Lincoln Riley reveals the secret to his quarterback evaluations

Oklahoma Sooners head coach and known quarterback whisperer Lincoln Riley spoke candidly regarding his evaluation process at the position.

Oklahoma Sooners head coach Lincoln Riley shared his quarterback evaluation process in a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, outlining the decision-making that has given him two Heisman Trophy winners and one other finalist at the position.

Riley explained that he prefers to choose his starter based on his own instincts and the eye test rather than statistical figures or metrics. While he explained that the “math” plays a large role in the process for many, he prefers to think of quarterback play more in terms of “art,” and it has served him well thus far.

Lincoln Riley revealed the secret to his evaluations

The 36-year-old head coach had consecutive Heisman Trophy winners in Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray, with Jalen Hurts coming in second in award votes in 2019. While Oklahoma has failed to reach the national championship under Riley, it has reached the last three College Football Playoffs and should again have lofty expectations in 2020 with Spencer Rattler at quarterback.

The Sooners figure to be Big 12 favorites again, and Riley is a big reason why. The head coach boasts a 36-6 record at Oklahoma and appears prepared to be with the school for the long haul after reportedly rejecting interest from the Dallas Cowboys.

If Riley’s quarterback evaluations continue to pan out as well as they have, the Sooners could have a national title in their future. While top wideout CeeDee Lamb is now gone, Riley’s offense is one of the most innovative in the NCAA, and he should continue to put up gaudy numbers.

Spencer Rattler figures to continue the recent tradition of excellence at the quarterback position as the top signal-caller from his recruiting class, and Riley is just the coach to maximize his potential.