Redshirt Freshman Peyton Ramsey is Embracing Early Success
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Peyton Ramsey was brilliant in his game at Virginia Image: Sarah Miller HoosierHuddle.com
Written By Evan McShane (@veryreasonable)
“I go out every week and I practice like I’m going to be the starter.” That kind of mentality propelled Peyton Ramsey and Indiana’s offense on Saturday in Charlottesville, Virginia. The redshirt freshman quarterback looked poised against the Cavaliers. He looked like he belonged out there. The plan was for Ramsey lead a handful of offensive possessions; similar to the way Zander Diamont was used to complement Richard Lagow last season. However, after four unsuccessful offensive series, Ramsey came in to replace Lagow and didn’t miss another snap. “I prepare that way like I'm always going to go out there,” he said. Ramsey pitched a near-perfect game, leading Indiana to a win with efficiency and a little flare.
“Richard is obviously the starter,” Ramsey acknowledged after the game, “but we battle every day. We make each other better every day.” Mike DeBord and Tom Allen ordered up a series of short throws to build Ramsey’s confidence. When asked how he stays warm during games, Ramsey said, “I get up and throw on third down. There’s certain packages and certain things where I know that I might go out there and play, so I always got to be ready.” He was able to settle in at quarterback thanks to solid offensive line play and a major boost from special teams. A brilliant play by Simmie Cobbs turned a five-yard in-route into Ramsey’s first NCAA touchdown pass. Ramsey would find a friend in the size of his receiving corps. “When teams play man-to-man out there, and you can just give your guys a chance, it's all the difference in the world just to be able be able to put it up there and let them make plays.” When his teammates weren’t making plays, Ramsey was.
Peyton Ramsey was the first recruit of Indiana’s 2016 class. He was labeled a two-star, pro-style quarterback per Rivals, but he’s undoubtedly fast and agile. He followed up his first touchdown pass with his first touchdown run on the very next drive. Ramsey dodged a pair of pass-rushers, rolled out of the pocket, and scampered untouched 26 yards for a score. The coaching staff did a great job planning the offense around his skill set. “We talked about that,” Ramsey explained, “just go through your progressions, and if it's not there take care of the ball and make plays. That’s what I’m best at doing, so I try to do that out there.” Ramsey started the game by completing his first 12 passes. Consistency in preparation led to consistency on the field. “It was the same as every week,” Ramsey said humbly, “like I said, I go out there and compete every week, work hard every single day, and hopefully I'll get a chance to come out here and play on Saturdays.” He’ll have plenty more playing time on Saturdays if he performs like he did against Virginia.
He demonstrated just how much his arm has improved since he came to Bloomington with a 32-yard touchdown pass to Donovan Hale. Ramsey briskly rolled out to his right and launched an impressive pass on the run. Hale adjusted mid-air, and came down with Ramsey’s second touchdown pass of the day. Ramsey admitted, “I actually made a mistake on the play, but we won't talk about that.” Ramsey quickly pivoted toward an explanation of the play, “He was open. He went up and he made a good play for me, and that's what he's best at doing.” When prodded further about the mistake Ramsey allegedly made on the play, he laughed and replied, “no comment.” Indiana has what was predicted to be one of the best group of pass-catchers in the Big Ten, and they’re living up to the hype after two dominant performances. Ramsey reiterated the luxury of having size at wide receiver by saying sometimes all he has to do is “give those big guys out there a chance to make plays.”
Tom Allen’s Hoosiers are all about just making plays. Last Saturday’s game against Virginia proved that it truly doesn’t matter who’s making them. Allen lives by the idea of playing for each other and relishing in team success. Watching Richard Lagow root for his teammates from the sidelines was proof positive that Tom Allen’s players are buying into his philosophies. Ramsey explained, “Me and Rich have an awesome relationship.” Lagow cheered on Ramsey the entire game. Ramsey continued with more praise for Richard, “He was really helpful on the bench with me talking about what he was seeing; what I was seeing. He was just trying to help me through it.” What could have been a controversial situation proceeded without conflict. The transition appeared seamless. Tom Allen stated after the game that Lagow would continue to be the starting quarterback with Ramsey seeing a share of snaps. It seems as if DeBord and Allen will be making the Lagow/Ramsey decision based upon gut feel, defensive personnel, and whoever has the hot hand.
Ramsey’s inspiring performance probably made that decision more difficult than the coaching staff initially thought. Ramsey could return to his role as the primary backup quarterback. He could split time under center with Lagow, or he may end up evolving into the starter down the road. For now, Hoosier fans can take comfort in knowing they have two solid options at quarterback. Instead of trying to make his case for being the starting quarterback, Ramsey was just glad to get his chance. “We just have fun out there so, you know, maybe I didn't know I was going to get that many snaps, but I competed, and I practice every day like I was going to.” Calm, cool, and collected. Ramsey didn’t miss a beat. He resembled that of a seasoned veteran. How did he make it look so easy? “The game really just slowed down for me and I just had fun, and that’s really what it came down to.” Perhaps we could all learn a little something from Peyton Ramsey. Just have some fun.