Here's an article confirming what some have discussed here, namely that the spread offense doesn't prepare a QB for what he will face in the NFL but its not limited to QBs: Moreover, the incongruent fit of collegiate spread-schemes with the NFL's offensive systems does not stop at quarterback. Managers and scouts explain that offensive linemen in more and more spread schemes make their way through college without learning how to drive-block on running plays. Of course, drive-blocks remain an integral part of most NFL offensive schemes so it becomes a guessing game whether a given lineman can excel at the skill between the end of his senior year and the first game of training camp. http://lindyssports.com/content.php?id=3162
Yep, and this should be used in the recruiting battles. You may GET to the NFL in a spread offense, but you probably won't SUCCEED, at least for 3-4 years. If it takes that long to develop in today's instant gratification society, your probably considered a bust.
Cant disagree with that but despite the NFL you wont see the spread leaving college anytime soon. Its the great equalizer for the less talented teams while good teams exploit it even more. Defenses are not catching up with the spread yet and it remains to be seen how long it will take to happen.
Can't argue with the author's conclusions, but I submit that the college coach's responsibility is to win games for his school, not produce NFL players.
That is true, however, some high school players may not be willing to go to a school that runs nothing but the spread for fear of hurting their chances in the NFL. I wonder how the pro scouts evaluate players that play in a spread offense in college. Do they ignore it and figure they can fix the technique issues or is it a factor that impacts when a player is drafted.
