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LOGAN — "It's the greatest team sport ever invented, not one kid can win it. We've said that in this program, that we're not a bunch of individuals, we're not about one kid, and we're about to find out if we are or not."
Indeed we are, coach Wells.
So by now, we all know, no more Chuckie Keeton in 2013. An ACL and MCL tear puts him out of the picture for the next eight months. To say it's a big loss, doesn't even begin to do it justice. Keeton is the face of the program right now and he is the catalyst for everything the team does on offense.
He makes it go.
We're not about one kid, and we're about to find out if we are or not.
–Matt Wells
Quite simply, it's a big hole to fill; so what are the Aggies' options at the quarterback position?
Craig Harrison
Harrison came into the BYU game when Keeton went down and had a career night in yards, completions, and attempts. Granted, that's also the most amount of snaps he has ever had in a single game as an Aggie to that point. Harrison spent the entire spring and fall as Keeton's back up and will be the front runner to be the starter moving forward.
What Harrison has going against him is his inability to run read option; he's more of a drop back passer. Utah State will need to modify their playbook to fit his style if he continues to be the starter and Harrison said that after the game.
"I have faith in the coaches, I have faith in every player, that we will shape and mold the offense to fit my strengths and be successful."
Jeff Manning
Manning is a red shirt freshman from Logan High School. He saw his first action as an Aggie three weeks ago where he complete 1-3 passing attempts.
Based on what I've seen during spring and fall camps, I don't see Manning usurping Harrison for the spot; however, Manning is a great runner and if Harrison continues to start, you could see some situations where Manning is used.
Darell Garretson
Garretson, a true freshman from Arizona, is the most intriguing of the bunch. He was brought in to be the heir apparent to Keeton and shares a lot of Keeton's same talents. A gifted runner and a great passer, the coaches were hoping to red shirt Garretson this season.
This is pure opinion on my part, but if the Aggies want to continue to win, they'll pull the red shirt and start Garretson. With Garretson, you don't have to change the playbook; he can run the read option, unlike Harrison; and he can throw the ball with accuracy, unlike Manning. Wells has raved about Garretson ever since he signed with the program and we've all seen what giving a young player reps can do for him down the road.
See: Chuckie Keeton.
With no guarantees that Keeton will be ready to go at the beginning of the 2014 season (I know the recovery time said 8 months but with both ligaments torn, that's not a certainty), wouldn't it make more sense to have Garretson ready for that scenario?
And if Keeton is ready, red shirt Garretson next season and let him have another year of learning behind one the best college quarterbacks this side of the Mississippi.
Throwing Garretson to Boise State this Saturday does seem like a little much for a freshman with no game experience, but didn't we say the same thing about throwing Chuckie into the mix at Auburn? And this Boise State game would at home, not in the unfriendly confines of Boise. If Garretson has all the intangibles we are led to believe, this shouldn't be a problem for him.
Again, 100 percent opinion on my part, but with all things being , you should always go with the young guy.
