If I may interject some opinions: To those that claim Lee is a statue, I invite you to compare his sacks per game to JJ's. You'll find yourself surprised. To those that think Hatch is the answer because he compares to Mauck / Flynn, please consider that 2003 LSU and 2007 LSU both had another common thread: top five defenses. Hatch would be fine in low-scoring games when turnovers are more important than big plays, but he's not about to lead this team to outscoring anybody. To those that believe Shep will start, ask yourself what you are basing this on. Highlight videos and character do not guarantee good play. He will be a true freshman...whether he participates in the spring or not...and with the talent and experience ahead of him and CLM running the show, he will redshirt. The race will be between JJ and Lee, and I will be happy with whichever one rises up and takes the job from the other.
You didn't support sacks per game with a figure. However, even if he has less sacks per game, which pass protection, length of pass routes, opponents pass rush, etc. influence considerably, he probably would have done better with a few more sacks and less interceptions. Here are the rushing stats for our QB's according to ESPN this season. Lee 11 -97 (yes, that is a negative) Hatch 35 129 Jefferson 39 109
I'm lucky my webblocker here at work allows me to get TF, much less any reputable stat sites. Lee got sacked something like nine times all year and JJ has taken six or seven in a game and a half. A good pocket presence can make up for lack of mobility. Your rushing numbers listed above are skewed by designed runs for JJ...something Lee never got. EDIT: I should mention that I still agree with the consensus that JJ is the better fit for the Crowton mold.
Correct, JJ can run and adds another dimension. I think this is very important for a young QB because he doesn't feel as if he has to force the ball or throw it away. I recall several times where JJ scrambled and picked up nice yardage, sometimes first downs when his receivers were covered. His sacks may be higher because he is more likely to pull the ball down and run. Keep in mind a sack is counted if it is only one yard behind the line of scrimmage and doesn't have to be a devastating outcome. The bottom line is I really don't think Lee has any more pocket presence than an average QB and cannot run, either by design or scramble.
I want to apologize for my earlier comment. I realize that Lee had his moments of terrific throws, but his apparent inability to learn and adapt made him a liability. With JJ coming on and Shepard coming in, the writing may be on the wall.
