Rutgers football: Handicapping the Scarlet Knights quarterback battle

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McLane Carter – It was like a breath of fresh air when McLane Carter decided to come to Rutgers as a graduate transfer from Big 12 offensive power Texas Tech. He played on a successful team under the tutelage of offensive guru Kliff Kingsbury, who now is the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.

There is plenty to like about McLane Carter, but he comes with his share of question marks as well. In an interview with 24/7 Sports, Ash wasn’t totally sure what he got in Carter. But, at least he likes what the grad transfer does for the team off the field.

"“I reserve judgment in terms of saying a whole lot in terms of evaluation because I have never actually seen him on the field and play,” Ash said. We watched videotape on him, we’ve done our homework on him and we think he is going to come in and have a chance to compete…He’s been a great kid so far this summer. He’s been working extremely hard and I can’t wait to see him get out on the practice field.” More from Empire Writes Back Caesars New York Promo Code: Win $250 Bonus GUARANTEED on ANY Bet! Last Chance Caesars Promo: Claim $1,250 Bonus for ANY MLB Bet! Caesars New York Promo Code Gives TWO Chances to Win Betting on Your Yankees! PointsBet New York Promo: FIVE $100 Bonus Bets to Back the Yankees or Mets! Caesars NY Promo: $1,250 Bonus to Celebrate the Return of Judge!"

Last summer, the former JUCO star, Carter, won Tech’s starting job in training camp. He looked good too in the Red Raider’s opener against Ole Miss starting out four of seven for 49 yards. That was all he would play as he suffered an ankle injury early in the game that took him out of action for the next month. In the interim Kingsbury moved on to a pair of freshmen, Alan Bowman and Jett Duffey to lead his team.

It wasn’t until Texas Tech’s finally against Baylor, Thanksgiving week, that Carter would make his next start. Replacing the injured duo, the senior went 21 of 37 for 247 yards with a pair of TD throws against the conference’s third-ranked defense.

Now he brings his talents to Rutgers. Carter comes from a dynamic passing offense at Texas Texas. In that wide-open system, the quarterback has to be able to read defenses to make the appropriate adjustments and check downs.

He moves well in and out of the pocket, to buy time for his receivers to get open, but isn’t afraid to go to his second or third option. If Carter has a big weakness, it’s not getting the ball downfield well on deep routes. He under-throws his receivers at times.

It isn’t an understatement to say Ash’s job is on the line. The winner of the quarterback competition may go a long way to determining his future.