Originally posted by DesiDez:
The first attribute that Harbaugh will look for is intelligence.
He runs the WCO so the play calls are very long and the routes are disguised by words whereas the Coryell system uses the basic numbering route tree. Plus the play calls also include the protection scheme, and pre snap shifting and any motion.
Everybody knows Andrew Luck but everybody needs to read up on Josh Johnson when Harbaugh was his coach. Harbaugh spoke very highly of Josh because of his intelligence.
SI's Jim Trotter article on Johnson and Harbaugh in the 08 draft.
Quote:
Johnson did receive pro-style training from longtime NFL QB Jim Harbaugh, his coach for three years at USD. Harbaugh lauds Johnson's leadership and his ability to process information at broadband speed. "We ran a version of the West Coast offense, and a lot of our plays were 15 or 16 words," says Harbaugh, now at Stanford. "By the time I would get to word seven or eight, he would finish the play call. He's very quick-minded, and he makes good decisions."
If Harbaugh becomes the Niner HC, look for Baalke to quickly obtain Johnson from Tampa Bay via trade for a suitable draft choice. Harbaugh likes Johnson. Johnson now has a bit of NFL experience, but he is still quite young. Freeman is the long-term QB solution in Tampa Bay, so they would likely be amenable to a suitable draft pick offer from the Niners for Johnson.
The Niners could still also select a QB in the draft, and/or keep Nate Davis around for the new coaching staff to evaluate. They will need at least 3 QB's for camp anyway.
[ Edited by jimbagg on Jan 4, 2011 at 22:38:42 ]