My thoughts:
Shay Smithwick-Hann: Yeah agreed, probably stuck as a backup, but with a year under his belt and if the system stays relatively the same he won't be as big of a drop-off if needed as he was in 2012. In 2012 he was expected to run zone-read in a league where he's too slow to be a continual threat. Yeah I know he's got some rushing TDs this year but those were in unexpected situations. Going back to 2012 when he'd keep the ball he wasn't getting much for yards. That said he's a smart kid, good size for a QB, durable, can run if needed, and has a strong arm. He's got some experience over the last two years as well. In the terms of a backup... he's a good fit.
Trent McKinney: I guessed he'd transfer out in my early 2014 depth look. He came in here to run the zone-read for Pflu. In a perfect world he'd be the 2014 heir-apparent as JJ would be graduating as a senior. Fast forward though and the system has changed, JJ will be a senior in 2014 no 2013, and it's a mostly new coaching staff compared to when he came in. Trent's looking at best to start for 1 year or play in 2014 if JJ is hurt and SSH is hurt or ineffective. I'd assume he might take a hard look at other options. If he stays, more power too him, he could over-take SSH and be the primary backup, and who knows what happens as the season moves forward.
Brady Gustafson: Watching more of Brady in spring camp as he was given a good look to see if he could start I'm intrigued by what he has to offer. A tall kid, a very strong arm, much like Shay he can run if it's asked of him. He's a good fit for what the new offense is trying to do. 2014 will have him buried again in depth but in 2015 he could be battling McKinney and Simis to start. With the return of JJ and addition of Simis, Brady's opportunities really cut back in fall camp. Still I'd see him connect on some great deep throws down the field, and then toss a pick on a short route. Good arm strength, sees over the line, average to above average pocket presence.
Makena Simis: Quite often true freshman QBs in fall camp look a little lost, Simis showed that a lot. Trying to recall, I think he had one real good series in a scrimmage. In terms scrambling/use of his feet Makena is better than Brady. Pocket presence wasn't as good though, happy feet early and often. Now I see he won scout team player of the year on offense, that's a nice recognition. I'm looking forward to seeing how he looks in spring camp. Last I saw him he was brand new to the team and that's a big learning curve, especially at QB.
