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Evaluating the Mechanics of Big Ten Quarterbacks - Ricky Stanzi

Our next profile looks at Iowa's golden boy -- straw spinner Ricky Stanzi.

Ricky Stanzi (Iowa)

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Everyone outside of Iowa City remembers Stanzi for last November's 171 yard upset performance against (then) No. 3 Penn State, and a similarly solid showing in an Outback bowl route of South Carolina.  How does his form stack up against the rest of the conference?

Snap (B+):

  • Security/Ball Placement (B): Stanzi carries the football close to his collarbone, and drops his non-throwing hand several seconds before his wind up and release.  This increases the risk of a blind side fumble.
  • Retreat Speed (A): Stanzi is light on his feet, moving back into position quickly after the snap.
  • Footwork (B+): Stanzi shuffles neatly into the pocket, but he bounces a bit after his drop -- motion that sometimes feels out of sync with his release.
  • The Fake (B-)Ricky could be more effective at selling the handoff.  He routinely pulls his head up prior to engaging the back, so it's easy to tell he's not getting rid of the football.  Additionally, he pump fakes sideways, rather than forward.
  • Adaptation (A): Stanzi is effective at releasing the football under pressure and improvizing roll-outs.  

Release (A):

  • Survey (A+): Even before the ball reaches his hands, Stanzi's head is cued up, keeping a continuous watch on coverages and developing routes.
  • Stance (B+): His plant is a little soft, but Stanzi stays nicely balanced.
  • Step (A-): Ricky takes a firm forward step, correctly planting his front foot into the pocket.  Follows through his release by kicking his back leg out -- although this makes him lean forward.  This makes it all the more important that Stanzi keeps the tip of ball up on long passes.
  • Wrist/Throw (A): Stanzi has a solid, circular throwing motion.  He keeps the point of release high, near his shoulder pads.  Flicks his wrist sharply, resulting in fast, accurate deliveries. 

Overall: A-

[Editor's Note: I used practice film from 2009 as well as actual live game footage to complete this evaluation.]

Big Ten Report Card:

  1. Ben Chappell (B/B+)
  2. Daryll Clark (B+)
  3. Tate Forcier (B-)
  4. Ricky Stanzi (A-)
  5. Terrelle Pryor (B+)

0 recs  |  Comment 3 comments |

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Having not seen any of the footage in question

is it possible sloppy fake execution is related to realizing that with Greene, no one needed to worry about it? Everyone was going to be so keyed on Greene, even a half hearted fake would work.
It’s a moot point, since it’ll need to get better, but I’m curious if it’s an area that needs work now because they didn’t need to work on it then

by chitownhawkeye on Jun 3, 2009 5:12 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I think you're right...

Iowa ranked 90th in the nation in passing last year. By comparsion, they were 33rd as a rushing offense.

If you were a middle linebacker where would you put your money?

Still, mechanics are mechanics — and I can’t ever imagine a quarterbacks coach letting an athlete slide by on a simple execution.

The Rivalry, Esq.
Big Ten Football. Excuses Included.

by Law Buckeye on Jun 4, 2009 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

…I can’t ever imagine a quarterbacks coach letting an athlete slide by on a simple execution.

Law Buckeye, meet Ken O’Keefe. Mr. O’Keefe, Law Buckeye.

by Third Generation Hawk on Jun 7, 2009 11:13 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

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