Michigan State University Athletics
Grid Insider: Meet Quarterback Brian Hoyer
4/14/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 14, 2007
Q: With the coaching transition came a change in offensive philosophy. How would you describe it to the fans and what features of this offense do you find most appealing?
A: This is more of a pro-style offense, especially in the way the fullback is utilized. The goal is to have a multi-dimensional offense. In this offensive package, the running game will set up the passing game. In terms of the passing game, fans will definitely notice a greater vertical threat.
Q: What have been your priorities this spring in terms of individual development?
A: I've really dedicated myself to learning the offense and establishing myself as a leader.
There are really three steps in the learning process. First, I've tried to immerse myself in the playbook. Second, I've tried to spend as much time as I can reviewing film and third, there's nothing like taking as many reps as possible in practice. Obviously, practice is the greatest learning tool because I'm forced to make decisions under game-like situations. At the line of scrimmage, I only have a few seconds to make a check and then in the pocket, I have only a couple of seconds to make a decision of where to go with the football.
Q: You served as Drew Stanton's backup for the last two seasons. What did you learn from him?
A: What I appreciated most about Drew Stanton was the way he attacked everything whether it was in the film room, in the weight room or on the field. He always gave 120-percent effort.
Drew taught me the ins and outs of watching film and reading defenses. He had a special knack for seeing little keys.
I also admired the way Drew embraced his role as a team leader. He did everything in the weight room and on the practice field at full speed. Drew also understood the importance of doing the right thing all the time, both on and off the field. That's why he was so respected by his teammates. He provided a great example.
Q: Talk about your relationship with your new position coach, Dave Warner.
A: Dave Warner is my third position coach, so I'm kind of accustomed to adjusting to a new guy. After the coaching transition, I tried to stop by Coach Warner's office every couple of days in an attempt to get to know him. He's a great guy, and he's made the transition pretty easy for me. His coaching philosophy is similar to both Coach (Dan) Enos and Coach (Doug Nussmeier) Nuss. They're all football-minded guys.
Coach Warner has coached at a lot of places and he played quarterback at Syracuse, so he knows what it's like to play this position at a big-time program. When he's in there watching film with us, he encourages us to ask questions.
Coach Warner isn't a screamer. I got hollered at once for throwing an interception. He's kind of a laid-back coach, but he wants to know what I saw in a particular situation. He wants to know why I decided to go there with the ball before he's going to jump all over me.
Q: There isn't a great deal of experience behind you at the quarterback position. How important is it for you to assume a mentoring role?
A: This is something else that I took from Drew Stanton. He really kind of took me under his wing and I deeply appreciate it. Drew had already established himself as a big-time quarterback and he didn't have to do it.
Taking the younger guys underneath your wing is really important, especially if you care about the football program. Those guys behind me are the quarterbacks of the future. I've enjoyed helping Connor Dixon and Clay Charles, plus all those other guys. It's important to mentor these guys because you never know when someone is going to have to step into a game and make plays. When I see one of them make a mistake, I tell him, "next time, look at this or watch the safeties on this play." You want to see those other quarterbacks improve too because it's for the betterment of the team.
Q: The top three pass receivers from last year's team - Kerry Reed, Matt Trannon and Jerramy Scott - are gone, so there are many questions about this receiving corps. Talk about their development this spring and are there any guys beginning to emerge as playmakers?
A: There's no question that we lost three quality receivers, but we have a number of guys returning that played a lot of minutes last year.
Terry Love, T.J. Williams and Devin Thomas are starting to emerge as big-time playmakers, so I'm really not concerned about the receiving corps. These guys are ready to step right in and be big-time contributors. All three of those guys have the size and speed to create big plays in the passing game.
The tight end also will definitely be more involved in the passing game than they have been the past couple years. The tight end plays an important role in this offensive package. With guys like Kellen Davis and Eric Andino, we have to get these guys involved within the system. The tight end might be my first read on certain plays.
Q: On the flip side, the offense returns three experienced running backs, in Javon Ringer, Jehuu Caulcrick and A.J. Jimmerson, so you must have a great deal of confidence in the running game.
A: The running backs are not just experienced; they're talented. They're also good in different capacities. Javon Ringer is a talented all-around back; Jehuu Caulcrick is the power runner and A.J. Jimmerson is more of a finesse guy. It's huge having three guys that we can count on at that position. With those three guys, I'm confident that we can get the running game going, and when we do, it will open up the passing game.
Q: Can you identify some new faces on offense that are primed to make an impact in 2007?
A: Fans are already familiar with Terry Love and T.J. Williams, but those guys are ready to assume bigger roles in the passing game.
Devin Thomas played some last year, but primarily on special teams. Based upon what I've seen from him this spring, Devin will be a major contributor at wide receiver.
David Williams, a red-shirt freshman, has made strides this spring, and he's shown the ability to make plays after the catch.
I definitely believe that A.J. Jimmerson will play a bigger role in the offense this year. A.J. has really played well this spring.
As the result of some injuries, we've had to play some different combinations on the offensive line this spring, but overall, that unit has progressed pretty well. Once they get the new concepts down - the different pass protections and new run-blocking schemes - those guys will play a major role in the success of the offense this season.
Q: What's the mind-set of the team this spring and do you sense a hunger to return to a bowl game?
A: With the new coaching staff, everybody gets a new start. We've thrown out the last few years. It's a fresh start, and we're all anxious and eager to get to a bowl game. With the exception of the fifth-year seniors, none of us has been to a bowl game. We all want to earn that first bowl trip.
In my viewpoint, the intensity level has really picked up this spring. The intensity and energy levels are high in practice. We wish the season was here. It's going to be a long summer for all of us because the season can't get here fast enough.
Q: Head coach Mark Dantonio has emphasized the physical aspect of the game, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Have you noticed increased intensity and energy on that side of the football?
A: I noticed the increased intensity right away, especially when guys are taking some shots at me in practice when they're really not supposed to be hitting me.
The defensive players are definitely flying around the football. I think those guys like the new defensive scheme. The defensive coaches have put a lot of stuff in, but the guys are learning the system fast. Recently, the coaches have had a chance to comb through the material and fine tune things. Coach (Pat) Narduzzi has put in a lot of blitzes and a lot of different coverages. This defense is deceitful because it gives the quarterback a lot of different looks. Sometimes, I see one thing and then they'll bring somebody else on a blitz.
There's no question that the intensity is a lot higher, and the defensive scheme is tougher to read.
Quarterbacks coach Dave Warner comments on Brian Hoyer:
"The first thing I noticed right off the bat about Brian Hoyer is that he's truly a student of the game. Fortunately, there are some things that have carried over from the offense Michigan State ran here last year, especially in the passing game. Brian had a good grasp of the old offense, and he's really picked up the new things very well.
"As far as his physical attributes, Brian has great arm strength and a quick release. He does a great job throwing the football. This spring, we've really emphasized making good decisions each and every play, and he's really taken steps in the right direction.
"I'm really impressed with his all-around game: his attitude, his physical abilities and his presence in the huddle. I'm happy where he's at with a week to go in spring ball, but we have a ways to go before the season starts.
"Brian is a natural leader by the way he approaches the game, but I have seen him step out of himself by trying to assume a more vocal role. He hasn't hesitated to speak out, encouraging his teammates when necessary but also getting on them when the situation arises."
