Two Possible QB Transfers for State

[cvholt87]

Looks like State is a possible destination for two QB transfers, both of which would be eligible to play immediately.

Steven Bench is looking to transfer from Penn State and is looking at Mississippi St, NC State, Rice, and USF. Due to Penn State's sanctions, Bench will be able to play immediately wherever he goes. The other QB, Brandon Mitchell, is a transfer from Arkansas. Mitchell is an athletic talent that wants to play QB and it just wasn't going to happen at Arkansas. He's a senior and is on track to graduate so he'd be able to play right away as well.

Obviously Doeren is unhappy with the depth at QB that TOB left him with. He's trying to create some more competition but I'm thinking it'll be pretty hard for anyone to beat out Thomas or Stocker with all the time they're having to pick up the new offense.


Steven Bench

Brandon Mitchell

[Marty Da Hungry Wolf]

If they can play, it's definitely worth taking a shot on them.

Go Pack

[cvholt87]

I have more confidence in Mitchell than I do Bench, but I would be impressed if either were able to beat out Stocker or Thomas to start the season. Those two have such an advantage in terms of the playbook and reps, but we'll see.

Here's some footage of the spring game this year at Arkansas, he has a pretty nice drive starting around 10:45 that goes to about 17.

Spring Game Video

I thought he actually looked pretty good. To give you an idea of his athleticism, he started 6 games at WR last year (6'4" 240lb) and also played some basketball for Arkansas last year. Appears to be a pretty good fit for DD's offense.

[mattncsu02]

Bring 'em on! I'll take all the talent the Pack can get.

[Tizu]

Definitely not a bad thing to have depth at the QB spot. Cutcliffe always tries to keep at minimum 2 "starters". He loves to run the Wildcat with one, while the other does the most passing. This year should be interesting in terms of ACC football especially with the new members joining. I'm excited for it and ready to see what this year brings.

Duke had a few solid recruits that will be helpful right away. I hope they can make a little splash this year.

Good Luck!

[Ken D]

May 8, 2013 18:51:00 GMT -5 cvholt87 said:

I have more confidence in Mitchell than I do Bench, but I would be impressed if either were able to beat out Stocker or Thomas to start the season. Those two have such an advantage in terms of the playbook and reps, but we'll see.

Here's some footage of the spring game this year at Arkansas, he has a pretty nice drive starting around 10:45 that goes to about 17.

Spring Game Video

I thought he actually looked pretty good. To give you an idea of his athleticism, he started 6 games at WR last year (6'4" 240lb) and also played some basketball for Arkansas last year. Appears to be a pretty good fit for DD's offense.

I would question the likelihood of Mitchell signing with the Pack. He has only one year of eligibility left, and I expect he doesn't want to go someplace he isn't given some assurance that he would be the starting QB. He could have stayed where he was if he wanted to be a backup. He missed out on the starting spot at Arkansas because he had trouble adjusting to a new offense during spring practice. What would make him think he could adjust better at State without the benefit of spring practice?

Doeren needs depth at the position, and Mitchell would provide that. But it seems to me all the benefits are for State/Doeren and none for Mitchell (except that he doesn't have to live in Arkansas any more).

[cvholt87]

Oh I agree, if he's looking for PT then State doesn't seem to be the best situation for him. But at the same time I think State gives him the best possibility of playing QB in a major conference. I also know that Doeren was pretty pissed that Stocker wasn't redshirted last year, maybe he's hoping Mitchell can provide some serious competition that could possibly allow for Stocker to redshirt this season.

FWIW, all of his paperwork went through this morning for an official visit so he'll be arriving in Raleigh this afternoon.

[cvholt87]

Joe Schad ?@schadjoe
Add Michigan today to list of possible landing spots for former Arkansas QB Brandon Mitchell. UAB, NC State still strong.

[mattncsu02]

Anybody figured out how we can somehow get Russell Wilson back? Hehe.

[Ken D]

May 10, 2013 10:01:04 GMT -5 cvholt87 said:

Oh I agree, if he's looking for PT then State doesn't seem to be the best situation for him. But at the same time I think State gives him the best possibility of playing QB in a major conference. I also know that Doeren was pretty pissed that Stocker wasn't redshirted last year, maybe he's hoping Mitchell can provide some serious competition that could possibly allow for Stocker to redshirt this season.

FWIW, all of his paperwork went through this morning for an official visit so he'll be arriving in Raleigh this afternoon.

Hadn't considered the possibility of redshirting Stocker, given the depth issue. But if Mitchell could perform as well as Stocker, or even a little better, for just one year, then Stocker could enter next season ready, and Doeren would buy one more year to recruit behind him.

That's why he's a coach, and I'm not.

[cvholt87]

Here's an update on Mitchell. I'd be shocked if we didn't get him.

UPDATE: Former Arkansas quarterback Brandon Mitchell spent the weekend in Raleigh visiting North Carolina State. The Wolfpack may be the ideal fit for the transfer.

"They have a great supporting cast there, especially defensively," Mitchell told Matt Carter of the WolfPacker.com. "They had a guy that could have went to the league last year at cornerback (Dontae Johnson) that they talked into coming back. They have great leaders on defense, and even on offense they have two offensive tackles back, one (Rob Crisp) has the potential of being a top-three round guy.

"They just signed a receiver from West Virginia (Travares Copeland) who they are trying to get cleared right away. They have three of their top four receivers coming back. They have a good running back coming in from Florida [Matt Dayes] and the two running backs coming back next year. They have a great supporting cast.

"Everything seems to be lining up for that perfect marriage, but I have to go home and pray about it and talk with my family and make the best decision that we think is right."

Mitchell admitted he fits North Carolina State's offensive scheme "really well." It may be only a matter of time before he decides to become a member of the Wolfpack.

[Marty Da Hungry Wolf]

Would love to have him if he'd love to be here.

Go Pack

[Ken D]

Stocker and Thomas can't be feeling much love right now. Even if Mitchell comes and only plays one year, don't forget that Florida transfer Jacoby Brissett has two years eligibility starting in 2014. He, too, is considered a dual threat QB who fits Doeren's system.

[Marty Da Hungry Wolf]

I like everything I've read about Pete Thomas so far, but he strikes me as more of a "classic" QB, or am I just missing something? Looks like a certain skill set is needed for Coach Doeren's offensive system, along with physical traits.

[mattncsu02]

Regardless of what happens, looks like the Pack is going to be alright in the QB department next year!

[Ken D]

Done deal! Now Stocker has a decision to make.

If he thinks the starting job is likely to go to either the senior Mitchell or the redshirt junior Thomas, he could redshirt. But then he faces the possibility of two years backing up Florida transfer Brissett. If he thinks he will be redshirted this year anyway, might he consider looking to transfer in hopes of starting somewhere in 2014?

If so, State is still thin at QB, but at least they will have upgraded in terms of experience.

[Marty Da Hungry Wolf]

Better for State to have many choices rather than few.

I feel bad for Stocker or anyone else who is the "odd man out" but in cases of new coaches coming in this would seem to be fairly common.