Tempe, AZ – Welcome to Taylor Kelly, version 2.0.
Kelly entered 2012 Fall Camp as the 3rd-string signal caller for the Sun Devils. By season’s end, he was the second coming of Jake Plummer.
After recharging the batteries and reflecting on his performance in 2012, #10 is ready to spread his wings even wider and put ASU on his back in 2013.
Here’s 10 reasons we believe Taylor Kelly will lead ASU to the Pac-12 Championship and the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2014.
Taylor Kelly is ready to spread his wings and take the team to new heights in 2013.
Respected Teammate
Kelly has rightfully earned the respect of his teammates. Furthermore, his team believes in him after his successful management and execution of the Sun Devil offense in 2012. Having a QB that the players believe in is monumental for the entire team.
Coach’s Trust
Coach Graham & OC Mike Norvell know they have a one of the best QB’s in the country. They have the most important cornerstone of their team in place to execute the game plan and distribute the rock to his teammates. His relationship with Norvell continues to grow and both will be clicking on all cylinders in 2013.
Efficiency
Kelly’s completion rate of 67.1% last year was a school record and ranked 9th in the nation. He also set the ASU record for passing efficiency with a 159.9 rating – solid numbers for a first year QB learning a new system.
Been there, done that
Kelly’s 29 touchdown passes in 2012 tied for 2nd with Mike Pagel (1978 – 81) on ASU’s all-time list. Only Andrew Walter’s 30 TD passes in 2004 was better.
Kelly also had 8 carries of over 20+ yards and led the team with 37 first downs on the ground. He is an experienced producer and that trend will continue in 2013.
Year #2
#10 is poised for another successful season.
You can’t learn experience. Kelly faced the fire for nearly 85% of the snaps in 2012.
There were very few instances where TK looked as “green” as many first year quarterbacks often do. He came in looking seasoned, which is rare.
Kelly will once again be the catalyst of the offense that scored first in 11 of 13 games last year– not a bad starting point to enter 2013.
Extending plays
After watching the high octane offense last year, it became clear how important it is to have a QB that can throw and run. Not only was Kelly effective extending plays out of the pocket, but he was also second on the team in rushing with 516 yards on 134 attempts.
Supporting Cast
Even with some question marks at receiver, Kelly still has plenty of options to spread the ball around. Foster and Grice combined for 2,130 total yards last year, and Chris Coyle returns after surpassing TE Zach Miller’s single season receptions record.
Ozier and Smith will have to step up, and newcomers Strong and Morris should help spread the wealth.
Experienced Offensive Line
The big boys up front are ready to protect their QB and provide time for Kelly to execute his passing game. Depth with this group is Graham’s concern, but there is size and consistency amongst returning players.
Fortunately for the O-Line, Kelly’s instinct to tuck & run is exceptional when his big guys lose a fight in the trenches.
QB job is his opening Fall Camp
Kelly gets to hit the ground running this year from day one. That helps with consistency, momentum and repetition for the surgical operation of the offense. Bercovici and Eubank are still competing for his spot, but it will take a natural disaster to demote TK as the general on game days.
Calm, Cool, Collected… and Humble
Kelly is a cool customer under pressure. This may be one of his most valuable intangibles and one that delivers victories over some formidable opponents in 2013.
Taylor Kelly has a quiet confidence, a great leadership quality that instills belief in his teammates, coaches…. and fans.
Taylor Kelly will be more comfortable in the spotlight in 2013
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