Position Preview: Buffs QBs Have Enjoyed Consistent, Productive Camp
August 22, 2018 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — It is one of the handful of positions on the Colorado roster that has been settled since the day fall camp began, at least in terms of a starter.
Junior Steven Montez entered camp as the incumbent No. 1 and has done nothing to imperil that status. Montez, who started all 12 games last season for Colorado and who has 15 career starts under his belt, has enjoyed by far his most consistent and productive camp yet as a Buff.
But right behind Montez, CU's backups have also made substantial progress. Sophomore Sam Noyer has been impressive since Day One, showing a much better grasp of the offense, more confidence in the pocket and some outstanding accuracy. Noyer got a taste of play under fire a year ago when he replaced an ineffective Montez at Washington State, and has shown in camp that he is ready for another opportunity. Redshirt freshman Tyler Lytle, meanwhile, has also been sharp, appearing much more relaxed running the offense and showing a strong arm and good accuracy in the process.
And, true freshman Blake Stenstrom has also been impressive, earning coaches' praise for his quick grasp of CU's attack.
The common thread has been new quarterbacks coach Kurt Roper, who arrived in time for spring ball and had an immediate impact. He has not only worked with his quarterbacks' mechanics, he has also helped them become much more attuned to the importance of the film room.
"It's been a good camp," Roper said. "Each of them has done a good job of learning the system and they're getting a better understanding of what we're trying to do with each concept. I think they're understanding defensive football better and how fronts and pressures and all that tie together. I think they've had a good camp and each of them has improved."
For Montez, his junior year will no doubt be a crucial one.
Since the day he made his starting debut two years ago and led the Buffs to an upset win at Oregon, there has been little doubt about Montez's physical abilities. In that 41-38 win, he threw for 333 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 135 yards and another score to become the first player in CU history to have more than 300 yards passing and 100 yards rushing in the same game.
Since then, he has had more moments of brilliance — but he has also been inconsistent. This year, after an offseason spent studying defenses and learning the nuances of the position, he has the chance to take an important next step. If he can match his physical prowess with his mental progress, he could be in for an outstanding year.
"He's had a good camp," Roper said. "He has a lot of experience in the system, he's challenged himself to be more knowledgeable of the game in general and he's worked at it. Hopefully it translates to solid performances on Saturdays when the lights come on. But I've been pleased with him."
Roper also believes there is a capable backup waiting in the wings. While Noyer has had a slight edge for most of camp, Lytle has also had his moments, and earlier this week, head coach Mike MacIntyre said the competition is still too close to call.
"Both of them are talented," Roper said. "Both of them have the ability to throw the ball. Both of them are big and can see back in the pocket. Obviously you have to have guys ready to play. You never know in this game how it goes. It's a tough, physical game. But I think those guys are challenging themselves to get ready and growing their knowledge of quarterback play."
It also would not be a surprise this year to see Stenstrom get a few snaps in a game if the opportunity presents itself. The new redshirt rule means that he could appear in four games and still be a redshirt freshman in 2019, and CU's coaches are no doubt curious to see how the son of former Stanford standout and NFL veteran Steve Stenstrom will perform at the Division I level.
"He's really talented, really smart," Roper said. "You can tell he came from a football background. Fundamentally he came in really solid and his understanding of football in general is high. He's been a product of his environment."
Roper, who has tutored a number of quality college quarterbacks who went on to enjoy NFL careers — including two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning — has two basic tenets of playing the position: take care of the ball and make plays.
He is not a fan of the "game manager" philosophy.
"So many people say, 'Well, this quarterback, all he has to be is a game manager and distribute the ball,'" Roper said. "Quarterbacks can't just manage the game. They have to manage the game, but they also have to make plays. We rely on those guys to make a lot of plays."
Certainly, no one will hit Montez with the "game manager" label. Now, Roper wants to see how his starter performs on game day.
"Obviously we're all getting anxious for the games to start and to test ourselves when it starts counting," he said. "Practice is important and practice teaches you a lot and you have to make practice as much like a game as you can. But there's nothing like being under the lights and you learn a lot more about people when that happens."
WHO'S BACK: Junior Steven Montez, sophomore Sam Noyer, redshirt freshman Tyler Lytle.
WHO'S NEW: Freshmen Blake Stenstrom, sophomore Josh Goldin.
PENCIL DEPTH CHART: Montez, Noyer or Lytle, Stenstrom.
WHAT'S IN STORE: There is no doubt that Montez is capable of big plays, big numbers and big games — the question is whether he can take the next step when it comes to the little details.  If the CU junior can add week-in, week-out consistency to his game, CU's offense could be one with which to reckon in the Pac-12.
STAT TO REMEMBER: With 15 career starts and 21 total appearances, Montez has a 60 percent completion percentage (311-for-517) with 27 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. In 15 career starts, he's had eight games with more touchdowns than interceptions, and the Buffs are 6-2 in those games.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
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