Sometimes, “they” are simply wrong. We use that pronoun recklessly at times–speaking of “they” or in this case, them. For instance, when “they” say–which “we” do quite a bit–when you have two quarterbacks, you’ve essentially got none. Recognizing that exceptions to this rule or theory–or that exceptions to rules exist everywhere for that matter–is key when assessing Plant’s QB “situation” heading into spring ball. When you look at the numbers, it seems as though the Panthers were just fine using a multi-pronged approach at the spot even IF it does not seem to go well in many other places–at all levels.

Because some of Plant’s best players in their recent history have come from that position, we’ve become somewhat accustomed to the Panthers having “their guy” and then moving on down the line in terms of evaluating the countless other spots with talented players. It might be the reason why it looks or feels somewhat awkward to not see a full-time operator at the helm–but that’s where the awkwardness only feels skin-deep. The numbers and the production they got from their two “main” guys–Dan Frantzen and Kyle Trina–was more-than-worth taking the chance at platooning the position.

Stop and consider this hypothetical situation. If you were to actually morph the two players into one and use their combined stats via their arms and legs–you might find that the QB situation–isn’t a situation at all. Plant finished the season with 4,316 total yards with 1,795 of that coming through the air and the balance of 2,521 via the ground. The two QB’s–Frantzen and Trina–combined for 1,724 yards of passing and 29 touchdowns. The two combined for another 877 yards of rushing with an added seven touchdowns. Those numbers if possessed by one player, would have them at #63 in the state in passing yardage–which by their standards might be low, but to the rest of us is pretty good.

Perhaps the most-compelling argument for the two-QB approach comes with their final rankings in total yardage and touchdowns–two pretty good indicators of how much production you’re getting from the position. Most programs do really well when they’ve got a “prospect” that can produce 2,600+ yards in-total and 36 touchdowns. Most coaches would gnaw their arms to shrubs to have a “prospect” that can produce from any skill spot on the offense. It just so happens that the prospect in this case is a pair of prospect(s). You put those numbers and hypothetically-speaking, the Panthers would have a top-25 QB in total yardage and a top-3 QB in total touchdowns–in the entire state.

Coaches will always–when in this specific situation–that heading into spring ball provides fair competition and that they’ll be looking forward to seeing which guy gives them the best option at executing the offense–and so on, and so on, and—you get the point. This situation like we said, isn’t a situation at all. Both are relatively the same size at 5-11 and 185-190 pounds. Both have proven they can handle playing the position. The choice in this case, is that there is no choice to be made. Of course, if you wanted to somehow ACTUALLY morph them into one human and create that new “mega-prospect”–then make sure you contact someone with a little more knowledge about that. For now, all we know is “they” might not be able to help you as much as “them” two guys that are currently taking the snaps.