Tate Interview

[Rockie]

http://www.wdfn.com/cc-common/podcast/single_podcast.html?podcast=SeanBaligianPodacasts. xml

[primetime101]

he compared himself to colt mccoy but with a stronger arm haha gotta love it

[goblue]

Forcier really sounds like a winner. He's confident without being cocky. He sounded like he's got that Tom Brady poise. He has no reservations about going anywhere but Michigan, which is important. I can't wait to see him play qb at Michigan.

[GoBlue21]

This kid sounds like a competitor. I like how he said it didn't matter what Beaver did, he is ready to compete for the starting QB position no matter who was there ie Threet as well.

I will take a Colt McCoy with a better arm :)

Can't wait to see this kid play, he is excited to be a Michigan Wolverine, I love the phase Tate said when asked why he chose Michigan over Penn State and some PAC 10 schools, he said "IT'S MICHIGAN" That sums it up right there....

Go Blue!

[GoDeepHammer]

Seems like a kid that really wants to play. That is what we want, someone that wants to do whatever they can to win.

[amazinblue]

Seems like a kid that really wants to play. That is what we want, someone that wants to do whatever they can to win.

I do believe that Tate's got a solid head on his shoulders, and my major concern for next season is that he stays healthy. I feel that Threet / Sheridan can back him up, but I don't think they'll be able to run the entire offense as well as Forcier will be able to (by mid season).

[elno lewis]

I do believe that Tate's got a solid head on his shoulders, and my major concern for next season is that he stays healthy. I feel that Threet / Sheridan can back him up, but I don't think they'll be able to run the entire offense as well as Forcier will be able to (by mid season).

....mid season. That is the key, we gots to make it there in fairly good shape.

[tpilews]

After watching one of his games on mgoblog, I am extremely excited to get this kid to AA. He just makes plays. He got an extremely accurate arm and a very quick release. He just seems to be able to lead the receiver perfectly so they can catch it in stride and pick up positive yards. Not like this past year, when receivers had to adjust to the ball and then try to pick up yards, most likely ending in a loss. His ability to make time with his feet will be a real asset for this offense. I'm excited to see some of those read option plays and see what kind of yardage Tate can pick up. I really think this offense can be explosive. I think Tate will get in a rhythm early and the offense will excel.

[Bossgobbler23]

After watching one of his games on mgoblog, I am extremely excited to get this kid to AA. He just makes plays. He got an extremely accurate arm and a very quick release. He just seems to be able to lead the receiver perfectly so they can catch it in stride and pick up positive yards. Not like this past year, when receivers had to adjust to the ball and then try to pick up yards, most likely ending in a loss. His ability to make time with his feet will be a real asset for this offense. I'm excited to see some of those read option plays and see what kind of yardage Tate can pick up. I really think this offense can be explosive. I think Tate will get in a rhythm early and the offense will excel.

I think the offense can and will be explosive with Tate. I seen him as a Colt McCoy type long ago. I like the fact that he compared himself to Colt with the exception of the stronger arm. I like the confidence this kid has. I'm already fired up, when does the season start?

[elno lewis]

I can wait for Tate. Unless he is THAT good, let him ferment on the pine for a hot second and get used to playing in front of a 100K+ peoples. Threet is going to start initially. Healthy and with a solid year under his belt, he'll be fine. Sheridan will not see the field. If Threet does screw up, Tate will come in.

Anyway. If the o line plays well, we'll do ok.

[amazinblue]

He got an extremely accurate arm and a very quick release. He just seems to be able to lead the receiver perfectly so they can catch it in stride and pick up positive yards. Not like this past year, when receivers had to adjust to the ball and then try to pick up yards, most likely ending in a loss. His ability to make time with his feet will be a real asset for this offense. I'm excited to see some of those read option plays and see what kind of yardage Tate can pick up. I really think this offense can be explosive. I think Tate will get in a rhythm early and the offense will excel.

TPI,

I think a few of the things you mentioned are essential to the QB position. A quick release, buying time with his feet, and hitting the receivers in stride - if he does those "fairly well" - the O should be fine in '09, and just get even better. I'm betting that the line will give him sufficient protection, and if he can hit the WR / slot in stride, we'll see a lot of points going up on the board - since I do believe we'll be strong, quick, and fast at all the skill positions.

[GoDeepHammer]

TPI,

I think a few of the things you mentioned are essential to the QB position. A quick release, buying time with his feet, and hitting the receivers in stride - if he does those "fairly well" - the O should be fine in '09, and just get even better. I'm betting that the line will give him sufficient protection, and if he can hit the WR / slot in stride, we'll see a lot of points going up on the board - since I do believe we'll be strong, quick, and fast at all the skill positions.

If our QB could have done thatt this year, we would have had a winning year this year. As bad as our offense played, we still could have won 3-4 games more this year with a QB that hit the open receiver. I agree that that OL play is most important, but if we can hit the open receiver for 3-6 yards, the offense will move the ball.

[bighousemike84]

I see Tate having all the intangibles that will make him a solid QB in the next level but....

What concerns me is what kind of leadership skills does this kid have? He has been homeschooled much of his life. He doesnt attend highschool because of his crazy work schedule. I have read from a few sources that in the huddle he commands well but outside the huddle he stands alone away from the rest of the team. I love what this kid has to offer and look forward to seeing him perform I just worry about his ability in late game final drive to win the game scenarios. Does he have the ability to lead those other men? Can he convince them to walk through fire for him?

[tpilews]

I see Tate having all the intangibles that will make him a solid QB in the next level but....

What concerns me is what kind of leadership skills does this kid have? He has been homeschooled much of his life. He doesnt attend highschool because of his crazy work schedule. I have read from a few sources that in the huddle he commands well but outside the huddle he stands alone away from the rest of the team. I love what this kid has to offer and look forward to seeing him perform I just worry about his ability in late game final drive to win the game scenarios. Does he have the ability to lead those other men? Can he convince them to walk through fire for him?

Mike, I think you have a legitimate concern. My take on it is that Tate is the "hired gun" per say. He's not really friends with the guys on the team because he doesn't see them everyday at school. I think the most important thing you said is that he "commands attention in the huddle". Being a leader doesn't always mean a vocal leader. Maybe Tate is the "lead by example" type. I think one of the real positives with him is his strong work ethic. This will demand respect from his teammates. Tate is going to work his tail off to be the best starter he can be on Sept. 5th.

[tpilews]

Here are some more quotes from Tate from an interview done by Yahoo Sports.


"Me, Coach Smith and Coach Rodriguez already have something set up," Forcier said. "Pretty much, if I'm not with my tutor, I am going to be in the office with them. If I'm not in the office with them, I'll be with (strength and conditioning coach Mike) Barwis. If I'm not with Barwis, I'm going to be watching film. I'm going to keep myself pretty busy.

"This is what enrolling early is for. You can't just pick up an offense like that. There's a process to it and we think we've got something down where I'm going to pick it up as fast (as possible)."

[elno lewis]

Am looking forward to Tate, but ain't gone clazy yet. Its a big change. Besides, i'm nervous about anyone who doesn't schedule some time for getting some trim.

[nc wolverine]

elno, couldnt agree more. Hes still a kid, hes going to get burnt out start over analyzing defenses. I apriciate all the time and effort that he is putting and im sure it will show this season but he needs time to relax. I dont want him to over do it and get burned out

[blueisbetterthanred]

I agree that putting too high of hopes on Tate isn't realistic, but he is definitely better than what we had on the field this season. He has the potential to explode, but it isn't likely I don't think his first season.

He's going to have some strong competition from the '10 class, I have a feeling that's where our next brady/henson comes from.

[tpilews]

elno, couldnt agree more. Hes still a kid, hes going to get burnt out start over analyzing defenses. I apriciate all the time and effort that he is putting and im sure it will show this season but he needs time to relax. I dont want him to over do it and get burned out

All this really says is that Tate has a strong work ethic. C'mon, you think the guys on the team are going to let Tate stay in on the weekends. Shit, he's gonna be the starting QB at UM, girls are probably already lining up.

His strong work ethic will be contagious. Everyone on the team will look at themselves and start to work even harder. Yes, a freshmen can even change this dynamic. This is good news for UM. The teams needs more players like Tate; guys that will work hard to succeed.

[Sten Carlson]

All this really says is that Tate has a strong work ethic. C'mon, you think the guys on the team are going to let Tate stay in on the weekends. Shit, he's gonna be the starting QB at UM, girls are probably already lining up.

His strong work ethic will be contagious. Everyone on the team will look at themselves and start to work even harder. Yes, a freshmen can even change this dynamic. This is good news for UM. The teams needs more players like Tate; guys that will work hard to succeed.

No doubt!

He listed all the things that he's going to need to WORK AT, not all the things that are just going to fall into his lap! He shouldn't have to waste a minute on wondering whether he's going to get his fair share of girls.

Besides, in an interview, he's certainly not going comment on spending time chasing tail, partying, and doing the "college thing" -- those are a given, and generally fall under the "don't ask, don't tell" heading.

I really like his comments, and I think that a work ethic like he is expressing, when coupled with his grooming, is going to give him the potential to be a monster, and should be infectious to his teammates!

[nc wolverine]

All this really says is that Tate has a strong work ethic. C'mon, you think the guys on the team are going to let Tate stay in on the weekends. Shit, he's gonna be the starting QB at UM, girls are probably already lining up.

His strong work ethic will be contagious. Everyone on the team will look at themselves and start to work even harder. Yes, a freshmen can even change this dynamic. This is good news for UM. The teams needs more players like Tate; guys that will work hard to succeed.

tpilews...... i got what u r saying. I think its great, and i have said that if michigan isnt contending for the big ten next year i will be suprised. I love the fact that we landed tate, I just dont want him to get burnt out. Its college he needs to have some fun. Peyton manning had a work ethic like that at UT, but for some reason i cant picture him going to the club with his team mates..... Tate will be fine . and i do like the fact that he is that devoted to being successful

go blue
now and forever

[Bo23]

My guess is he'll be getting more hairpie than a gynecologist. Good for him.