Breaking Down The Florida State Quarterback Battle

Arm Strength

Arm strength can be an over-analyzed aspect of a QB’s ability. It is certainly important to have the ability to throw the ball hard and fast, but there has been a solid amount of guys who haven’t succeeded while possessing that talent as well as a few guys who have who couldn’t throw the ball 30 yards down the field.

Winston seems like he has better pure arm strength. That’s pretty evident by his standing with the Florida State baseball team (he is a relief pitcher). The ball seems to just pop off his hand while making a throw. If you were to go back and watch the spring game, Winston threw a few balls 20-plus yards down the field and the ball got there in a hurry. It is a natural zip on the ball that Winston has — which doesn’t become a detriment to get the football out of his hands quickly — that can make him lethal against top-defenses.

Coker’s arm strength, on the other hand, is solid but doesn’t seem as fluid or natural. While breaking down the spring game (to the point of nausea), it seemed like he was so worried bout his accuracy that he would float the ball to his receivers. As if he were aiming it instead of letting the ball fly out of his hands. He did show signs of having a strong-arm, although, it did come at the expense of being able to hit his targets. The natural ability is there, but until the accuracy comes it might be awhile before Coker’s cannon-arm will be available to be fully showed off.