The redshirt doesn't come off until Newton plays a snap.

 

The Cats would have to start giving him more reps in practice so he's as ready as possible should he have to play...whether that's due to poor performance from Fidler or an injury. I don't think UK has another viable option at the QB position right now, so Newton is the de facto backup. In a perfect world, Newton is prepared as the backup, but never has to play because Fidler performs well. Thus, keeping the redshirt.

 

I agree, ... but my understanding is that Brooks is not considering Newton as a redshirt for now and is giving him those practice snaps with the #1 offense this week (per Dick Gabriel on the radio Monday evening). I realize that until he plays, he is still a redshirt, ... and I hope that Fidler plays so well that he doesn't have to play. But it is smart to have him as ready as possible, just in case.

I agree, ... but my understanding is that Brooks is not considering Newton as a redshirt for now and is giving him those practice snaps with the #1 offense this week (per Dick Gabriel on the radio Monday evening). I realize that until he plays, he is still a redshirt, ... and I hope that Fidler plays so well that he doesn't have to play. But it is smart to have him as ready as possible, just in case.

 

True. :thumb:

How about this... Line up Fidler in the shotgun, with Cobb and Newton on either side.

 

Fidler could hand off to either of them to run or pass, or you could direct snap to one of them. Kind of like bunching your receivers, but with QBs.

 

That way everyone is happy, right?? :lol:

I agree, ... but my understanding is that Brooks is not considering Newton as a redshirt for now and is giving him those practice snaps with the #1 offense this week (per Dick Gabriel on the radio Monday evening). I realize that until he plays, he is still a redshirt, ... and I hope that Fidler plays so well that he doesn't have to play. But it is smart to have him as ready as possible, just in case.

 

:thumb:

 

I agree. Maybe I'm reading too much into this, but the fact that Brooks is giving Newton first-team reps tells me that he has some doubts about Fidler's ability to adequately lead this offense. Does anyone know if that's standard practice for UK? Did Fidler get that percentage of first-team reps prior to Hartline's injury?

 

If Fidler plays bad and Brooks believes Newton is a significant upgrade, then I don't think there's a decision to make. I think you have to go with him. It's not fair to the team, especially the seniors. But, if he doesn't think Newton can do better, I'd hate to waste a redshirt. Bottom line, I don't mind Newton playing. I look forward to the day he plays for the Cats. I just don't want to see the redshirt burned just to make a change for the sake of change and nothing else.

 

Question: What happens if Fidler plays the same as Hartline? Is a change necessary? The fans were calling for Newton before and Brooks and Phillips stuck with Hartline. If Fidler plays the same as Hartline, the fans will most certainly want change...will they go to Newton in that situation or stick with Fidler? Is Fidler's leash shorter than Hartline's or the same?

:thumb:

 

I agree. Maybe I'm reading too much into this, but the fact that Brooks is giving Newton first-team reps tells me that he has some doubts about Fidler's ability to adequately lead this offense. Does anyone know if that's standard practice for UK? Did Fidler get that percentage of first-team reps prior to Hartline's injury?

 

If Fidler plays bad and Brooks believes Newton is a significant upgrade, then I don't think there's a decision to make. I think you have to go with him. It's not fair to the team, especially the seniors. But, if he doesn't think Newton can do better, I'd hate to waste a redshirt. Bottom line, I don't mind Newton playing. I look forward to the day he plays for the Cats. I just don't want to see the redshirt burned just to make a change for the sake of change and nothing else.

 

Question: What happens if Fidler plays the same as Hartline? Is a change necessary? The fans were calling for Newton before and Brooks and Phillips stuck with Hartline. If Fidler plays the same as Hartline, the fans will most certainly want change...will they go to Newton in that situation or stick with Fidler? Is Fidler's leash shorter than Hartline's or the same?

 

 

I am not sure. I would assume that the backup normally gets a few snaps with the #1's just in case.

 

As far as the leash on Fidler, who knows. I know that Hartline was actually playing his best game of the year (against a good opponent) in the SC game before he went down. I think Fidler will actually do pretty well. I think he has worked harder the past year than he did his first few at UK. He appears to have slow feet, but he does have a good arm. I guess it depends on whether he plays like Hartline in the Miami or SC game, or the end of the UL game OR like Hartline played in the UF and Bama games.

Larry Vaught thinks the starter will be Newton.

:thumb:

 

I agree. Maybe I'm reading too much into this, but the fact that Brooks is giving Newton first-team reps tells me that he has some doubts about Fidler's ability to adequately lead this offense. Does anyone know if that's standard practice for UK? Did Fidler get that percentage of first-team reps prior to Hartline's injury?

 

If Fidler plays bad and Brooks believes Newton is a significant upgrade, then I don't think there's a decision to make. I think you have to go with him. It's not fair to the team, especially the seniors. But, if he doesn't think Newton can do better, I'd hate to waste a redshirt. Bottom line, I don't mind Newton playing. I look forward to the day he plays for the Cats. I just don't want to see the redshirt burned just to make a change for the sake of change and nothing else.

 

Question: What happens if Fidler plays the same as Hartline? Is a change necessary? The fans were calling for Newton before and Brooks and Phillips stuck with Hartline. If Fidler plays the same as Hartline, the fans will most certainly want change...will they go to Newton in that situation or stick with Fidler? Is Fidler's leash shorter than Hartline's or the same?

Morgan Newton has taken snaps with the first team on and off throughout the summer camp. The UK coaches were trying to evaluate if they could get him ready to play this season. Once the season started, he took less snaps with the number 1's. Will Fidler has probably taken more snaps with the number 1's since the season started.

 

Randall Cobb is working with the quarterbacks and wideouts in this week's practices.

I am not sure. I would assume that the backup normally gets a few snaps with the #1's just in case.

 

As far as the leash on Fidler, who knows. I know that Hartline was actually playing his best game of the year (against a good opponent) in the SC game before he went down. I think Fidler will actually do pretty well. I think he has worked harder the past year than he did his first few at UK. He appears to have slow feet, but he does have a good arm. I guess it depends on whether he plays like Hartline in the Miami or SC game, or the end of the UL game OR like Hartline played in the UF and Bama games.

Fidler had a few issues when he first went to UK. I would like to think he has made some changes and is ready to make the best of his opportunity. As for his foot work you are probalby right. He spent his entire high school career in the shotgun. The only time he was under center was in goal line situations where they would line up in the bone. In 3 years starting at Henderson I only saw him throw down field once when he took the snap under center.

Larry Vaught thinks the starter will be Newton.

I personally can't see it.

 

If he does, UK will effectively have no passing game. In more than half of the called passes, Morgan Newton will take off running the football.

 

He is not currently and might not ever be the world beater the press has made him out to be. Great size, good athlete, strong, good head on his shoulders, and a good runner. As far as his passing ability in the pro-style, pocket passing system that UK is hellbent on using, he is not a match. He is uncomfortable in the pocket and likes to scrap the play call and take off running. Comparing his passing of the football to a baseball pitcher, I would say he has a good fastball, but he has little control of where he is throwing it. Lots of walks in baseball, interceptions in football.

 

I can see Morgan Newton getting a lot of reps in the Louisiana-Monroe game next week.

^ You don't think that can be coached out of him? Especially after a couple of SEC linebackers put it on him.

^ You don't think that can be coached out of him? Especially after a couple of SEC linebackers put it on him.

Good point.

 

My answer to your question is "no". When under pressure, it is human nature to revert to one's natural tendencies. For Morgan Newton, it is taking off out of the pocket and running the football.

Cobb and Newton.

Larry Vaught thinks the starter will be Newton.

Larry Vaught is/was right..........again.

 

Both Will Fidler and Morgan Newton have been told that Morgan Newton will be the starter for the Auburn game.

 

I am surprised.

Nothing like your first real snap coming on a nationally televised game in one of the loudest stadiums (with some of the rudest fans in America I might add) in the SEC!:eek:

Larry Vaught is/was right..........again.

 

Both Will Fidler and Morgan Newton have been told that Morgan Newton will be the starter for the Auburn game.

 

I am surprised.

 

Good move in my opinion. Hartline has looked shaky all year anyway and Brooks may as well get Newton ready. From what I've heard he's very capable and could be a great quarterback in the years to come.