future.” But right now, the ‘Cuse’s QB Carousel continues to spin faster than Orange Nation could have imagined.
Posted: Kevin Fitzgerald
Filed Under: FB Recruiting • Featured
fizz you guys are reaching
the idea that allen is coming for anyother reason then to play qb is a joke
you are making it sound like this kid is talking trash.
you are making it come across like he is worried about allen and trying to start your gossip site is now starting an issue between two players that aren’t even syracuse football players yet.
this is absolute bs
Yeah I am sort of with tebow here. I hope it isn’t your intent to stir something up. But it is odd that we are hearing Wilson talk as if Allen is being looked at as an athlete more than a QB. Allen is an athletic QB that will play QB. He isn’t like Broyld who is more of an athlete than a QB. IMO. And the offense has already been tweaked to support a more mobil QB. So ok they aren’t going to change it again from that? Just hope everyone is clear in this situation and they come up to the Hill and let the best QB win.
If Wilson comes in ready for a challenge and willing to compete its all good for the Orange. If its between him and Allen, I predict Allen will win the position as number one. Add Broyld and Hunt and you have a completely different set of tangibles to compete against. We all know Doug wants a dual threat quarterback under center. That alone gives Ashton and Hunt along with Allen the upper hand They all must be able to get the ball to Funderburk down field in 2013.
Allen has the arm strength to deliver the ball from the pocket. Added bonus: escapability and quickness. Right now, Wilson is coming in as a pocket passer alone. Wouldn’t you take the guy that can use his feet and make plays in addition to delivering a darn good deep ball?
I don’t buy that Wilson is still the #1 option at QB. I think Allen will win that spot if one of the upperclassmen don’t. I predict Broyld won’t move back to QB, so these guys will have to beat out Kinder and Hunt.
If I’m the head coach and I have an incoming freshman that is almost as good as an upperclassmen, I’ll start him to get him one more year of experience under his belt. Someone like Allen that shows the intangibles like leadership ability and desire to win makes that decision a whole lot easier. I mean, when’s the last time any player has come into Syracuse that’s saying they not only want to win a conference title, but a national title? We need someone like that with lighting a fire under this team.
i like both qb’s. i beleive there will be room for both really, and broyld might and i say might play another position but then again who knows. all i can say is i like these three at qb. i’ll tell you if it was i, honestly i wouldn’t mind just takin the redshirt year and get acclimated to the school learn the playbook, etc. if these guys come in and are ready to go then better off.
Kinder, Hunt and Broyld haven’t shown the ability to throw the ball accurately. It’s a fact that’s not likely to change. But they’re all athletes and can contribute at different positions. I’m with Derek. If you can groom Allen and Wilson, and Allen really looks good in particular, take your lumps for a learning season, then watch him run and throw to Funderburk, Cornelius, Kobena and Broyld for a few years. It has to be pass first and run second.
Forget about Broyld at Qb..more instinctive than cerebral..I think Allen and Wilson are already our best options unless someone else jumps on board (Boyle?)…never underestimate a Pa.Qb!!right now i’m concerned about OL to help out whoever gets the nod….also Norma and Bruce make some valid points!!
Boyle committed to Boston College.