With the spring game in the books, the quarterback controversy is still unanswered. In fact, there are even more questions as both Jake Waters and Daniel Sams put on great performances in front of the K-State faithful on Saturday. Two members of the Collegian sports staff take a look at both sides of the debate.
John: Jake Waters
Everything that happens in a spring game has to be taken with a grain of salt. However, there is no denying that what Jake Waters did on Saturday was impressive. The quarterback battle between Daniel Sams and Waters has been the headline since Waters signed his letter of intent to play for K-State. I believe that Waters will ultimately win the starting job for the 2013 season.
Some key seniors graduated on the offensive side of the ball, but there is still a lot of talent to be utilized. The entire offensive line along with a majority of the receiving core and starting running back John Hubert are all back. Waters is the best fit to command the offense because of what he brings to the table.
It is clear that Waters is capable of making throws that Collin Klein was unable to. I believe that Waters is also a better passer than Sams. With the receiving core of Tyler Lockett, Tramaine Thompson and Curry Sexton, to name a few, there is no doubt that this offense has an explosive group of players. With Waters under center, these receivers have the best shot of making plays because they have a quarterback that can deliver passes with great precision.
Waters also has the ability to get out of the pocket when the play breaks down. He is no Sams or Klein when it comes to running, but he is good enough on his feet to get out of a slippery situation.
From a mental aspect, Waters knows what it feels like to lead a team both on and off of the field. Last season, Waters was not only named the junior college player of the year, but also led his team to a perfect record and a national championship. Look for Waters to be under center when the 2013 season rolls around.
Mark: Daniel Sams
Even though K-State fans were only able to see a brief amount of Daniel Sams last season, he showed the game-breaking abilities with his feet, averaging 7.3 yards per carry while scoring three touchdowns.
There has never been a doubt that he can change the game with his feet, but the question was whether he was a good enough passer to hold off the arm of Waters.
While the spring game is definitely slanted toward the offense, Sams showed the ability to put the ball in position to let his receivers make plays. He went 18-of-28 for 391 yards, while also throwing four touchdowns.
Even more impressive, coach Bill Snyder said that both Sams and Waters were calling the plays, which is something that Sams would not have been able to do last year.
Both of them showed in the spring game that this competition will not be decided until next fall, potentially a couple games into the season.
However, Sams showed the work he has put into becoming a better quarterback. Pair that with the ability to take it to the house at any time running the ball, and you have the makings of Michael Bishop 2.0, which I am sure excites many K-State fans.
John Zetmeir is a sophomore in journalism and mass communications and Mark Kern is a senior in print journalism. Please send comments to sports@kstatecollegian.com.
