What I have seen has been from a few practices and, of course, the Spring Game. He impressed during the Spring Game, but the savvy fan knows that a Spring Game doesn't tell you much at all. He's a good sized kid......6'4" and every bit of 210# plus. Yes, he is mobile. He's not a running QB by any means, but he's not Hartline. He has plenty of mobility to move around in the pocket and even scramble for a 1st down if the need arises. He has a very quick release and is fairly accurate. Arm strength appears strong enough for college ball....as it is neither a detriment nor crazy impressive.
Though as we all know there is more to playing QB than physical traits. Knowledge of playbook, pocket awareness, not staring down targets, reading coverages and blitzes, etc.
The issue? The issue is that SJ has pretty much locked up the starting job until injury. Barker has more upside and according to the staff a better control of the offense......and experience that comes with being an upperclassman. So, if CJ goes down, I think they try Barker for a bit. If he fails, then Hoak. That is for this yr.
There is reason for Hoak-optimism though.....and cause for worry. Personally, I think Barker is having trouble getting over the mental hurdles that comes with a significant injury. He just hasn't looked the same. SJ will graduate, which means there will be an open starting role. I think that during the off-season they staff will hold an open competition......where it's very possible that Hoak can beat out Barker. The Hoak-worry is Jarran Williams. If he's all that and a bag of chips, then the staff may look to go with Williams.
(and yes, I'm aware of guys like Clark. Unfortunately from my knowledge Clark "may" be looking at a change of position.........or if he's stubborn, then a possible transfer......but it's still uber-early in his career so, we'll see what happens.)
