Question

[storrsbred1]

Not being a football coach, just how important is it to have a "tall" QB?

It seems our current crop is 6'1 or under. Is this an issue or not important? I do realize that a 'tall' QB can see (presumably) receivers better and that a shorter QB needs lanes to see downfield, but, is it really important? Isn't Drew Brees kind of short for an NFL QB?

Be happy to have the experts weigh in.

 

[Jimmy Serrano]

You came here for expert opinions?

 

[huskypantz]

Not an expert, but I stayed at a Holiday Inn for one of our bowl games.

There are two things that can be equalizers for short QB's - mobility and a high release point. Usually you can move the pocket with rollouts etc to create throwing lanes, but the QB has got to be accurate on the run. The high release point will help get the ball over the big uglies on the d-line. It's really not as big an issue in college as it is in the pros.

Here's a recruiting example - Connor Brewer, Texas QB - 6'2" 190, 4.82 40. High release point. ESPN says that he has "adequate to good height". 4-star kid with lots of offers.

 

[Nostical]

If you are accurate and agile, it doesn't really matter as much in college. Let me put it this way, Mike Vick, Doug Flutie, Joe Theisman, Drew Brees, and Chase Daniel were all officially under 6ft---and did pretty well.

 

[Carl Spackler]

Leadership, Toughness, Accuracy.

That's all you need from a QB, in that order.