I just love that statistically, in the Nigel Burton era, the 2012 PSU offensive team was the best. Yet, the biggest storyline is replacing our starting QB with some one he already beat out and has zero experience. Honestly DustRunner, the whole Kieran playing defense in high school argument is pretty tired and inaccurate. Usually in high school, you need your best athletes on the field at all times. If I recall correctly, wasn't Paris a stud DB in high school? And after some research, the only time Kieran played LB was before he was the starting QB at Skyview. His senior year, he lead Skyview to the Washington 4A Championship game and played zero defense. The "Linebacker at QB" headlines more talk about his body type, not his ability to play LB. That being said, I would be very surprised to see Kieran playing LB next season. I think we see him on another team before he ever plays defense at PSU. I really hope it doesn't come to that because I think he can be special.
First off let's recap Kieran's year. Kieran already beat out the exact same QBs last offseason that he will be competing with this offseason. Kieran had a great year and was even recognized as one of the top freshmen in the country. He kept us in every game but one (MSU) despite our awful defense. The team was at the top of the conference in offensive yards/game and scoring/game despite a pretty dreadful receiving core (save for Monahan) and at times questionable play calling.
So, where's the QB controversy talk coming from? Nigel himself…
Alright, here's my evidence to that statement
The whole year, Nigel endorsed Kieran as his starter. He even put the blame on the receivers not being able to make plays for his freshman QB. He performed admirably as a true freshman going on the road, playing well against UND and the UW. He also had a good game against SUU and had the game of his life against Idaho State.
That next week was a bye week, and Kieran got hurt at practice. He tore his PCL. This wasn't reported at the time, but it is now common knowledge because Trysta Krick talked about it on CSNNW prior to the EWU game. Did Kieran miss a game? No. He sacrificed himself for the team despite injury. I think that shows pretty good leadership for a true freshman. Sacrificing himself to salvage a positive season. The coaching staff, knowing about the injury, must have thought that an injured Kieran still gave them the best chance to win, or else they wouldn't have played him.
Obviously, Kieran wasn't a hundred percent for the rest of the season, but he still put us in position to win against UNC, Cal Poly, EWU, and a win against UCD. He had a stinker against MSU, and here is where I think Nigel started to created this Qb controversy.
Prior, to the EWU game, Trysta talked about how Nigel mentioned that Kieran needed to figure out the running aspect, or basically they would find some one else who could (Paris). Trysta makes note of Kieran's knee injury as well. You can't tell me that Kieran wasn't running as much because of his knee, or that the play calls had him running less because of his knee. No one was complaining about his running ability when he gained every yard against UW. He posted over 70 yards rushing against EWU that day too.
At the banquet, Paris won scout team player of the year, and the Kieran vs Paris talk started here on the forum and even Ian Ruder talked about it in his season wrap up. Then, Nigel was on KGW two Sundays ago. When asked about Kieran's awesome freshman season, Nigel could only go one sentence prior to mentioning Paris and how good Paris was.
I think Nigel is propping up Paris and pushing Paris to justify a QB change. Paris is a hell of an athlete. But, honestly other than speed, he isn't in the same zip code as Kieran. Arm strength, accuracy, vision, durability all goes to Kieran. And if Paris was that much better than Kieran, why didn't he start this year? Put them both on the field. Paris could play slot, or even outside, hell he could probably play running back, but pushing Kieran out to make way for Paris is I think a BIG mistake. Oh well, I'm preparing myself for the QB change because with how everything is playing out, it's inevitable. If the switch happens, I hope Kieran stays at PSU.
