Projecting the Depth Chart at Quarterback

I think it is safe to presume that Mason Rudolph is a shoo-in for QB1, but how will the depth chart behind Rudolph play out as we head towards the season? Here’s my thoughts on how the QB competition will shake out:

QB4: John Kolar, (R-Fr.)

Kolar is entering his second year in Stillwater, and hasn’t stepped on the field … Yet. He redshirted last year and ideally, was able to put on some valuable pounds and gain some experience. However, from his recruiting profile in HS saying he was 6-3, 195lbs. to the current OSU roster, he’s only gained five pounds.

He does bring a level of versatility to the QB position with his ability to pull it down and run. But I’m not sure OSU is going to want to trot him out just yet until he puts some more weight on, unfortunately.

As far as his goals, he’s just trying to better himself. “My emphasis this summer was just getting better in every aspect,” Kolar told The Oklahoman this week. “Learning more, getting bigger, stronger, faster. And also getting a head start on the mental part of the game.”

QB3: Keondre Wudtee, (Fr.)

I’m not ruling out that Wudtee won’t play this season, but I think it’s reasonable to have him sit this season and not burn a year of eligibility only to use him in spot duty. Being a summer enrollee, he seems to have come in well prepared and knows the game. But even then, it’s a difficult ask to take over a backup QB position with only a month to really prove yourself.

“He understands football,” Gundy told Mark Cooper of the Tulsa World. “He has a quick release and gets rid of the ball fast. He’s a true freshman; he’s got a way to go in throwing, just like all of them have ..  I think he’s going to be able to figure out the offense fairly quick, which then allows him to improve at a faster rate because he understands like all of us, if we understand what direction we are going in, we will get there faster.”

QB2: Taylor Cornelius, (R-Soph.)

The Oil Baron is the only player here with true game experience, sans Mr. Rudolph. And despite his added dimension to be mobile like Wudtee, I think gaining the trust and learning the offense is something that is overlooked. The coaches have trusted him to hit the field before, so I think the path for Cornelius to assume the QB2 role is nearly paved. He’s had an entire spring and summer to prove he is ready, whereas Wudtee was a summer enrollee, which didn’t exactly play in his favor.

QB1: Mason Rudolph (Jr.)

No surprise here to expect QB1 to stay QB1. Not only is he QB1 between the 20’s, but if Taylor Cornelius does indeed become QB2, that likely means the coaches aren’t preparing for a Walsh goal-line package using Kolar/Wudtee. He’ll have the reigns all over the field — Which means we should see a lot of this on goal-to-go situations:

Rudolph ➡️ Seales. #okstate pic.twitter.com/8ou1U3aidp

— Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) August 6, 2016