Vidlak

[kemajic]

Bounceback player of the year

This award goes to the player who bounced back after adversity. Stephen F. Austin quarterback Sam Vidlak takes this award after finding success in his new home.

Stephen F. Austin is Vidlak's fourth school of his college career. Vidlak verbally committed to Montana out of high school before ultimately going to Oregon State as a freshman, transferring to Boise State the next year and then transferring to Montana in 2023. Vidlak transferred to the Grizzlies hoping to become the starter, but ended up the backup as Montana reached the title game. Vidlak entered the transfer portal one more time before finding a home at Stephen F. Austin.

Now a Lumberjack, Vidlak is fourth in the FCS in passing touchdowns and efficiency, and ninth in passing yards. He's bouncing back in a big way, most recently leading SFA to a ranked win over Lamar on Oct. 12.

 

[uofmman1122]

There was zero doubt that the guy was a supremely skilled passer. Super happy for him that he found a place to put it all together.

 

[ordigger]

I’ve watched a couple of their games this year. He has looked impressive. He gets good protection and is able to check multiple receivers

 

[SoldierGriz]

I was pretty optimistic when he arrived in Missoula.

I just don't think his skill sets matched what the Griz coaches wanted or rather needed at the time. The re-build of the o-line might have been among the biggest factors IMO.

 

[EverettGriz]

Dammit Kem, you know the rul.....

Wait.

 

[Grizzlies1982]

Glad he is kicking ass down there. Wish him nothing but the best
Go Griz!

 

[armonte]

About the QB room, it must have some life as 2 of our old QBs are starting on other teams.

 

[Ursus1]

I was pretty optimistic when he arrived in Missoula.

I just don't think his skill sets matched what the Griz coaches wanted or rather needed at the time. The re-build of the o-line might have been among the biggest factors IMO.

I agree, Cliff was able to do the plus 1 far better with an oline that was less than stellar. I will say the line did improve some toward the end and this year Vidlak might have been okay but his days were over once Ah Yat was moved to QB2. Spring game he looked so good, but that was against a mixture on defense and not going to get hit really so had more pocket time than he did when he got his shots in the fall. Had he come straight out of high school it would have been interesting if he would have panned out vs coming in as a transfer expected to play right away despite very little true experience

 

[Dont Kick 2 Bergen]

More talent our coach didn't see

 

[ElrodGrizzly]

More talent our coach didn't see

How did they not see it? They brought him in twice?

 

[CDAGRIZ]

McDowell = "Quitter!"
Vidlak = "Good luck, young man!"

Just saying.

 

[mthoopsfan]

More talent our coach didn't see

Actually, looks like he finally learned how to play at the college level.

 

[PTGrizzly]

McDowell = "Quitter!"
Vidlak = "Good luck, young man!"

Just saying.

Transferring when you’re the starter vs transferring when you’re the backup.

 

[CDAGRIZ]

Transferring when you’re the starter vs transferring when you’re the backup.

Well, from what I've read from some on here in the previous nine months, that doesn't matter. Either you made a commitment to your team and quit on them, OR you made a commitment to your team, found a better situation for yourself, and are wished the best of luck. Totally depends on who you are.

 

[Griz Addict]

McDowell = "Quitter!"
Vidlak = "Good luck, young man!"

Just saying.

Yup, and we all know what the reason is. Racism is real folks.

 

[armonte]

Oh for Christ's sake.

 

[wbtfg]

Wasnt Vidlak the qb who got pummeled while the OL wondered around looking lost? Glad to see he found a good landing spot.

 

[CDAGRIZ]

Yup, and we all know what the reason is. Racism is real folks.

I’ll never make that leap, but there’s some sort of something that leads to differing sentiments toward departing players who are all just trying to find situations that work better for them.

 

[Griz Addict]

I’ll never make that leap, but there’s some sort of something that leads to differing sentiments toward departing players who are all just trying to find situations that work better for them.

I think there's one glaring issue. What other differences are there? Because McDowell was an impact player and for some reason they feel betrayed? Vs Vidlaks departure didn't really effect the team? Or is it old people stuck in the 50s that just have a problem with McDowell?

 

[uofmman1122]

I think there's one glaring issue. What other differences are there? Because McDowell was an impact player and for some reason they feel betrayed? Vs Vidlaks departure didn't really effect the team? Or is it old people stuck in the 50s that just have a problem with McDowell?

I think for some small amount of people, this definitely is the case, but if that were true for most people, then they'd have been saying the same thing about Samori when he left, and they didn't.

I love Clif. He'll always be one of my favorite Griz QBs, but I can 100% see why the way he left left a bad taste in many people's mouths that I don't think has much to do with his skin color. I think your point about feeling betrayed nails the majority of upset Griz fans. I'm happy to see he's still healthy and playing great for McNeese, though.