Jake Waters Will Start At Quarterback For K-State

There are two arguments I’ll acknowledge in the “Sams over Waters” camp. The first is that Sams has spent two years in the system, came in for Collin Klein when he was injured against Oklahoma State, and has the experience on this team Waters lacks. However, this does not mean he will be more polished in running the offense. Waters has been playing under center every Saturday the past two years while Sams mostly watched from the sidelines – he has the playing experience, regardless of system. He also came to campus this winter to go through a full set of spring practices. The situation would be different if Waters was just now showing up to learn the offense, but the 14-of-18 effort he put up in the Spring Game demonstrates he already knows what’s going on.

The second argument is that Sams should be the starter because he’s straight up a better athlete. This takes a little jiu jitsu to refute, as it is a perfectly legit standpoint. Auburn doesn’t win the 2010 national championship without Cam Newton. He commanded the read option to perfection. But I don’t have to mention Newton to reinforce the importance of a quarterback that can run the system to K-State fans – Collin Klein made the offense hum over the past two years. If Carson Coffman remains the quarterback in 2011 while Klein fills the wide receiver role, the Wildcats probably don’t reach the Cotton Bowl.

So why do I believe the most athletic option shouldn’t be running the option? Waters is still a dual-threat quarterback, and frankly, no one is going to truly replace Klein’s production – his combination of speed and power just made him too tough to take down. Sams was likely quicker than Klein, but that doesn’t make him faster and that’s an important distinction. Now here’s where the jiu jitsu comes in: if Sams really is that athletic, shouldn’t we be putting him on the field in conjunction with the better passer?

Here’s something to look for this fall: John Hubert is obviously the starting running back and Robert Rose is the primary backup, but they’re small. Hubert is 5’7, and Rose is only 5-4. The team doesn’t necessarily have a large running back. Daniel Sams is 6-2, 211. And fast and coordinated. He’d be lethal coming out of the backfield to catch passes or lining up split outside next to Tyler Lockett. Imagine the possibilities available with both Waters and Sams on the field – double passes, reverses turning into downfield touchdown throws, etc. Defensive backs would be forced to be honest, as anyone biting on the run play would be burned by Tramaine Thompson. Michigan debuted a dual-quarterback formation last year, the Seahawks did it in 2009 with Seneca Wallace and Matt Hasselback, and the approach would leave opponents constantly guessing.

I’m not a coach for K-State. I don’t know who’s the most studious quarterback, who’s proving to be a leader in the locker room, and who offers the best chance for success. But when I look at the evidence, I see the best JUCO player in the nation choosing the program that gives him the best chance to star on a successful team. Aside from Josh Freeman, Jake Waters will be the best passer K-State has seen in two decades. Daniel Sams’ talents will be utilized on the field, but Waters will command the offense rank among the top quarterbacks in the conference.

So how about it, EMAW nation? Who do you expect to see under center this fall?