They were linked for two seasons, the Texas A&M head coach and his starting quarterback.
While Dennis Franchione has become a distant, painful memory for many, Stephen McGee remains alive, well and productive under new coach Mike Sherman. One of the benefits of the coaching change/housecleaning was supposed to be Jerrod Johnson finally getting an offensive showcase.
Right idea.
Wrong QB.
When Sherman announces his starting quarterback by week's end, McGee's name will probably be first on the depth chart for the third straight season.
Sherman hasn't broken out the anointing oil yet after he announced an open competition between his quarterbacks. He provided a job description of what he wants.
"It's just effectively moving the offense in a consistent fashion," Sherman said. "It's how they handle themselves and their efficiency."
New offensive coordinator Nolan Cromwell summed it up in one word: consistency.
McGee has been sharp from the beginning of training camp, despite a lingering case of dropsies by the receivers. He loves Sherman's multiple pro-style offense, which includes concepts ranging from the old I-formation to liberal touches of the West Coast offense.
Now he'll finally get a chance to show the skills that set state Class 3A passing records at Burnet. His senior numbers: 3,579 yards, 47 touchdowns, three interceptions.
At A&M, he was usually productive if miscast in Franchione's spread option.
"Obviously, I've always viewed myself as a passing guy," McGee said this week. "We ran the option, but that's what our coaches thought was best for the team and that's what I always wanted to do. I always viewed myself as a guy who could get the job done regardless of what was asked of me."
Now he might have a better chance of success.
He certainly will feel better.
McGee had 181 rushing attempts among his 545 offensive touches. In a win over Nebraska, he carried the ball 35 times.
The ensuing contact had a cumulative effect.
He underwent surgery early this year on his left (non-throwing) shoulder. "It's not always the big hits," McGee said. "It's a bruised arm here, it's a bruised leg there. You feel like an old man every day. It's the wear and tear of the whole year."
Tuesday's 2 ?-hour indoor scrimmage showed McGee's ability. After a slow start, he completed six of seven passes at one point, driving the offense for a score.
Johnson, who looks like a Vince Young starter set, was solid in the scrimmage, too. But the sophomore threw an interception to Jordan Peterson in the end zone.
McGee has kept the mistakes to a minimum.
"I can see where he set the records with his ability to throw the football and his understanding of the game," Cromwell said. "I'm happy with him. I like him."
Don't worry about flashbacks.
McGee, who led all Big 12 quarterbacks with 899 yards rushing last season, has conquered his inner running back.
"No. ... No," McGee said when asked if he might run from force of habit. "I don't have to fight that. The coach has to encourage it."
While Dennis Franchione has become a distant, painful memory for many, Stephen McGee remains alive, well and productive under new coach Mike Sherman. One of the benefits of the coaching change/housecleaning was supposed to be Jerrod Johnson finally getting an offensive showcase.
Right idea.
Wrong QB.
When Sherman announces his starting quarterback by week's end, McGee's name will probably be first on the depth chart for the third straight season.
Sherman hasn't broken out the anointing oil yet after he announced an open competition between his quarterbacks. He provided a job description of what he wants.
"It's just effectively moving the offense in a consistent fashion," Sherman said. "It's how they handle themselves and their efficiency."
New offensive coordinator Nolan Cromwell summed it up in one word: consistency.
McGee has been sharp from the beginning of training camp, despite a lingering case of dropsies by the receivers. He loves Sherman's multiple pro-style offense, which includes concepts ranging from the old I-formation to liberal touches of the West Coast offense.
Now he'll finally get a chance to show the skills that set state Class 3A passing records at Burnet. His senior numbers: 3,579 yards, 47 touchdowns, three interceptions.
At A&M, he was usually productive if miscast in Franchione's spread option.
"Obviously, I've always viewed myself as a passing guy," McGee said this week. "We ran the option, but that's what our coaches thought was best for the team and that's what I always wanted to do. I always viewed myself as a guy who could get the job done regardless of what was asked of me."
Now he might have a better chance of success.
He certainly will feel better.
McGee had 181 rushing attempts among his 545 offensive touches. In a win over Nebraska, he carried the ball 35 times.
The ensuing contact had a cumulative effect.
He underwent surgery early this year on his left (non-throwing) shoulder. "It's not always the big hits," McGee said. "It's a bruised arm here, it's a bruised leg there. You feel like an old man every day. It's the wear and tear of the whole year."
Tuesday's 2 ?-hour indoor scrimmage showed McGee's ability. After a slow start, he completed six of seven passes at one point, driving the offense for a score.
Johnson, who looks like a Vince Young starter set, was solid in the scrimmage, too. But the sophomore threw an interception to Jordan Peterson in the end zone.
McGee has kept the mistakes to a minimum.
"I can see where he set the records with his ability to throw the football and his understanding of the game," Cromwell said. "I'm happy with him. I like him."
Don't worry about flashbacks.
McGee, who led all Big 12 quarterbacks with 899 yards rushing last season, has conquered his inner running back.
"No. ... No," McGee said when asked if he might run from force of habit. "I don't have to fight that. The coach has to encourage it."
