[82lsju]

former Stanford QB K.J. Costello announced his decision to leave Palo Alto and head to Starkville for his final year of eligibility. 

Costello made his announcement official via Twitter. 

https://www.clarionledger.com/story/spor...645065002/ 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8H0zP7pa3y/...e=ig_embed

[82lsju]

former Stanford QB K.J. Costello announced his decision to leave Palo Alto and head to Starkville for his final year of eligibility. 

Costello made his announcement official via Twitter. 

https://www.clarionledger.com/story/spor...645065002/ 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8H0zP7pa3y/...e=ig_embed

[SamuelMcF]

Excited to see him throw 600 times for ~a million yards. Go get em my man.

[SamuelMcF]

Excited to see him throw 600 times for ~a million yards. Go get em my man.

[martyup]

Good for KJ.  Glad he didn't go to UW.

[martyup]

Good for KJ.  Glad he didn't go to UW.

[Snorlax94]

I’m glad he didn’t go to UW but I worry about him going to MSU. Throwing 50 times against Alabama, LSU and Auburn in consecutive weeks may not go well for that offense. Anyway, best of luck to him.

[Snorlax94]

I’m glad he didn’t go to UW but I worry about him going to MSU. Throwing 50 times against Alabama, LSU and Auburn in consecutive weeks may not go well for that offense. Anyway, best of luck to him.

[OutsiderFan]

As was made clear in my post last week, really stoked to see this happen for KJ.  Will be fascinating to see him play in the Air Raid and if he ascends up NFL draft boards at this time next year as a result.

[OutsiderFan]

As was made clear in my post last week, really stoked to see this happen for KJ.  Will be fascinating to see him play in the Air Raid and if he ascends up NFL draft boards at this time next year as a result.

[needle]

I'm pessimistic about this for KJ. I've always felt that Leach doesn't really care about the health of his QBs. KJ will need to make very quick decisions and work on having a quicker release. Otherwise, he's going to get hammered by any team with a decent pass rush.

Of course, I hope I'm wrong and that this works out great for KJ.

[needle]

I'm pessimistic about this for KJ. I've always felt that Leach doesn't really care about the health of his QBs. KJ will need to make very quick decisions and work on having a quicker release. Otherwise, he's going to get hammered by any team with a decent pass rush.

Of course, I hope I'm wrong and that this works out great for KJ.

[Goose]

I am sure KJ is quite aware that he has challenges ahead. I am not really positive, but I don't think he graduates until June. Is that correct? If it is, he will not be at MSU for spring ball. This will put him at a disadvantage WRT the other candidates. He has not run the Leach version of the air raid, so there will be a learning curve. He for sure needs to worry about winning the starting job. No matter what Leach told him, nothing is for sure. I hope he throws for lots of yards, but does MSU have the receivers to make that happen? We know KJ was good when he had great receivers. Will he have that at MSU?

KJ really had to go somewhere if he wants to be drafted into the NFL. He probably went to the best place he could have (baring Michigan). However, it is not a slam dunk going forward.

[Goose]

I am sure KJ is quite aware that he has challenges ahead. I am not really positive, but I don't think he graduates until June. Is that correct? If it is, he will not be at MSU for spring ball. This will put him at a disadvantage WRT the other candidates. He has not run the Leach version of the air raid, so there will be a learning curve. He for sure needs to worry about winning the starting job. No matter what Leach told him, nothing is for sure. I hope he throws for lots of yards, but does MSU have the receivers to make that happen? We know KJ was good when he had great receivers. Will he have that at MSU?

KJ really had to go somewhere if he wants to be drafted into the NFL. He probably went to the best place he could have (baring Michigan). However, it is not a slam dunk going forward.

[lex24]

I hope he stays healthy.  Cause he will get beat on in the SEC.

---

I'm pessimistic about this for KJ. I've always felt that Leach doesn't really care about the health of his QBs. KJ will need to make very quick decisions and work on having a quicker release. Otherwise, he's going to get hammered by any team with a decent pass rush.

Of course, I hope I'm wrong and that this works out great for KJ.

My sentiment exactly.

[lex24]

I hope he stays healthy.  Cause he will get beat on in the SEC.

---

I'm pessimistic about this for KJ. I've always felt that Leach doesn't really care about the health of his QBs. KJ will need to make very quick decisions and work on having a quicker release. Otherwise, he's going to get hammered by any team with a decent pass rush.

Of course, I hope I'm wrong and that this works out great for KJ.

My sentiment exactly.

[OutsiderFan]

Mississippi State does not lack for big guys in the trenches.  

The larger question to me is if Costello is productive as seemingly all Leach QBs are, how does the fact he was a highly touted recruit like Leach has never had at the position, and that he played in a pro system at Stanford, factor into the equation for both?

This move has implications for Costello, but could have bigger ones for Leach in terms of QB development appeal. Maybe he'll start getting more elite QB prospects if Costello has a big year and is drafted high. Maybe Leach will then start bending the NFL to his will a bit with better QB talent on hand. Hard to imagine any college transfer being more intriguing to see unfold than Costello to Mississippi State.

[OutsiderFan]

Mississippi State does not lack for big guys in the trenches.  

The larger question to me is if Costello is productive as seemingly all Leach QBs are, how does the fact he was a highly touted recruit like Leach has never had at the position, and that he played in a pro system at Stanford, factor into the equation for both?

This move has implications for Costello, but could have bigger ones for Leach in terms of QB development appeal. Maybe he'll start getting more elite QB prospects if Costello has a big year and is drafted high. Maybe Leach will then start bending the NFL to his will a bit with better QB talent on hand. Hard to imagine any college transfer being more intriguing to see unfold than Costello to Mississippi State.

[Goose]

Mississippi State does not lack for big guys in the trenches.  

The larger question to me is if Costello is productive as seemingly all Leach QBs are, how does the fact he was a highly touted recruit like Leach has never had at the position, and that he played in a pro system at Stanford, factor into the equation for both?

This move has implications for Costello, but could have bigger ones for Leach in terms of QB development appeal. Maybe he'll start getting more elite QB prospects if Costello has a big year and is drafted high. Maybe Leach will then start bending the NFL to his will a bit with better QB talent on hand. Hard to imagine any college transfer being more intriguing to see unfold than Costello to Mississippi State.

It is also possible that Leach intends to bend his system a bit this year to take advantage of the players he has now, not the players he will have after three years recruiting to his system. KJ may be perfect for such a blended version of the air raid. In any case, we all hope it works out for KJ.

[Goose]

Mississippi State does not lack for big guys in the trenches.  

The larger question to me is if Costello is productive as seemingly all Leach QBs are, how does the fact he was a highly touted recruit like Leach has never had at the position, and that he played in a pro system at Stanford, factor into the equation for both?

This move has implications for Costello, but could have bigger ones for Leach in terms of QB development appeal. Maybe he'll start getting more elite QB prospects if Costello has a big year and is drafted high. Maybe Leach will then start bending the NFL to his will a bit with better QB talent on hand. Hard to imagine any college transfer being more intriguing to see unfold than Costello to Mississippi State.

It is also possible that Leach intends to bend his system a bit this year to take advantage of the players he has now, not the players he will have after three years recruiting to his system. KJ may be perfect for such a blended version of the air raid. In any case, we all hope it works out for KJ.

[teejers1]

Mississippi State does not lack for big guys in the trenches.  

The larger question to me is if Costello is productive as seemingly all Leach QBs are, how does the fact he was a highly touted recruit like Leach has never had at the position, and that he played in a pro system at Stanford, factor into the equation for both?

This move has implications for Costello, but could have bigger ones for Leach in terms of QB development appeal. Maybe he'll start getting more elite QB prospects if Costello has a big year and is drafted high. Maybe Leach will then start bending the NFL to his will a bit with better QB talent on hand. Hard to imagine any college transfer being more intriguing to see unfold than Costello to Mississippi State.

I think Leach has made his bones already.  All he does is churn out "nation's leading passer" year after year (or so it seems).  Gardner Minshew is latest example, and he has done very well for himself in the NFL (which is more than you can say of Shaw's post-Luck QBs, HS ratings be damned).  Still, I agree with others that this move has perils for KJ, even if he were to win the starting nod.  Good luck to him.

[teejers1]

Mississippi State does not lack for big guys in the trenches.  

The larger question to me is if Costello is productive as seemingly all Leach QBs are, how does the fact he was a highly touted recruit like Leach has never had at the position, and that he played in a pro system at Stanford, factor into the equation for both?

This move has implications for Costello, but could have bigger ones for Leach in terms of QB development appeal. Maybe he'll start getting more elite QB prospects if Costello has a big year and is drafted high. Maybe Leach will then start bending the NFL to his will a bit with better QB talent on hand. Hard to imagine any college transfer being more intriguing to see unfold than Costello to Mississippi State.

I think Leach has made his bones already.  All he does is churn out "nation's leading passer" year after year (or so it seems).  Gardner Minshew is latest example, and he has done very well for himself in the NFL (which is more than you can say of Shaw's post-Luck QBs, HS ratings be damned).  Still, I agree with others that this move has perils for KJ, even if he were to win the starting nod.  Good luck to him.

[Phogge]

As a means of comparison Stanford attempted 444 passes in 2019 with 28 sacks allowed. The Cougs attempted 710 passes with 23 sacks. leach believes in getting the ball off quickly. I'm not too worried about KJ's health even in the SEC. His concussion occurred when running and even though not ruled was probably a personal foul.

[Phogge]

As a means of comparison Stanford attempted 444 passes in 2019 with 28 sacks allowed. The Cougs attempted 710 passes with 23 sacks. leach believes in getting the ball off quickly. I'm not too worried about KJ's health even in the SEC. His concussion occurred when running and even though not ruled was probably a personal foul.

[donkey687]

People on this board are taking for granted that Costello will start.  MSU fans feel that they already have good QB options including a promising returning starter. I hope Costello becomes the next Minshew rather than the next Gubrud who transferred to WSU last year as the heir apparent to Minshew but got beat out by Gordon.

https://sports.mynorthwest.com/601017/ga...nsfer-wsu/

[donkey687]

People on this board are taking for granted that Costello will start.  MSU fans feel that they already have good QB options including a promising returning starter. I hope Costello becomes the next Minshew rather than the next Gubrud who transferred to WSU last year as the heir apparent to Minshew but got beat out by Gordon.

https://sports.mynorthwest.com/601017/ga...nsfer-wsu/

[lex24]

As a means of comparison Stanford attempted 444 passes in 2019 with 28 sacks allowed. The Cougs attempted 710 passes with 23 sacks. leach believes in getting the ball off quickly. I'm not too worried about KJ's health even in the SEC. His concussion occurred when running and even though not ruled was probably a personal foul.

I have seen Leach QBs battered and beaten. He’s had a better offensive line last few years.  Whoever plays QB at MSU is going to get pummeled.

---

Mississippi State does not lack for big guys in the trenches.  

The larger question to me is if Costello is productive as seemingly all Leach QBs are, how does the fact he was a highly touted recruit like Leach has never had at the position, and that he played in a pro system at Stanford, factor into the equation for both?

This move has implications for Costello, but could have bigger ones for Leach in terms of QB development appeal. Maybe he'll start getting more elite QB prospects if Costello has a big year and is drafted high. Maybe Leach will then start bending the NFL to his will a bit with better QB talent on hand. Hard to imagine any college transfer being more intriguing to see unfold than Costello to Mississippi State.

I think Leach has made his bones already.  All he does is churn out "nation's leading passer" year after year (or so it seems).  Gardner Minshew is latest example, and he has done very well for himself in the NFL (which is more than you can say of Shaw's post-Luck QBs, HS ratings be damned).  Still, I agree with others that this move has perils for KJ, even if he were to win the starting nod.  Good luck to him.

Name another Leach QB that has made a mark in the NFL. I don’t know what KJ’s options were. But I don’t think playing for Leach is a particularly good NFL related move.

[lex24]

As a means of comparison Stanford attempted 444 passes in 2019 with 28 sacks allowed. The Cougs attempted 710 passes with 23 sacks. leach believes in getting the ball off quickly. I'm not too worried about KJ's health even in the SEC. His concussion occurred when running and even though not ruled was probably a personal foul.

I have seen Leach QBs battered and beaten. He’s had a better offensive line last few years.  Whoever plays QB at MSU is going to get pummeled.

---

Mississippi State does not lack for big guys in the trenches.  

The larger question to me is if Costello is productive as seemingly all Leach QBs are, how does the fact he was a highly touted recruit like Leach has never had at the position, and that he played in a pro system at Stanford, factor into the equation for both?

This move has implications for Costello, but could have bigger ones for Leach in terms of QB development appeal. Maybe he'll start getting more elite QB prospects if Costello has a big year and is drafted high. Maybe Leach will then start bending the NFL to his will a bit with better QB talent on hand. Hard to imagine any college transfer being more intriguing to see unfold than Costello to Mississippi State.

I think Leach has made his bones already.  All he does is churn out "nation's leading passer" year after year (or so it seems).  Gardner Minshew is latest example, and he has done very well for himself in the NFL (which is more than you can say of Shaw's post-Luck QBs, HS ratings be damned).  Still, I agree with others that this move has perils for KJ, even if he were to win the starting nod.  Good luck to him.

Name another Leach QB that has made a mark in the NFL. I don’t know what KJ’s options were. But I don’t think playing for Leach is a particularly good NFL related move.

[Phogge]

Recently the stats say different Lex.

[Phogge]

Recently the stats say different Lex.

[lex24]

Recently the stats say different Lex.

Stats are not particularly relevant to NFL scouts etc.  If he starts and stays upright he will put up numbers. Throwing 50 to 70 times a game assures that.  But as for his NFL prospects the numbers won’t matter. Wish him the best of luck.

[lex24]

Recently the stats say different Lex.

Stats are not particularly relevant to NFL scouts etc.  If he starts and stays upright he will put up numbers. Throwing 50 to 70 times a game assures that.  But as for his NFL prospects the numbers won’t matter. Wish him the best of luck.

[Phogge]

Talking about stats for sacks only. The Cougs did a great job protecting their QB last season. The bitch here was that he would get pummeled in Leach's offense. Gordon didn't. Whether or not they can protect in Starkville is an open question but the system is built around getting the ball out quickly.

[Phogge]

Talking about stats for sacks only. The Cougs did a great job protecting their QB last season. The bitch here was that he would get pummeled in Leach's offense. Gordon didn't. Whether or not they can protect in Starkville is an open question but the system is built around getting the ball out quickly.

[OutsiderFan]

Talking about stats for sacks only. The Cougs did a great job protecting their QB last season. The bitch here was that he would get pummeled in Leach's offense. Gordon didn't. Whether or not they can protect in Starkville is an open question but the system is built around getting the ball out quickly.

There is a lot of Leach resentment among Stanford fans, Phogge. Though he is a super intelligent guy, he's not an intellectual's intellectual. His teams have also recently made Stanford's look silly. Stanford should rarely lose to Washington State based on the players recruited, but here we are.

Your sack stats render the "KJ will get beat up playing for Leach" arguments weak, so then it's "let's attack the system" because we don't like it, even though it has beaten us for 4 years straight. 

The reality is NFL people know Costello can run a pro style offense. If he puts up big numbers and looks good throwing the ball at Mississippi State, he will get the benefit of the doubt from NFL people that no previous Leach QBs have had. This is what makes Costello playing for Leach so intriguing, IMO.

[OutsiderFan]

Talking about stats for sacks only. The Cougs did a great job protecting their QB last season. The bitch here was that he would get pummeled in Leach's offense. Gordon didn't. Whether or not they can protect in Starkville is an open question but the system is built around getting the ball out quickly.

There is a lot of Leach resentment among Stanford fans, Phogge. Though he is a super intelligent guy, he's not an intellectual's intellectual. His teams have also recently made Stanford's look silly. Stanford should rarely lose to Washington State based on the players recruited, but here we are.

Your sack stats render the "KJ will get beat up playing for Leach" arguments weak, so then it's "let's attack the system" because we don't like it, even though it has beaten us for 4 years straight. 

The reality is NFL people know Costello can run a pro style offense. If he puts up big numbers and looks good throwing the ball at Mississippi State, he will get the benefit of the doubt from NFL people that no previous Leach QBs have had. This is what makes Costello playing for Leach so intriguing, IMO.

[Spiny_Norman]

People on this board are taking for granted that Costello will start.  MSU fans feel that they already have good QB options including a promising returning starter. I hope Costello becomes the next Minshew rather than the next Gubrud who transferred to WSU last year as the heir apparent to Minshew but got beat out by Gordon.

https://sports.mynorthwest.com/601017/ga...nsfer-wsu/

MSU has 2 QBs on the roster who have significant experience and 2 other recruits coming in. It is not a given that Costello will start. Unless Costello has completed his degree at Stanford and can transfer to MSU in time for spring practice, the other QBs will have a 15 practice advantage over him when he arrive on campus in August. From what I can tell, a key to success for a QB in Leach's offense is tons of repetition. They run a small number of plays with lots of options. QB needs a lot of experience to read and recognize what a defense is doing and choose the correct option. I am not sure if this offense will play to his strengths. But one positive is that Leach does not ask his QBs to run. They don't need to be very mobile. Costello has not had the same mobility or been the same threat as a runner since he injured his hip during or after the 2017 season.

[Spiny_Norman]

People on this board are taking for granted that Costello will start.  MSU fans feel that they already have good QB options including a promising returning starter. I hope Costello becomes the next Minshew rather than the next Gubrud who transferred to WSU last year as the heir apparent to Minshew but got beat out by Gordon.

https://sports.mynorthwest.com/601017/ga...nsfer-wsu/

MSU has 2 QBs on the roster who have significant experience and 2 other recruits coming in. It is not a given that Costello will start. Unless Costello has completed his degree at Stanford and can transfer to MSU in time for spring practice, the other QBs will have a 15 practice advantage over him when he arrive on campus in August. From what I can tell, a key to success for a QB in Leach's offense is tons of repetition. They run a small number of plays with lots of options. QB needs a lot of experience to read and recognize what a defense is doing and choose the correct option. I am not sure if this offense will play to his strengths. But one positive is that Leach does not ask his QBs to run. They don't need to be very mobile. Costello has not had the same mobility or been the same threat as a runner since he injured his hip during or after the 2017 season.

[gailtate]

Best wishes to great kid from a great family. We'll miss dad Kevin, mom Annette, and sister Paige at our 'gate. Hope he gets some real QB mentoring now. And stays out of harm's way.

[gailtate]

Best wishes to great kid from a great family. We'll miss dad Kevin, mom Annette, and sister Paige at our 'gate. Hope he gets some real QB mentoring now. And stays out of harm's way.