Oregon QB coach: Ice cream query about checking 'conviction'
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- Oregon quarterbacks coach Koa Ka'ai emphasizes the importance of decisiveness and conviction in quarterbacks, using the simple question of choosing chocolate or vanilla ice cream as a test of a player's mindset under pressure.
- Ka'ai, a former Oregon player and versatile offensive assistant, was promoted to quarterbacks coach for the upcoming season and is praised by head coach Dan Lanning for his intelligence and integral role in the team's offense.
- Ka'ai focuses on recruiting quarterbacks based on cognitive abilities, emotional intelligence, and football IQ rather than just physical traits like throwing mechanics, citing examples of elite quarterbacks who succeeded despite unconventional throwing motions.
- Returning to his alma mater as a coach is a "surreal" experience for Ka'ai, who now also handles recruiting responsibilities and aims to find quarterbacks who demonstrate mental toughness and quick decision-making.
