Q&A with Quarterbacks Coach Dick Winder
7/2/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 2, 2002
As the Horned Frogs head into the 2002 season with a new signal caller, TCU Quarterbacks Coach Dick Winder assesses the strengths of each of the candidates, and discusses the changes in the Frogs passing attack.
For the first time in three years, the Horned Frogs will enter the season with a new starting quarterback. Overall, the group of candidates has impressed TCU's new quarterbacks' guru, veteran coach Dick Winder.
"They are good people and it's obvious that football is very important to all of them. They are going to do what you ask them to do. They are very competitive and love to play the game."
Inexperience at the position is a major concern, but head coach Gary Patterson plans to put the quarterback in a situation where they don't have to try to do it all themselves. "I don't believe in putting the team in position to win because of the quarterback," Patterson said. "But we are going to win with the quarterback."
"We don't have anybody that's played a whole lot of football," Winder said. "It's difficult for anybody, especially at that position. Like I told them, we could meet in a closet, there are only four of us. If it was easy, there would be a room full of them. The inexperienced factor is the biggest thing we have to overcome."
Senior Sean Stilley, who threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns against Army in his only full game as a starter, entered the spring at the top of the depth chart, and remains in the top spot heading into the fall. Redshirt freshman Tye Gunn improved all spring while moving into the backup position ahead of sophomore Brandon Hassell. Redshirt freshman Zack Moore has fallen behind due to missing most of the spring with mononucleosis.
"Sean is ahead of the other two right now," Winder said. "But that doesn't mean there's not some competition left. Things could change again during fall practice."
Winder brings a wealth of experience to the TCU staff. He has been in the coaching profession for 35 years, including 9 seasons as Texas Tech's offensive coordinator, and two more as the coach in charge of the offense at the University of Oklahoma. While at Tech, he helped Billy Joe Tolliver become a star and eventual long-time NFL player, as well as developed unheralded walk-on Robert Hall into an all-SWC quarterback.
What attracted you to TCU?
It's really a good program. I always had a lot of respect for TCU, even back in the SWC days. It's an intriguing school. The quality of people on the staff impressed me the most. They did a good job last year after losing all those seniors.
Have there been any key influences in how you've developed your philosophy of the passing game?
I think this, you have to adjust to the people that you have. They do a good job of running the option here, and I think we have some quarterbacks that can run the option. My philosophy in the past is that we have been successful running the ball, but we've always mixed it pretty well. You have to go to the strengths of the team, particularly the quarterback. Whatever those guys feel the most comfortable doing is what you got to stress and be good at. Football has changed a bunch, it's a lot more wide-open than it used to be, but the bottom line is you still have to be able to run the ball.
Are you changing much from what the team did passing last season?
There's not much difference. Coach Schultz is still the offensive coordinator. There's a little bit of difference in philosophy as far as the mechanics part - their drop back and throwing motion. It's a little different than what they are used to, but they seem to be adjusting real fast to it.
Are you overseeing the passing game, or working more with the quarterbacks?
I am just coaching quarterbacks. There are a couple of things that I have done in the past that I have put in. Some passes out of the 4-wide set.
Will you continue to run out of the shotgun?
Yes.
Will you throw to the tight ends more this season?
I think we have this spring. Hopefully they are a big part of the passing game, which you really need.
Do you see a pass-catching specialist at tight end emerging to replace Matt Schobel?
They all look like they are catching the ball well. I don't know that one stands out
How has Cody McCarty progressed at tight end?
Cody looks good. He's a big body and catches the ball real well.
Will you use some more screen passes?
We will run a lot of screens. They have been good so far. Looking at this conference, it's something you definitely need to be good at. Anything to slow down the pass rush. Some of the teams in this league blitz a whole lot with some real good athletes.
Will you look to run these screens to the fullback or tailback?
Both. We will also run some double screens. One side with the back, one side to the wide receiver.
Can Kenny Hayter be a weapon out of the backfield?
He is really coming on. The first week, he was like me, kind of lost out there. He's got good hands. Reggie Holts at fullback catches the ball well too. Mike is trying to figure out more ways to get him the ball. He's a big, fast guy who can do a lot of things.
Does having an experienced group of receivers help the development of the quarterbacks?
Definitely. We have some talent out there. Some guys who can run fast and can catch the ball real well. The more ways we can get them the ball, the better off we are going to be. We definitely have some weapons.
What do you see as the strengths of Sean Stilley?
He's such a leader. There is no one on this team that doesn't have great respect for him. He's a tough guy, both mentally and physically. He doesn't get rattled and is a good athlete. He needs to improve at throwing the ball downfield and being consistent.
What have you seen so far from Tye Gunn?
He has great potential and a good arm. He's still a pup. He is getting a better feel for the offense as we go along. The thing about Tye is he will really study it too. It's not just something he thinks about when he walks into this building. It's obvious he spends time with the playbook and watching tape. He has the ability to make the big play, he just needs to be more consistent. The little things like learning when to throw the ball away. He's made plays all his life, but that was in high school. He's playing against some different cats now.
How is Brandon Hassell progressing?
Good. He's a really good athlete. Needs to get more consistent throwing the ball. He's been here a while, but never had much of an opportunity. It's his turn to step up.
Can Zack Moore work his way back into the mix?
He's going to be behind. It definitely hurts him. The few days he was here, he was certainly in the mix.
Do you like to play your starter most of the game, or do you like to rotate with a backup?
You always want to give guys reps when you can, but quarterback is a unique position. You need to find a guy and go with him. If he has a bad day, you don't just throw him to the wolves. Everyone will have a bad day, even Kurt Warner.
Which of the quarterbacks has the strongest arm on the deep throws?
Tye probably has the strongest arm as far as if you were having a javelin contest. Sean has the quickest release.
Who has been the most accurate?
Sean, but there's not a lot of difference there.
Who is the best at executing the option?
The difference is Sean has had so many more reps. Tye and Brandon have really come on, and both of those guys can run.
Who is the best at finding the secondary receivers?
Sean is ahead in that area. He's a little older and more experienced.
Who is the best at scrambling and throwing on the run?
No question that Tye is the best at that. He's been doing it his whole life.
Who improved the most during the spring?
I don't think anyone has really stood out. It varies day-to-day. They have all improved. Hopefully that will continue.
Is Stilley the best team leader?
Yes. He's the older guy. He should be the leader. The young guys have gained the respect of the players too. When you are young, and have some much to learn, you don't have time to dwell on that. You are more worried about yourself.
