ABC – Always Be Crootin’
Utah’s highest rated quarterback to commit in the Kyle Whittingham era will never take a snap under center donning the block u. According to UteZone, Jack Tuttle will transfer.
Losing a four-star recruit is tough. After all, stars matter. He was a major part of the program’s highest rated recruiting class under the Pac-12 banner. But the recruiting lesson to learn is one you should always remember. On to the next one.
One player doesn’t make or destroy a recruiting class; football has too many variables. The health of a group is its cohesion and development in a system. Utah’s isn’t for everyone. Ask Raelon Singleton or Casey Hughes.
Understandably, this is different. This is a quarterback who Yogi Roth compared to Matt Ryan. Digging deeper, Tuttle’s decision is not entirely surprising. Blue chip transfers happen at an alarmingly high rate.
ICYMI: QB classes of 2014 & 15 included 76 players graded 80+.
Just 20 were drafted or started last year for their original team.
Essentially, you’ve got a 25% chance of signing, developing & retaining a blue chip QB. Tough odds. pic.twitter.com/o22lKzBqDR
— Pivot to Davideo (@ADavidHaleJoint) August 10, 2018
It’s cosmic timing that this news dropped as Bobby Blechen and the Utes staff prepare to host Cajon High School (California) signal caller Jayden Daniels. Four stars to his name, Daniels is being pursued by the likes of UCLA and Cal. Not to get your hopes up, but can you imagine his dual-threat ability running a Troy Taylor RPO?
He should be a priority because quarterback is always a priority. Even if Tuttle decided to stay longer than six games, competition needs to be in the quarterback room. It’s imperative for Utah to impress on Daniels’s visit.
The Miami Hurricanes SB Nation site The State of the U did a fascinating examination on the science of recruiting during fall camp. Rule number one: Get a QB every year. Summarizing the argument: It’s the toughest position to recruit and contingency plans need to be made.
Jack Tuttle’s transfer shouldn’t shake Whittingham from his approach. No need to coddle. They’re still football players. Earn your playing time. Tough love worked for Miles Teller in Whiplash (Side note: Abusive JK Simmons-style teachers should be discouraged).
Quarterbacking is an acquired skill like playing the violin. Many of these players – Tuttle included – hired high priced coaches to teach them the art of throwing an oddly shaped ball accurately. They want to play immediately. Return on investment.
In this case, Tuttle fell victim to a stacked depth chart. Before Weber State, Whittingham was forthright in his approach with the Mission Hills High School product.
“It could change, but our plan if we can, get the redshirt on Jack this year to preserve that year of eligibility, but we’ll see how it unfolds,” the head coach said.
Currently, three scholarship quarterbacks are on the hill – Tyler Huntley, Jason Shelley, and Drew Lisk. In the next cycle, another name should be added to that group. Utah hopes for Jayden Daniels.
The Utes have produced 17 NFL draft picks since 2013, which is in the top half of the conference. While those picks haven’t been quarterbacks, the program’s track record in player development is known.
“Utah is number one in player development the last 10 years in college football. That is a big deal to me. Utah has a great coach and a phenomenal player development program.” @CFBMatrix #Utes
— ESPN 700 (@ESPN700) August 3, 2018
Tuttle’s Utes career will be remembered as a fall camp backup battle. He was billed to threaten for the starting job, but ultimately he needed more development and left in search of playing time. This recruiting miss will sting. It’s time to go back on the recruiting trail, and secure the next commit.
