Oregon State’s Chance Nolan welcomed competition for starting QB job: ‘I didn’t play well enough’ in 2021

By many metrics, Probability Nolan had a pleasant season in his first 12 months as Oregon State’s beginning quarterback.

Nolan led the Beavers to their first bowl sport since 2013. He began the ultimate 12 video games, which included some sensational performances. There have been a number of duds alongside the way in which, however what first 12 months quarterback doesn’t have a number of of these?

All in all, it appeared cheap for Nolan to return to his place behind middle in 2022. Besides that wasn’t precisely the message from his coaches.

Good season, child. However listed below are some issues the place we have to see enchancment. Additionally, it’s good to win the job once more.

Nolan did. He went by means of spring follow and preseason camp, outdueling Tristan Gebbia and Ben Gulbranson to win the beginning job for Saturday’s season opener in opposition to Boise State.

Nolan says he by no means felt slighted or disappointment that he needed to show himself once more. In his thoughts, if you happen to’re not up for a problem, higher not play quarterback.

“I felt like I didn’t play nicely sufficient for them to deem me the starter,” Nolan stated. “Even within the bowl sport, there have been performs I made that weren’t the most effective.”

Upset? Hardly. Nolan appeared to welcome the problem, as a result of he knew there have been elements of his sport in want of labor. In watching video after the season, Nolan stated it was apparent he wanted to be extra of a playmaker and bettering downfield throws.

“I wanted to be higher as a participant, and go compete on daily basis,” Nolan stated. “For me, it was all the time about competitors. “Particularly on the Division I degree. I feel when you get complacent and you are feeling that means, you’re not all the time going to care for the Ps and Qs.”

If Nolan wanted a reminder that the job wasn’t his in the course of the offseason, the rumor mill made certain he was conscious. Oregon State was within the combine for high-profile quarterback switch J.T. Daniels, who ultimately landed at West Virginia.

Daniels wasn’t coming to OSU for a tryout, a minimum of to outsiders. Nolan stated he knew Daniels to Oregon State was a chance, and had it materialized, he was prepared for a battle.

Nolan’s mindset was Daniels will make me a greater quarterback.

“I wasn’t apprehensive. I imply, soccer is a aggressive sport,” Nolan stated. “I don’t have time to fret about that. As a quarterback, that’s how it’s a must to be. You’ll be able to’t dwell on, why aren’t they giving me the job?”

Nolan appears to have the perfect demeanor for a quarterback, as a result of not a lot bothers him. It comes from rising up Nolan, the place he had an older brother and father who have been “all the time getting on me,” he stated.

“I’ve all the time been tremendous level-headed,” Nolan stated. “I all the time attempt to keep within the center. I attempt to not let issues have an effect on me as a result of on the finish of the day, you may solely management the belongings you management. Why waste your time on one thing you may’t management?”

One factor Nolan can management: be higher at finishing lengthy passes. It was a supply of frustration all through the 2021 season, and a continuing speaking level in the course of the offseason for Nolan.

Nolan broke it down, saying a part of his challenge was the drop again and being on time delivering the ball. The ball was typically thrown too early, with an excessive amount of velocity, in his estimation.

“For me it’s placing total extra air on the ball, and letting my receivers go get it,” he stated. “I’ve a robust arm. I can push the ball 65, 70 yards. For me it’s not like attempting to be so correct, however getting the ball up within the air and throwing it previous all people so my guys can go get it.”

Nolan was improved in that space throughout camp. However that’s follow.

“I feel my total accuracy on the ball has improved. However till the bullets are flying and also you hook up with one in a sport, you may’t actually inform,” Nolan stated.

–Nick Daschel reporting from Corvallis

| ndaschel@oregonian.com | @nickdaschel