There's been so much talk about the difference in Zach this year. Credit his dedication, his relentless preparation, his new offensive coordinator, his new focus and all that free time (he's got just one online course to complete for graduation). The critics of 2012 are fading and the fans of 2013 are emerging. Everyone is beginning to jump on the Zach Wagon. I couldn't be more proud for him and this team. I am confident that we are only at the beginning of great things to come. But let's shift direction a little bit ... For a moment, think about the things that he is doing off the field and the impact that they are having on his teammates today and the impact on this program after his departure. You can hear it in the comments from his team. They talk about his dedication. They talk about his ever present desire to improve and how no matter his rating he feels he can do better. They admire his ability to be self critical and push himself to a higher level even after tossing 5 TD passes. You hear about the ever-present iPad to study film when he's not in the film room and the hours on hours spent at the training complex. He is earning the respect of his team. That includes the respect of the younger QB's. For the first time in many seasons, we have a QB on this team who can have an impact on the younger guys to follow. How valuable is it to have someone like this to work with, train with and play with on Saturday? How valuable is it to have someone to look up to? We really haven't had this level of player, this kind of leadership and influence since the confetti dropped after the 2007 BCS. He is turning things around and is proving that hard work and dedication can erase the past. If Zach's dedication, leadership and preparation rub off on the younger guys ... Well that just may be as valuable as a crystal football.
That is a great post! The Tigers have been in need of a QB like that. Let's hope Zach can keep improving!
I like what I see in Zach this year. Athleticism only goes so far once out of high school with a QB. You have to put in the time, Zach has been doing this, to add having Cam more than helps. I was told by someone before the start of the season that there were 4 games LSU wouldn't win. His reason, "Zach's not a Leader." I see a player putting in the time to help himself and the team. Zach is far from finished this year, each game he's getting better and better.
I mentioned this in another topic, but I like what I see on from Metts on the sidelines. In the UAB game he wasn't on the sidelines hamming it up with the hot shot WR's and RB's but he was cutting up with the OL guys. I like that relationship between the QB and OL. I think it's a good thing for the QB to pay respects to them and have that relationship with them.
Wasn't he in a box by himself last year, cut off from the rest of the team so he could maintain his "focus" or whatever? What a difference a coach makes.
Absolutely agree. The Zach of 2013 looks more like an NFL QB. I also think the schedule has set up quite nicely for his growth and development. A nice challenge out of TCU to start followed by some opportunities to tweak (UAB, Kent St) before starting off SEC play against a (for the moment) softer Auburn team in Death Valley. That's good game experience of varying degrees before traveling to Athens. If they use the time well (and I have a good deal of confidence they will), LSU could creep back into the SEC and National Championship disucssion. But ... one step at a time.
