What do college coaches WANT in a Quarterback?

If I asked 100 random college football fans this question, a majority of the answers would be the same: a strong and accurate arm, quick release, good touch, quick feet, athletic ability. These would all be some answers that almost everybody would give you. But there must be something more, right? There must be a reason why so many guys who seemingly have “all the tools” to be a great quarterback. My answer to that is that many of these “talented” players are missing out on a key attribute that is just as essential to being a great quarterback.

But there is an attribute that is just as important as all the physical tools in the world, and it is your MENTAL MAKEUP.

The starting quarterback is the most overanalyzed position in all of sports. Everything that you say, every move you make, and everything you don’t do will be judged, analyzed, and broken down by thousands and maybe even millions of people who know less about football than all of us quarterbacks have forgotten. What does this mean? It means that you have to have thick skin, you can’t be affected by negativity, because you are the leader of the team and as you go, the team goes. People are going to have their own opinions about everything you do, but very few people (even many of your teammates) really understand the intricacies of the position, and what it takes to succeed as a quarterback.

Leadership is a year round necessity. You have to lead the team on and off the field. Whether it is making sure your wide receivers come to all the offseason workouts, or helping your offensive lineman get the credit they deserve, you have a responsibility to do what is right for the team at all times. As the leader of your team, sometimes you might have to bite the bullet and take the blame for other people’s mistakes for the good of the team. The key word in every aspect here is “team”. Everything you do needs to be about the team, and what you can do to help win the most games that you possibly can. You are going to get the credit when you win or the blame when you lose. Winning makes everything better. So WIN!!!!!!!!!

A quarterback can have the greatest arm and accuracy in the world, but if he doesn’t know where to throw the ball, his throwing skills are irrelevant. There are tons of football players that can throw, but only a select few can pass. Decision making is often times a forgotten aspect of quarterback play. Great quarterbacks understand where and when to throw the football, and just as importantly, they understand where not to throw the football. Sometimes the best play is the one that you don’t make. Live to play another down. Every drive should end in some type of kick, whether it’s a punt, field goal, or extra point. Don’t put your defense in bad spots by turning the football over, it’s a four quarter football game and you will have plenty of opportunities to make big plays, great quarterback make them when they are there, but they also avoid the bad plays as well.

The bottom line is, great quarterbacks are great winners. Be great. Winning is not something that happens only on game day. Winning is an everyday thing. Every practice, every workout, every meeting. WIN EVERY DAY.