When do you start a young player?

Submitted by Yessir on

Can someone give examples of a player playing too early and ruining his development? I think its happened, but can't think of one right now.

There's a point/counter point to starting a player early and positives/negatives to both.  More experience if he starts early versus potentially ruining confidence if too many losses pile up.  Playing behind a shitty OLine would not be good. We don't have a shitty OLine, but just sayin. 

FTR, I don't think waiting till half way through the season was a WRONG decision, but a different decision.  He would've been fine if he started the season as the starting QB.  He seems to take most everything in stride, so a loss to Sparty or being beaten by PSU would not have hurt this guys confidence.  My guess is he still would've had a good to great game against Rutgers yesterday. 

It would be beneficial if Peters had started against Air Force and Cinci when we look at playing Wisconsin and the last game of the season, but we'll still be ok.  

Really would like to hear names of players development hurt by not playing early. 

 

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Wolfman

October 29th, 2017 at 7:06 PM ^

Lloyd was so damn determined in force feeding Drew to the starting lineup we probably lost a couple games because Tom didnt have enough time to bring the team back. Although after Tom's graduation Drew stepped in nicely for a season something was really screwed up because he could not make the travelling squad for NFL teams after his return. Compare that to Staubach who flourished at NAvy to the tune of a Heisman and an eventual SB winner. I don't now if his push from Lloyd added to a sense of entitlement. Only pointing out that two obvious superior college qbs who had similar paths in terms of time away from the game went in far different directions upon their return to the game. 

Now what you say about Peters is totally wrong though, even if you are correct about the effect it might not have had on the young man. Even if he's so stoic that he would not have been affected by his inferior play, the team sure in the hell would have. You never play anyone before they're ready if they will be a major detriment to the team and I can think of no other position where this is more true. It's been said here many times and I believe it, that Jim H. knows qbs as well as anyone If this is true, then if MUST, absouletly MUST follow he knows when to insert them into the starting lineup. 

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Yessir

October 29th, 2017 at 10:12 PM ^

Good post Wolfman. 

This season has some of the more uninspiring wins.  I didn't even re-watch Indiana or Air Force wins.  I normally watch games at least twice and good wins all week.  So Coach Harbaugh knew when to start Peters.  Yesterday was an inspiring win. Defense felt it.  Fans felt it.  Everyone. Probably watched yesterdays game 4 times already. 

It was good to see Nico, Walker, etc in there.  

 

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umbig11

October 29th, 2017 at 7:13 PM ^

Let's not forget this too people. There was a reason Peters lagged behind. In fall camp he pretty much quit after not winning the job or the back up spot. During game weeks he still didn't put in the effort on or off the field. Once he finally knew he had a chance to play, that's when he got engaged. So, take it fwiw. I just hope he continues to improve and play well for Michigan's sake!
 

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CarlosSpicyweiner21

October 29th, 2017 at 7:20 PM ^

Wow I wasn't aware you were in the practices.

My guess on the QB issue is Harbaugh genuinely prefers a vet. He went out a found Ruddock. Then went and found O'Korn, but Speight just was that much ahead of O'Korn at the time and never relinquished the job.

I think unless Harbaugh is blown away aka Luck he prefers a veteran QB to lead his teams.

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Yessir

October 29th, 2017 at 8:13 PM ^

I wonder though, if Peters perceived low-key style is/was causing some issues in terms of appearing as though he lacks enthusiasm? Harbaugh personality and Peters do seem to be different. 

But like Coach Harbaugh said at his introductory presser "It's the only personality I have" and same with Peters.  

Probably making too much of this, but its interesting to watch. 

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pwnwulf

October 29th, 2017 at 8:56 PM ^

Unless you have proof that Peters basically quit once he didn’t get the starting job in fall camp or something to back up all the things you’ve said then it’s all just opinion and rumors. I doubt he has an attitude that bad or he would have never gotten playing time in the spring game or any reps in fall camp.

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LebronJames

October 29th, 2017 at 9:24 PM ^

This may be true, but you come across as very negative in regards to Peters. What is the point in bringing this up? Are you trying to convince other people to not like him? He's our starting QB now and now you want to put this negativity out? I can't blame him for being upset he didn't win the job and was feeling sorry for himself. The kid is 19 and learning how to be an adult. Remember the HBO Harbaugh special where he laid into Wilton for his attitude?

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titanfan11

October 29th, 2017 at 9:50 PM ^

have been specifically referencing the part of the OP about Peters "taking everything in stride."  Perhaps he was giving us a glimpse for why he did not play earlier, and it had nothing to do with talent or skill set or not wanting to get his psyche crushed...he had not earned it.     

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Watching From Afar

October 30th, 2017 at 9:15 AM ^

Not Michigan specific, but David Carr and the Texans is a good example of starting someone young and talented, behind a bad OL and having him to get hit so many times he crumbles.

Gardner was older, had experience, but was still behind a bad OL and got hit so many times he basically developed PTSD. We saw him regress in live time from funky mechanics that generally still worked, to funky mechanics that made every throw a yakety sax experience.

Peters starting early might not have been a huge problem. Peters starting early behind a bad OL. No thanks.

Johnny Manziel survived as a RS freshman starting because he could run around in circles and thow prayers up to guys like Mike Evans. Peters can't do that and the offense has to be ran a specific way. Starting him early would be setting him up to fail unless he has an iron chest and the shortest memory on the planet.

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