Battle at QB Starting in Spring?

So it is still technically winter, but the Spring practices will soon be beginning and one of the positions that should be fun to watch is the quarterback situation. Now heading into the Spring, most everyone is in agreement that B.J. Daniels is the starter and I tend to agree. Daniels shined in the Clemson game and seemed to finally get the offense down. But just because he ended the season on a high note, doesn't mean his seat won't be warm to start 2011.

B.J. Daniels will be entering his junior season and now has a full season under Holtz and Fitch. Daniels struggled most of 2011 with the new offensive system, play calling, and learning to be more of a quarterback instead of running all over the field. It was easy to see at times when Daniels wanted to run, but would stop and try to make a throw into coverage and often was intercepted. Daniels was not having fun, was injured, and was trying to hard instead of calming down and adjusting to the offense. The extra time off before the bowl game seemed to work wonders for him as Daniels finally played in the offense and seemed to have a better understanding of the system. He will be the starter but there are some others that will be pushing him and will keep the coaches watching for the entire season.

Freshman Bobby Eveld, now on scholarship, was huge in the win over Miami. He is a pocket quarterback and is a very athletic player. He played well against UCONN and seems to understand the offense well. He has some mechanic issues with his throwing motion, but appears to be the number two quarterback going into 2011. If Daniels struggles at any point, Holtz won't hesitate to put in Eveld. There are some who want Holtz to make this change, but Daniels gives the team a better chance to win, but if he continues to slide, the change could be made. Eveld will push Daniels this off season and should see some snaps this season.

Freshman Jamius Gunsby is an interesting player. He has the same skill set as B.J. Daniels, but could be an even better passer. He is very athletic, but is still raw in the playbook and the coaches seem hesitant to put him on the field. Watch for him to continue to work in the off season and get better in the play calling. He will push Eveld and Daniels, but should end up as the number 3 quarterback for the Bulls entering the season.

There is also freshman Matt Floyd. Floyd has enrolled early and will be practicing with the team in Spring, but he will be redshirted as he works out, learns the offense, and gets use to college life. He could be a starter in the future, but unless he is beyond amazing and outplays everyone, he won't play a snap this season.