Patrick Towles runs against Boyle County. (Clay Jackson photo)
By LARRY VAUGHT
HOOVER, Ala. — Patrick Towles comes to Kentucky as a highly-touted, record-setting quarterback being counted on to help revive the UK football program just like Tim Couch did almost 20 years ago. Couch went through a difficult first year under coach Bill Curry before Hal Mumme became the head coach and unleashed a wide-open offense that eventually made Couch the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft.
Here are some thoughts Couch shared during the SEC Football Media Days on Towles:
Question: Do you buy that theory that a freshman quarterback like Towles cannot be ready to play in the SEC his first year?
Couch: “I have been through it and it all depends on what is around that freshman as far as the supporting cast. I think talent-wise he may be ready. Mentally he may be ready. But if he doesn’t have a supporting cast around him, it won’t make much difference how talented he is. My situation when I came in as a freshman we were a really bad football team. I was in the wrong offense. It was a disaster. I was terrible. I just don’t want to see him get thrown to the wolves when the support is not there at the offensive line or wide receiver position to really support him as young player because it can break your confidence and that’s the last thing I want for him because he does have a ton of potential and he’s going to be a possible program-changer type of player for us. I think it has to be handled very sensitively when you insert him into the game and let him have success early and gain confidence as he grows.”
Question: Do you like being remembered when fans compare Towles to you?
Couch: “Certainly so. That is one thing about Kentucky fans. They never forget you. If you come there and wear the blue and white and play well and do the right things on and off the field, those fans never forget you. That is what I learned over the years being removed from the program. When I go back, it is just like I played there a couple of years ago and it has been a long time since I played there. Those fans are great. They support the program. Everyone talks about how it is a basketball school, but it is a football school when the product is right. I am not saying it is not a basketball school, but fans will come to football. When I was there, we had tremendous fan support. We went to the Outback Bowl (in Tampa) and probably 30,000 fans came to the game. The fans will travel and support the team and buy the tickets as long as the product is right.”
7 Responses to Former UK quarterback Tim Couch doesn’t want to see Patrick Towles thrown to the wolves if the right support is not around him
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Why would it be any different for Smith if he has little protection around him??? Joker will need all three of his qbacks this year if he is to maintain his position as head coach at UK. Frankly, I think Smith and Towles are two fine looking quarterbacks…we just have to find a way to keep them healthy while they pick up more experience. Utilizing those two big freshmen running backs early on would help the situation…we’ve seen enough of our little scat backs getting knocked flat on 3rd and 2 situations. Obviously the O-line has to come through and that’s a big “if”, but I would rather lose with freshmen getting experience than guys who haven’t shown much in the past 2 years. Joker’s got to knock off one or two SEC teams if he is to survive and Towles represents his best chance at that this year. Honestly, I’d rather lose some early games with Towles getting plenty of experience and a chance to beat a couple SEC teams later in the season. At least it would hold my interest if I knew that was the plan of action. I think I get the jest of what Tim is concerned about, but then again, I’ve seen a number of big time programs go with inexperienced quarterbacks from game one, and they came through pretty well. Towles is a load himself and I think he can handle a few hits while he is figuring things out. Mix em up Joker and give me some” HOPE”-Go Cats
Your first question is a good one!
I agree with the rest of you post as well.
I see nothing wrong with playing him in a quarter of each of the first three games. Simplify the game plan a bit for him and see what he can do.
I basically agree with Tim’s breakdown of Towles:
-Talent = Ready
– Mentally = Ready
-Supporting Cast = ???
If Towles were a Four Year player = Best for him to Redshirt
I think that Jim pointed out that he may not be here 4 years & if so play him now.
I like Max Smith – He has worked hard & earned th spot for now. It is great to have both of these guys & a talent like Towles.
My biggest fear for them is injury.
Couch gave fans a couple of great compliments:
“they never forget you”
“The fans will travel & support the team and buy tickets as long as the product is right”
Good article Larry – Good to hear from Tim.
I totally agree with Tim on both issues.
If the OL is not strong and the recievers have not greatly improved I would not “RISK” Towels. Max and Morgan should be able to handle the load and let him redshirt or bring him along easy(while continuing to develope consistancing in the other position).
The reason “Big Time” programs can start a freshman and have success is that they have solid help surrounding the QB. They have 4 and 5 star recievers, running backs and O linemen. Guys that have proven they are ready. UK does not have that at this time! There are some question marks when it comes to play makers. Success in the SEC is hard enough when you have an offense like the one with Woodson, Tamme, Burton and those guys. He will need a lot of help! No matter how good you are you can not win the game by yourself.
I say be creative and innovative with your play calling. Become fundamentaly sound in special teams. And concentrate on execution. I believe that doing those things will lead to greater success both this year and in the future! ! !
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GO BLUE OR STAY HOME
All of you make some good points. My question is:
-Will the supporting cast change enough in one year to make a big difference? Probably not. Towles situation as a Freshman is similar to Couch when he was a freshman – Except that Towles does not have to deal with Elliot Lose- A- Lac.
I agree with Phillip, If there is no protection, what is the point of who is behind center. Nobody will be successful. Also if the supporting cast is so questionable, why would anyone want to be the QB this year. And last, lets let a player play before talking about not being in college for 4 years. That is a far out statement at this time.