In the spirit of Around the Horn, I am going to buy this idea. Paulus was the top quarterback recruit in the country after his senior year in high school and turned down Notre Dame (amongst others) to play point guard for Duke. Now he's going to try and play quarterback for the University of Michigan Wolverines and their coach Rich Rodriguez. I say, go for it.
Here's the thing. Paulus hasn't played football in 4+ years. You don't just come back from that. Football is not like riding a bike. There is a ridiculous amount of timing involved that even pros get messed up on during bye-weeks. He only has one year of eligibility, so he has to get accustomed to the offense and all his teammates in a ridiculously short amount of time if he's going to make it worth it. Additionally, when was the last time Paulus took a hit? He couldn't even give a straight answer to that question during his interview on PTI last week.
HOWEVER, this has the potential to be awesome, for multiple reasons. It's not like Paulus is just some scrub who's trying out. There's something to be said for someone who is a former top recruit. You don't just lost the ability to quarterback, though it takes time to get back in the rhythm. Also, Paulus' experience at Duke is invaluable. He's been in big games with millions of people watching and in hostile settings for the last 4 years. I would trust him to handle a pressure situation better than most college football athletes. As for the actual football playing and running a system, I think Rodriguez's spread offense is perfect. Spread offenses don't require a standard, pocket quarterback who can survey the field, step up in the pocket and deliver an accurate, strong throw with 300 pound linemen bearing down on him. Instead, the spread offense allows the quarterback to move around, in and out of the pocket, and create plays with his arm and legs. I see no problem having Paulus running options and things of that nature. His years as a point guard have trained him to recognize holes and small open spaces in tight spots in the defenses and not only be able to move the ball well, but maneuver himself through them, as well. He won't win the Heisman, he won't even be All-Big Ten, but Michigan is starting over after the disaster that was last year. Since Ryan Mallot left, they have no established quarterback. Paulus is going to battle multiple other players vying for the starting job, and if he earns it, I guarantee it will be entertaining to watch. Good luck, Greg.
PS: Paulus gave a horrible interview on PTI that was way to political. C'mon Greg, answer questions and stop beating around the bush!
