Athletic but inexperienced QB Gillins must learn how to use natural gifts
MADISON, Wis. -- The very best of quarterback D.J. Gillins is a 35-yard scramble on third-and-18 from his own 12-yard line, nimble legs outracing an entire defense in a captivating display of athletic ability that generates optimism for the future at Wisconsin.
The very worst of Gillins occurs three plays later, when he stands too long in the pocket scanning the field, absorbs a hit from defensive end Alec James and fumbles the ball away -- his second sack in as many snaps during the Badgers' April 25 spring game.
This is the puzzle Gillins must solve if he wants to truly compete for Wisconsin's starting quarterback job some day. As a redshirt freshman for the upcoming season, he has time. But a steep learning curve remains on how -- and when -- to use his natural gifts.
"When it's live, that's a pretty good thing for him," Badgers coach Paul Chryst said after the spring game. "And yet as he learns and understands the balance of when you're scrambling and pulling the ball down versus maybe hitting a check down on that. Young player. And I really liked his approach to it all, and like young players (he) had some ups and downs."
Gillins, a 6-foot-3, 201-pounder from Jacksonville, Fla., is without question the fastest, most athletic quarterback on Wisconsin's roster. He is capable of making plays with his legs his teammates simply cannot. He also has solid arm strength to make all the throws necessary of a Big Ten quarterback. Putting that entire package together, however, has proven to be a challenge thus far.
Take, for example, what transpired during the team's spring game. Though Gillins was forced to play with the second-team offense -- and a backup offensive line that struggled all spring -- it was indicative of the positives and negatives of Gillins' game.
When Gillins crossed the line of scrimmage to run, he carried five times and gained 63 yards -- an impressive 12.6 yards per carry. But Gillins also took six sacks and lost a total of 50 yards on those plays. Thus, he finished with 11 carries for 13 yards. He was sacked on consecutive plays on his first drive and twice during a three-play span to open his third quarter. He also finished his day completing 5 of 10 passes for 50 yards.
"It's a work in progress," Gillins said afterward. "I want to say today overall, I didn't do a great job of staying in the pocket. But I will get there soon."
Gillins arrived at Wisconsin as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. During his four-year high school career at Eagle's View Academy and Ribault High School in Jacksonville, Gillins threw for 7,271 yards and 76 touchdowns. He also ran for 775 yards and 13 touchdowns and was a three-time all-state selection. The speed of the college game has represented a significant step up, but he has impressed teammates.
"I always knew he could run," Badgers quarterback Joel Stave said. "But you never really see it that much when he's not live. He's one of those guys who puts his foot in the ground hard and can change directions and stuff. It's fun to watch."
Stave enters the fall as Wisconsin's starter, as no other quarterbacks on the roster did enough this spring to seriously challenge for the job. Gillins will find himself engaged in a battle with Bart Houston for the team's backup spot, though Houston currently has the edge.
"You try to push the starter," Gillins said. "I just want to be ready. Stave's our quarterback. We know that. Everybody knows that. I really just want to help motivate him, push him so he can be the best he can be on the field."
Is it realistic for Gillins to push for the backup quarterback spot at this stage?
"I think so," he said. "Time will tell."
Of course, the biggest advantage Gillins possesses in any quarterback competition is his speed. Gillins was recruited by former Badgers coach Gary Andersen in the staff's attempt to change the dynamic of Wisconsin's quarterback. The program traditionally had operated with a more pro-style quarterback whose agility was not a strength.
"It helps," Gillins said. "Because most of the quarterbacks are not likely to do it. I think some of them have the aspects to do it. But if I can stay in the pocket more, it'd be different."
One of the more significant questions pertaining to Gillins is how he fits into Chryst's offensive system. Chryst served as offensive coordinator at Wisconsin from 2005-11, and his offenses thrived under a more traditional approach. Three of the team's current quarterbacks fit that mold -- Stave and Houston, as well as true freshman Alex Hornibrook, who was recruited by Chryst.
Gillins, for his part, said he was not concerned and believed he could fit into any system Chryst provided. Now, all he needs is time to learn.
"He coached one of the best," Gillins said. "He coached Russell Wilson. Hopefully I'll try to be like Russell."
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