Ducks Attack Message Board Forum

karlhungis wrote:It sounds great and all but I would prefer if our #1 target at QB wasn't a project.

duckgrad99 wrote:I would say that most qb's coming out of high school are "projects". It's rare that a freshman qb starts anyway, so given 1-2 years to learn the system and bulk up Bolden would probably be fine. Dennis Dixon was a project, and so is Darron Thomas.

woundedknees wrote:http://www.freep.com/article/20090205/HSS/90205028/

Detroit Free Press Article: Top 10 prospects for 2010 in Michigan

5. Robert Bolden, Orchard Lake St. Mary's quarterback

The 2010 quarterback class in Michigan could be one of the best in state history and Robert Bolden is a big reason why. Bolden has a a lot of natural ability, a strong, accurate arm and very polished throwing mechanics. Michigan State and Michigan have already offered the 6-4, 195-pounder who will have an outstanding chance of being named to the Elite 11 quarterback camp. He was one of the top performers at the Nike camp last spring as a sophomore.

Other Michigan QB prospects include:

2. Devin Gardner, Inkster quarterback

The 6-4, 195-pound Gardner saw his stock rise with the spring combine and summer camp circuits last year. He then led the Vikings to a 12-2 record and the state title game, passing for 1,886 yards and 26 touchdowns and rushing for another 1,401 yards and 22 TDs. His frame and playing style have drawn comparisons to Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor. Those comparisons are pretty accurate, right down to the unorthodox throwing motion. Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Purdue and Wisconsin have already offered scholarships. Watch out for Ohio State, though, if they extend an offer

7. Joe Boisture, Saline quarterback

Boisture is a big, strong-armed quarterback that is surprisingly nimble. At 6-6, 200-pounds, he has a chance to fill out and end up built much like Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Boisture already has a long list of early scholarship offers from the likes of Wisconsin, Pittsburgh, Boston College and Cincinnati. The Spartans are taking a long look at Boisture and will have him on campus later this month. He recently transferred from Goodrich to Saline, so look for him to put up big numbers in a more pass-oriented offense.

It has been suggested in some articles and blogs that Bolden would have more impressive numbers, if he played in a less run oriented offense. For example:

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar ... 20410/1031

U-M, MSU try to keep St. Mary’s QB home

Statistically, Bolden's numbers don't compare favorably with those of Gardner and Boisture. When the curtain fell on his junior campaign, he had completed just 72 of 123 passes for 949 yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions. He also accumulated another 260 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Those numbers aren't gaudy, to be sure, but there are reasons for that, and it has nothing to do with individual talent.

As the pilot of St Mary's ground-oriented offensive attack, Bolden wasn't asked to put the ball in the air as many times as Boisture or Gardner. However, when called upon to do so, he delivered. Season highs of 238 yards versus Warren DeLaSalle, 195 versus Davison and 223 against Birmingham Brother Rice proved that he is capable of getting the job done with his arm.


Bolden backed up that talk in front of scouts during various camps and combines last summer. He demonstrated the kind of touch and zip on his throws that had them lauding his ability as a passer as much as they did his overall athleticism.

"He's very smooth and polished," said Scout.com Midwest analyst Allen Trieu. "You watch him on his drops and his release, and it's very effortless. He probably has the best mechanics of any quarterback in the state. He's a good athlete that can run, but I like that he prefers to be in the pocket."

"Bolden is more polished than Gardner or Boisture," Trieu continued, "but he has a different style from both of them. Gardner is more of a true dual-threat and Boisture is more of a gunner. Bolden combines some elements of both styles. The main difference I think is that Bolden hasn't had the opportunities to showcase himself that the other kids have. Bolden was more of a game manager. If he has an area to work on, I'd like to see him improve his arm strength and downfield passing."

"I feel like every year I should lead my team to the state championship," Bolden said. "I failed to do that this year. I felt like I could have done a lot better. I feel like I can get better in just about everything — running, throwing the ball, and being a leader on the field. You can be better at anything you do. I just want to work on everything."