Chase Hansen, Deseret News' POY, will compete for starting job this spring
by JazzyUte on Dec 1, 2011 4:43 PM MST
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The Deseret News named Chase Hansen, the Lone Peak quarterback and future Utah star, their player of the year. They also dropped this little juicy nugget:
The past Sunday Hansen and his family met with Utah assistant coaches Norm Chow and Jay Hill, and everyone agreed that it was in the best interests of all parties for Hansen to compete for the starting job next fall instead of going on his LDS mission first.
It's clear Utah still has a quarterback problem. While Jon Hays did his best to hold the team together after Jordan Wynn went down, I think last week's loss solidified that Utah probably can't succeed too well with him at quarterback. I don't like throwing fellow Utes under the bus and I really wanted to believe in Hays, but in the end, while he's a great guy who took on a very difficult job, Hays is not the future of Utah football.
Unfortunately, from this development - Hansen pushing for the starting job this spring - I have an awful feeling that Wynn probably isn't going to be that guy, either.
Of course, I have nothing to back that feeling up and far be it for me to spread unsubstantiated rumors, but reading between the lines, and taking in what I've heard the last week or so, I get the distinct feeling the coaching staff is preparing for the potential Wynn won't be returning next season.
That's a scary thought. While I believe Hansen is a remarkable talent and very well could handle this offense with ease, he's still a true freshman and I've never been too keen on throwing true freshmen to the dogs at the very start. Especially now that we're in a BCS conference.
It could work out and certainly the coaches know what they're doing, and I'm happy Chase will be here battling for the starting spot this spring, but it could mean for some major growing pains - especially if our quarterback situation is Hays, Hansen and Wilson. If that's the case, we'll be looking at a situation where the team has two potentially great quarterbacks, who lack experience, and one who's experienced, but possibly very limited in his talent.
Hopefully the staff has other options. Hopefully one of those options is Wynn. If not, then here's to them scouring the JC ranks for a quarterback who's at least capable of playing well enough at this level.
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Hansen pushing for starting job doesn't necessarily mean Wynn isn't the guy.
It just means that finally the Ute coaches are learning from the mistakes of the last two years where Jordan was handed the job, hands down, without any competition.
My bet is that if Wynn is able to come back, he will end up the starter. However when Wynn went down this year, I said that we had seen his last throw as a Ute, and that very well could still be the truth.
I’m just glad that he isn’t going to be given the job right away. What Hansen competing does give me hope for, is that Hays won’t be on the top 2 of the depth chart, and hopefully Shreve improves enough, and Hansen/Wilson impress enough that Hays isn’t even on the active roster.
Granted I think with Hansen it’s Starter or Mission.
I hope...
I’d feel better if people weren’t tweeting that Wynn is done. However, Marc Pouvave, a Utah OL commit, tweeted me just a few minutes ago that Schramm told him Wynn would be good to go.
So who the hell knows.
Depth
Remember, coaches tell recruits a lot of things. Hansen being POY means he is a great player and the way Utah’s QB situation was this past year they need all the able bodies and good players out there competing. It all depends on Wynn and if he is able to recover and play like we think he is capable of.
If Wynn is done (who knows) then I think Hansen may have a shot, but ultimately I think Chow wants all the players he can get into camp to battle it out for the top three spots.
by Jeremy Mauss on Dec 2, 2011 10:01 AM MST up reply actions
I agree
1. we have need of a good back up QB and some competition to get everyone working at improvement. 2. If Hansen goes on his mission, we lose his LOI. 3. If you tell him he can compete for the starting job as a true freshman, he’s more likely to enroll.
It’s a win win win.
by Joseph Silverzweig on Dec 2, 2011 10:45 AM MST up reply actions
I think you're right...
If chase doesn’t get the starting nod… It’s mission time. If he does get the nod, he heaps it and makes football his mission…
by BetterasIgetolder on Dec 1, 2011 7:45 PM MST via iPhone app up reply actions
After looking at who's available at that level right now I am not pleased with what I see.
Best JUCO QB recruits are both only rated at 2 stars and they have received no offers from any decent AQ schools. their combined offers come from Cincy, FIU, Maryland, Memphis, Hawaii, Kent State, and NMSU.
It appears we are on the schools of interest list for this kid named Aaron Cantu, but they don’t seem to list his height or weight or anything much about him. He only has offers from Shaw and Texas A&M-Commerce.
I agree that if we go the JC route, it probably won't be a great talent...
However, at least those players are receiving FBS offers, you know? Hays, I don’t think, received any interest from the FBS and who knows if he had any from FCS schools – he was a DII quarterback, so a completely different division than what Utah plays in.
Hopefully this is moot and Wynn is coming back. We need experience, tho. Bad.
While I agree it looks better that these guys are receiving more offers than Hays I still don't think many, or possibly any at all, would do better than Hays. But it sure couldn't hurt to try.
I believe somebody in a fanpost (maybe it was unholy ram) said that Sokol (the one with offers from Cincy, FIU, Maryland, and Memphis) has already committed to Wyoming
And the other, McDonald, only received offers from Kent State and NMSU, I put Hawaii in that list on accident. And I hardly hold NMSU or Kent State in higher regard than Nebraska-Omaha.
We would really have to find a diamond in the rough to get anyone worth spending our time on.
by khaostheory117 on Dec 1, 2011 5:05 PM MST up reply actions
A couple things...
A) John White was a JC recruit. As were countless other Utah stars in the past. Dismissing prospects because they’re coming from JC is an incredibly narrow and errant way to look at it. JC prospects often prove to be better moves than going the high school route because they have post-HS experience, which is valuable at the D1 level.
B) You forgot about Tyler Shreve. He’s in the mix next year, too. And if you’ll look, you’ll see he was regarded pretty well coming out of HS.
Thus, the QB position is probably among the lowest of Utah’s recruiting priorities for 2012. We are stacked… Wynn, Wilson, Shreve, Hansen (and possibly Hays).
Don’t expect Utah to be gunning for another starting QB prospect at this point.
Yeah
and honestly, if you were a 4 or 5 star QB getting recruited by a bunch of Pac-12 teams… would you go to the one with a solid starter for next year and 3 guys ahead of you who all look pretty gifted? I would go to a different school.
by Joseph Silverzweig on Dec 2, 2011 10:47 AM MST up reply actions
A couple things...
1) I never dismissed JC recruiting – in fact, I said we probably needed to go that route.
2) Shreve, from what I’m hearing, is probably not going to be returning.
So…the QB position is still one with great potential, but also the potential to lack total experience.
What's the deal with Shreve?
Still never heard the story about how he broke his thumb or end result of the surgery, but that hurts if he is leaving for some reason.
by Unexpected Ute on Dec 3, 2011 10:25 AM MST up reply actions
We already know what we get with Hays
And it’s not a lot, heck it’s not even a little.
I’m willing to risk it on someone new. Even if someone new fails, it’s better than the status quo which we already know will fail.
We went 7-5 with the status quo.
I’m not saying Hays is the answer, but we’ll be alright with him (not great, but not horrible).
Now, I’d love it if Wilson or Shreve or Wynn end up being great players, because if Star stays then next year’s team is a great QB and no injuries away from the Rose Bowl. But let’s not throw the season out if Hays is our QB. We’ll still make a bowl game. We need some time to build up the PAC 12 depth, we’re getting there.
Everyone hates a pink-shirt-wearing communist.
by displacedute on Dec 2, 2011 12:12 PM MST up reply actions
We can't bank on going 7-5 again next year...
Who knows, maybe Utah actually does better. But we were also an inch away from finishing this season 6-6.
I’m not saying I expect total meltdown next year if Hays is our guy, but it’s possible, with the coaching changes, the Pac-12 is a bit more tough next year.
Trips to Corvallis, Pasadena, Seattle, Boulder and Tempe are all going to be tough. Home games against BYU and USC aren’t going to be cake walks, either.
Yeah, Utah ultimately won 3 of their four conference games by a comfortable margin, but we also had one extra conference home game, played two of our toughest road games against a team that had fired their head coach weeks before and another against a team that was on the cusp of firing their coach.
It’s entirely possible that, if we play like this year, we finish ’12 5-7 instead of 7-5.
Not saying I expect that, of course, but it’s entirely possible.
I'm also betting on improved teams next year.
Wassu is already improved. And so is Arizona. With Slick Rick and Erickson also out the door, UCLA and ASU can’t help but be improved next year.
UCLA and ASU...
can’t help but be improved every year, but somehow it never happens. And hopefully that trend continues.
I also don’t think Arizona is going to take much of a step forward, we shall see though.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
I don't think so, either...
I expect Arizona to struggle, plus we get them at home.
But road games against UCLA and ASU, if they have solid coaching staffs, could prove very, very difficult.
Based on the chatter over on BN I'm doubting that UCLA will put together a solid staff
The way they talk it seems like their AD only wants Petersen (which they won’t get) and doesn’t have much of a backup plan.
by khaostheory117 on Dec 2, 2011 11:33 PM MST up reply actions
I'm not saying we won't beat Arizona
or UCLA or ASU, I’m just saying they’ll be better. And really if Rich Rod, can’t get Arizona to be better than the 2 win mess they were this year, than he doesn’t deserve a second season.
And in all honesty
I’d rather go 7-5, or even 5-7 next year with someone other than Hays at QB if Wynn isn’t available.
Because at least that means we were trying something different.
Also White isn’t going to be a surprise next season.
I don't know how the Utes...
are going to be able to hold onto both Hansen and Wilson if this is the case. When we thought Hansen was going on a mission that was an easy solution. Both these kids are good enough to play QB at the college level, and both are going to want that starting job for 2 or 3 years.
It will be very interesting to see how all this plays out. And you have to consider Shreve a little bit of a wildcard as well. I’m not sure Hansen and Wilson will both be here for their entire collegiate careers.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
What happens if Hansen steps in...
and actually wins the starter spot though? Does he still leave after 1 year and give up that job? If he stays does Wilson leave. If Wilson wins the job then obviously Hansen would still be able to do his mission.
I have no doubt that Hansen, Wilson, or even Shreve will beat out Hays next Spring for the QB spot. Freshmen or not, I believe Hays is simply a backup QB option.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
I'm hearing Shreve won't be back...
Nothing definitive, tho.
IF that happens, I guess we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.
Have you heard why?
Is it because he doesn’t think he’ll play QB, or because his time on the Utah football team is done?
He’s enough of an athlete that I’m sure we’d have a spot for him at another position.
I hear voices in my head...
if he can’t make it as a college quarterback he could be randy orton’s double, just needs to go sit out in the sun for while
Big jump from Utah High School football to the PAC12
Obviously Chase is an amazing talent and as a Ute fan I’m excited to see what he can do. Having said that, I look at Harvey Langi as an example. You can be an elite talent playing against 17 and 18-year-olds. The college game is much faster and more complex. QB is the most difficult position to get a grasp on. I’d be surprised to see Wilson or Hansen starting too soon.
With Chow, BJ, and Whitt evaluating the progression, they’ll play the guy that gives Utah the best shot to win. Experience counts for a lot and at this point Hays has a much better grasp of the offense. He didn’t have an INT in the last few games either. I’m not saying the thought of that excites me, I just think it’ll be tough for a true freshman to come in at QB and light it up.
If Wynn comes back, he is definitely the guy I would want behind center. BTW does anyone know what his injury was? Was it ever reported or was it a mystery issue to his non-throwing arm?
he gets the job then what?
Leaves us for his mission, leaving us right back in the same position. No qb.
" I am at this moment writing a lengthy indictment against our century. When my brain begins to reel from my literary labors, I make an occasional cheese dip."
by aUTmanAMi on Dec 1, 2011 9:06 PM MST via mobile reply actions
One of the main posters over on RFS (screenname badutahboy) had this to say about it
“I think the coaching staff wants him here specifically so BYU can’t recruit him while he’s on a mission. I’ve never heard ANYTHING stating that he’s anything but 100% committed to going on a mission. If he enrolls at Utah before his mission, the Riley Nelson rule is in effect and BYU can’t talk to him. If he doesn’t enroll and leaves during the season, his LOI is essentially meaningless and BYU is free to recruit him while he’s out.”
Makes sense to me.
by khaostheory117 on Dec 1, 2011 9:10 PM MST up reply actions
RFS?
Love the Jazz, Utes, and BoSox.
bigbenstechnicalfoul.blogspot.com
by BigBenSportsGuy on Dec 2, 2011 9:02 AM MST up reply actions
realfansstand.com
forum run by some pretty cool guys. sadly there’s only a few of us on there but its a great site. 99% Ute and Cougar fans with 1 UNLV fan.
by khaostheory117 on Dec 2, 2011 2:31 PM MST up reply actions
No...
My understanding was that if he didn’t get the job he would leave for his mission and if he did he would stay. Maybe I’m wrong, but that was what I got from it…
I live and die on Saturday's
by P-NutUte on Dec 1, 2011 9:14 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
That's my impression as well
and I highly doubt he’ll win the starting position
by khaostheory117 on Dec 1, 2011 9:16 PM MST up reply actions
If that's the case, what happens with Wilson?
If we’re starting a true freshman, Wilson is not going to stay around to play one year and we can’t expect Hansen to maybe go pro after his sophomore or junior season, as good as we might think he is.
That's what redshirts are for
He would get one year back there. And the rest will play out depending on who the starter is. It’s likely Wilson will be the starter and Hansen will play backup. It happens all the time on teams throughout the nation.
Basically, it’s establishing the depth that Utah needs in the Pac 12.
The mission isn't top priority
Des News reported that Hansen and Chow both decided to get him in the mix next year. That said, Hansen (and Utah) will do whatever is in their best interest… even if that means Hansen waits til after college to go on a mission.
If Hansen agreed to forego the mission for now, I seriously doubt he would leave Utah high and dry by going on his mission in ’13, or ’14, ’or ’15.
A Question For Those Who Know...
The post states: “… and everyone agreed that it was in the best interests of all parties for Hansen to compete for the starting job next fall instead of going on his LDS mission first.”
What is used to determine if the young man goes on mission out of high school vs. going later (presumably after a year or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5? of college)? In cases where the kid is a football player, does his ability to play as a freshman determine whether or not he goes on his Morman mission?
Sorry if the question seems stupid, still trying to understand Utah football…..
there are certain tendencies, but nothing set in stone
JJ Williams was an impact player in 2006 at linebacker, then went on a mission. He had been in the Utah program for two years.
Most kids who go head out when they are 19. Some wait until they are 20 or 21. I am not aware of anyone who has gone on a mission after playing 4 years of college ball.
Each kid kind of makes his own decision for what is best for him.
Love the Jazz, Utes, and BoSox.
bigbenstechnicalfoul.blogspot.com
by BigBenSportsGuy on Dec 2, 2011 9:07 AM MST up reply actions
Most Mormon "LDS" males that choose to go on missions go at the age of 19
which is the minimum age required. I don’t know when Hansen turns 19. From a football standpoint, it makes sense for one to redshirt their freshman year, (if they turn 19 during or after the season) and have 4 straight years of eligibility at age 21. In this particular case since Hansen looks like he has a real shot at possibly starting, it looks like he might reconsider when (or if ever) he will leave.
This makes sense to me.
From everything I have read, chase is still 100% on going on a mission and I fully expect him to serve.
Look at it from a Utah coaches perspective.
-You have no idea if Wynn can get through a whole season. So far, so not good.
-John Hayes, as much heart as he has, is not the answer.
-Tyler Shreve, though he has as big of a cannon as anyone in college football, has yet to show he can lead a team and move the ball.
-Travis Wilson might switch his commitment.
It is probably best that he comes in in the spring and at least pushes some guys. And along with others, you have to get him in to invoke the Riley Nelson rules.
Love the Jazz, Utes, and BoSox.
bigbenstechnicalfoul.blogspot.com
I highly doubt Wilson switches his commitment
the biggest reason he committed to us is he’s dying to play for Chow and as long as Chow is here then I’m sure he’s staying here.
by khaostheory117 on Dec 2, 2011 2:33 PM MST up reply actions
It can't get much worse
Sitting through a one first down first half against Colorado, our starting QB situation can’t get much worse.
However after 9 games of watching Hays, he grew on me. I commend him for not throwing an INT the last 5 games, being durable and for playing good enough to get us our first Pac-12 wins. But on the downside he did have a couple of fumbles and took too many sacks in crucial situations and doesn’t have the tools to lead a team with a balanced offense.
With regards to expectations of HS superstar excelling at the NCAA level, I learned a little from the Harvey Langi situation this year. While Harvey tore up Utah high school football, he didn’t come mentally ready to play this season. After watching him run into Jon Hays on his only carry against CU, it only re-enforced the idea that the coaching staff evaluated him correctly. That despite all his physical talent, he was not ready to play.
Chase Hanson and Travis Wilson could be different. Who knows they could end up being more than ready like the USC true frosh wideout – Marquis Lee
Utes in good shape at QB
A lot of good comments, thoughts, and questions. If Shreve is leaving this could actually work out. Wynn, Hanson, Wilson, and Hays battle it out for QB start. If hanson doesn’t get it he heads out on his mission to set us up later down the road. If Wilson doesn’t beat out Wynn he red shirts a year, but we still have him if we get into a horrible situation then he steps in. Hays has improved tremendously and the amount of snaps he’s taken this year added with next year’s camps have got to put him in good shape to be a back up.
If Wilson or Hanson just kick ass in camp then by all means one of them becomes number one and plays. Look at what Price and Halliday did this year. Freshman QBs often come out with both guns a blazin.
Hays has improved, but not enough to be a legitimate thought at QB.
A lot of what the Utes had Hays do were the simple easy throws, and 1 read plays. Hays still isn’t a legit D 1-A QB.
Hmmm
I’m always skeptical about any high school QB from Utah. Please correct me if I’m wrong, but has there been any GREAT high school QB from Utah since Scott Mitchell (insert laugh)? We should be cautiously optimistic about Hansen’s reviews, but he’s not playing ball in Texas or California against better, talented defenses.
No, there really hasn't been...
Lance Rice was a pretty good high school quarterback who set a lot of records at Olympus, and well…
So I get your skepticism. With that said, Chase looks like an entirely different animal. He looks so far and above the level of ANY high school player this year that I’m not nearly as skeptical.
That reminds of one interesting little fact that someone over on espn told me one time
Apparently Utah is like 5th in the nation for scholarships per player or something like that. So while we don’t put out a lot of players I guess we put out quality players. not sure if its true or not but it did surprise me.
by khaostheory117 on Dec 3, 2011 4:03 PM MST up reply actions
Wow thought it would be quiet here
I didn’t think we had anything to kick around until we know where we’re bowling.
Gotta love sports.
What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women. - Conan the Barbarian
Now to find us a quality kicker
any good kickers out there to throw a scholarship at?
"Football isn't a contact sport; it's a collision sport. Dancing is a contact sport."
Vince Lombardi
Petersen is still going to be here next year isn't he?
one bad game is not enough for me to say we need to find a new kicker. he did amazing in pullman. and he nailed all of his kicks at Heinz Field, there are few pros that could pull that off.
by khaostheory117 on Dec 3, 2011 11:37 PM MST up reply actions
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