Brock Osweiler
6'8, 235 LBS, Fr.
Kalispell, Montana (Flathead HS)
Overview
(We interviewed Brock Osweiler in December. He's a good kid, read the transcript here. -C.W.)
Osweiler is the lone true QB recruit of the 2009 class and looks to immediately compete for the starting QB position vacated by Rudy Carpenter. The first offensive player and second overall athlete to commit to the Sun Devils, Osweiler pledged on April 30, 2008. He graduated from high school early in December, and is already enrolled at ASU. He is one of the four recruits who will participate in spring drills - a big advantage for someone hoping to compete for the QB position. Also a highly touted basketball recruit, he originally committeed to Gonzaga his sophomore year before deciding to strictly focus on a collegiate football career.
Scouting Report
Brings incredible size and tremendous athleticism to the quarterback position. Not a typical quarterback of his stature, his athleticism made him one of the top 100 basketball recruits in the nation at the small forward position and gives him unprecedented mobility for a football player of his size. He is the tallest athlete on the ASU roster and is a playmaking threat in and out of the pocket. He has a cannon arm but needs to work on his mechanics if he wants to get the most out of it.
Accolades
Listed as the No. 25 pro-style quarterback in the country by Rivals.com and was a four-star basketball recruit by Scout.com. He was rated the No. 47 quarterback in the nation by them as well, and was named the 2008-09 Gatorade State Player of the Year for Montana. Gives ASU two of Montana's past three Gatorade State Players of the Year, joining sophomore offensive lineman Matt Hustad who won the award playing for Helenda High School in 2006-07.
High School Career
2008-09 Montana Gatorade State Player of the Year, coached by Russell McCarvel at Flathead High School.
Basketball
As a junior on the hardwood in 2007-08 he averaged 24.9 points, 14.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.8 blocked shots per game on 48% shooting from the field and was a top 75 player nationally by Scouts, Inc.
Football, Senior Season
Completed 189/303 passes at 62.4% for 2,703 yards and 29 TDs. Also led the Braves in rushing with 162 carries for 700 yards (4.3 average) and 13 rushing TDs. Against Sentinel on Oct. 3, 2008 completed 15-22 passes (68.2%) for 163 yards and 2 TDs and also rushed 18 times (4.7 avg.) for 84 yards and 3 TDs. Threw for 243 yards and 4 TDs against Great Falls on Oct 11, 2008. Collected a season-high 115 rushing yards on 22 attempts (5.0 average) with 3 TDs and 178 passing yards on 12-19 attempts (63.2%) with 1 TD versus Glacier on Oct. 17, 2009. Threw for 309 yards on 18-23 passing (78.3%) with 5 TDs through the air, while adding 50 rushing yards on 9 attempts (5.6 avg.) with 2 TDs against Hellgate on Oct. 24, 2008.
Football, Junior Season
Completed 63% of his passes for 3,250 yards and 31 TDs.
Football, Sophomore Season
Threw for 2,454 yards and 22 TDs as a sophomore in 2006
The Decision
"I can't wait to get to Tempe and put in some work," said Osweiler when he signed in December. "I plan to put in numerous hours trying to be that guy next year or pushing the quarterback to the best of my abilities and help Arizona State to be a better team." Chose ASU over Alabama, Florida State, Stanford, Tennessee, UCLA, and Washington State. "It's a great situation for me," says Osweiler. "The Arizona State offense only has a bright future ahead, when it is in the hands of two great coaches like Coach Erickson and (offensive coordinator) Coach (Rich) Olson."
More after the jump.
Scouts, Inc report.
"In what seems to be a dying breed in today's game, Osweiler is the quintessential pocket passer and a monster of one at that. He is all of 6'6 and looks great on the hoof. Is also a legit basketball prospect which is likely what he'll end up playing. He looks like Dan McGwire, only not the same arm strength. When he delivers the ball, it has a downward appearance as it approaches the target. Shows pretty good feet and set up quicks although he is in the shotgun most of the time. Size allows him to see the entire field and work through his reads. Has a solid, over-the-top delivery and is capable of making some college level throws if on time. Accuracy is adequate, especially on underneath routes. Throws a catchable ball and shows the consistent ability to lead his receivers on crossing patterns and seam routes. Can change up ball speeds and when need be, can zip the ball outside the numbers and vertically at any given time. Ball handling is good, will sell play fakes and freeze linebackers. However, for a player of Osweiler's size and strength, he Is actually more of a touch passer for the most part and doesn't always unleash the football the way you know he can. He is not a mobile guy and is a target in the pocket. Needs to get rid of the football quickly and is not going to create much or buy time if rushed or things breaks down in front of him. Needs to be protected to be at his best. You can see that he is pretty darn good athlete and obviously an excellent basketball player, but he's not a runner. Overall, Osweiler is an accurate, big pocket guy that can be very productive if protected and has the size and arm strength to be an effective threat as a passer."
Verdict
The guy sounds projectable as any QB, and it isn't often you see a QB prospect who is 6'8. Curiosity alone will make Osweiler an interesting story in spring camp, especially since he enrolled early and will have 6 months to compete for the starting job. I don't expect him to win out, but it will be fun to see what he shows.