Tucker McDonald is coming back!

[Huskyforlife]

Pretty sure most programs have around 4-5 scholarship bodies in the QB room. We’re up to 3 now. Gonna be interesting to see if we bring in someone with more experience, considering our 3 current players have started one game between them.

 

[Hskies4Ever]

When Joe tied a school record for passing TDs in game 2 in less than three quarters in Game 2 after leading the only TD drive in game 1, Mora should’ve had an inkling. After Buffalo there ought to have been no doubt.

I don’t know how you can see that and think NIL had nothing to do with it.

Also. Since this is the Tucker thread - I’m very happy he’s back.

 

[UC1995]

I feel McDonald made a mistake staying.

 

[DawgEnjoyer]

I feel McDonald made a mistake staying.

Maybe? But it seems like the coaches are pretty frank with these guys.

IMO he chose to be a backup close to home vs for a shot at starting at lower level place far away.

 

[Huskyforlife]

I feel McDonald made a mistake staying.

I wasn’t gonna say it in the “welcome home” thread, but I really doubt he had many options.

 

[AllHusky]

I wasn’t gonna say it in the “welcome home” thread, but I really doubt he had many options.

Lateral move= lateral move, grass is greener move
Move up-No interest in him probably
Move down-No thanks, willing to bet on himself with the School he chose coming out of HS.

Sorta local, paid his dues, would be a great story if he beats out all comers. Don't think there will be any speculation that he who has most NIL starts this time. Candle seems like he'll adhere to the "who gives us the best chance to win" over all other variables.

 

[ScottVib]

McDonald, will be entering his 4th year of college ball (potentially he gets last year's eligibility back, giving him a potential sixth year) will still be the most experienced QB on the roster. Osborne & Merklinger will be entering their 3rd year and Polston will be a true freshman. All the returnees have logged limited on field time, with Osborne having the only start... I think he'll have a chance to compete and given where he was on the pecking order of portal QBs, that's probably all he can ask for.

 

[Nameless]

McDonald, will be entering his 4th year of college ball (potentially he gets last year's eligibility back, giving him a potential sixth year) will still be the most experienced QB on the roster. Osborne & Merklinger will be entering their 3rd year and Polston will be a true freshman. All the returnees have logged limited on field time, with Osborne having the only start... I think he'll have a chance to compete and given where he was on the pecking order of portal QBs, that's probably all he can ask for.

I have a feeling even if Merklinger is firmly entrenched as the starter we will see Osborne in some designed run plays. Seems like that was how they used him at Toledo last year

 

[rich1122]

Why did MacDonald stay?

 

[UConnJim]

Why did MacDonald stay?

Probably for a couple of reasons. He is coming off injury, he should get his UConn degree in one more year, he gets to compete for QB1 and with an injury, he could be QB1, getting money, close to family.

 

[UC1995]

I don't hate him staying, but if he wants to play, he is most likely slated as third string again. He could come in and impress, and really happy that we have upgraded the QB, both present and future. I just think it is a big hill he is going to have to climb if he wants playing time. I hope he can!

 

[jdb50]

Tucker should have been the starter vs Army. I am assuming the info he was still recovering from a wrist injury was legit as to why he didn't play. If not what were we doing? The whole end of the season with Mora leaving and lack of information till game day and then most of players leaving is not sitting right with me. Mora was a carpetbagger the whole time.

 

[ZooCougar]

https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/uconn/article/football-basketball-big-12-expansion-rumors-19725136.php

Mora never says Evers HAS to play because of his NIL deal but he does say you don't spend that type of money if you don't think the kid is your QB1.

Isn’t that the same thing as playing a guy because you are paying him?

 

[bigknight3]

Isn’t that the same thing as playing a guy because you are paying him?

No

 

[Spsone07]

If tucker thought he should’ve been been a 2nd string qb, I would’ve felt the same. Joe fagnano played like a qb1, no one would’ve said otherwise

 

[formerlurker]

Isn’t that the same thing as playing a guy because you are paying him?

I just posted what was said, feel free to interpret that any way you'd like.

 

[FightOnCT]

If tucker thought he should’ve been been a 2nd string qb, I would’ve felt the same. Joe fagnano played like a qb1, no one would’ve said otherwise

The other day I talked with someone who covered media for UConn football who’s now heading off to CSU for his graduate. He said McDonald had beaten out Evers as QB2 before injuries.

 

[Patman]

The other day I talked with someone who covered media for UConn football who’s now heading off to CSU for his graduate. He said McDonald had beaten out Evers as QB2 before injuries.

So mcdonald is presumptive qb1 with a potential for a battle. Well all the luck to him.

 

[Windham4th]

So mcdonald is presumptive qb1 with a potential for a battle. Well all the luck to him.

I wouldn't assume that. It's not like he has familiarity with offensive schemes or anything since its new coaching staff.

 

[gioff2323]

There are NO presumptive starters.

 

[FightOnCT]

So mcdonald is presumptive qb1 with a potential for a battle. Well all the luck to him.

That was based on last year. Candle’s brought in guys but at this point the QB spot is wide open

 

[gioff2323]

If u listen to some folks, you’ll assume highest paid players will be presumptive starters.

 

[businesslawyer]

If u listen to some folks, you’ll assume highest paid players will be presumptive starters.

Of course they are. PRESUMPTIVE starters, as opposed to actual day one starters. They are not paying Merklinger what it cost to get him without the belief that he will be the starting QB and thus worth the investment. If they didn’t believe that, the amount he is being paid would make a difference in whom they could get for multiple different positions. Now that recruiting is about making the best use of a budget, amounts you pay are entirely based on presumptions about who is going to help you the most for the money.

That having been said, if, at some point, Candle doesn’t believe that the guys brought in as presumptive starters are the best options at their positions, he’s going to play the guys who he thinks will help him win. Hopefully he makes these switches quicker than Mora started playing Fagnano over Evers, or Neider started taking Porter’s snaps.

 

[AllHusky]

This is why I never understood why you wouldn't give QB1 a half, and QB1A a half when it is close on the practice eval.(I am a fan, did not play or coach FB). If neither QB separates themselves in Live Game situations, then you have 2 QB's. Didn't this kind of play out due to injury with Fagnano and Evers? I've said this before and been schooled on why this creates problems, you HAVE TO have a QB1. I just don't get it. If you aren't 100% sure, just give each of them a real shot. Hoping that we don't have a QB controversy going into Game 1, but I bet Osborne will give Merk a run for his money.

 

[CL82]

Of course they are. PRESUMPTIVE starters, as opposed to actual day one starters. They are not paying Merklinger what it cost to get him without the belief that he will be the starting QB and thus worth the investment. If they didn’t believe that, the amount he is being paid would make a difference in whom they could get for multiple different positions. Now that recruiting is about making the best use of a budget, amounts you pay are entirely based on presumptions about who is going to help you the most for the money.

That having been said, if, at some point, Candle doesn’t believe that the guys brought in as presumptive starters are the best options at their positions, he’s going to play the guys who he thinks will help him win. Hopefully he makes these switches quicker than Mora started playing Fagnano over Evers, or Neider started taking Porter’s snaps.

You are right. But really everybody's saying the same thing. Everybody in the quarterback room will get a chance to compete and the best QB will start.

It seems like we have more depth of that position and we've had in a while, but, apparent depth in the off-season often evaporates by the time the ball is snapped in August.