Jon Gruden on the QB development at the college level

I know this is not really a steelers thing but it's still interesting... I agree with Gruden on that.

 

For me, It has always been a head scratcher as to why the NCAA uses a different size football than the NFL?


FYI
AI Overview

The NCAA and NFL use slightly different football specifications because the NFL enforces a strict, standardized ball size, whereas the NCAA allows for more manufacturing variation, with college balls often being slightly smaller and having more pointed tips. [1, 2]
Key differences include:

• Size: NFL balls are strictly mandated to be 11 to 11.25 inches in length. College footballs generally have a slightly wider range (about 10.5 to 11.5 inches) and feature a smaller "short circumference", which some players find easier to grip. [1, 2, 3]
• Stripes: NCAA footballs feature white stripes at the ends to help with visibility, while NFL balls have no stripes. [1, 2]
• Manufacturing: The NFL exclusively uses Wilson footballs, while the NCAA allows various manufacturers, allowing for different textures and lace placements. [1, 2]

Players transitioning from college to the pros often note that the NFL ball feels larger and has a different weight distribution.

 

Keep in mind a freshman quarterback is just a kid and still growing

Maybe a factor

 

I don't believe it's a CFB coach's responsibility to develop players for the NFL. Their responsibility is to develop players capable of winning a national championship. NFL players come from such development for the most part, but as far as QB is concerned, such schemes don't make them ready for NFL action. I think the NFL needs a DLeague to further develop this specific position.

Also, I do commend the teams for being hesitant from overdrafting QBs these past two cycles.

 

Agree. Is a college coach being paid to make his QB a professional football player? Nope.

 

This is facts, but its the same in HS.
Its also why I laugh when people complain about coaches doing anything outside of trying to win.
No matter what level you coach, you are trying to win games.

 

I think the NFL created the problem by poaching the NCAA early, which in turn forced college programs to embrace schemes that are simplified and steeped in athleticism and matchups. After all, why invest in a QB and get him all coached up in a scheme only to have the NFL snag him the moment he shows some grasp of things. So to me there's a sense of irony in all this.

Also I agree the NFL needs to invest in a developmental league. It would be good for the players who aren't quite good enough for the NFL, in extending their window of having a great time playing sports for a living. And it would be great for developing QBs. These owners make enough money to where it should be worthwhile to do it, and if it succeeds then maybe we see QB contracts come down a bit due to better supply.

 

And to further your point, just look at the initial investment being made for these QBs especially when a team trades away multiple firsts and seconds to trade up. You'd think teams would exhibit a tad bit more patience before dumping even more firsts and seconds for their next failed QB experiment. This wheeling and dealing for failures set many franchises back. You'd think organizations like the Jets and Browns would be front and center pushing for a DLeague.