One of the most impressive coaching accomplishments I have witnessed at Auburn University was the way Pat Sullivan revamped QB Jeff Burger's game in the offseason between the 1985 and 1986 football seasons. Perhaps one of the biggest luxuries he had in the task was outright hosses surrounding Burger. From his offensive line anchored by a couple of All-Americans, to the highly explosive backfield to a newly emergent receiving corps, the roster gave Burger the help and confidence he needed to succeed.
Those who saw Burger prior to 1986 recall a modest-sized, scrappy option QB who had trouble cracking the first and second-string rosters. Then Sully arrived and the Burger that trotted out in 1986 bore little resemblance to the player he had been. Everything about him, from his footwork and drops, to his vision and mechanics, to his decision-making was elevated to a level few would have thought possible without witnessing as much. It really was a pygmalion-type feat.
Those who saw Burger prior to 1986 recall a modest-sized, scrappy option QB who had trouble cracking the first and second-string rosters. Then Sully arrived and the Burger that trotted out in 1986 bore little resemblance to the player he had been. Everything about him, from his footwork and drops, to his vision and mechanics, to his decision-making was elevated to a level few would have thought possible without witnessing as much. It really was a pygmalion-type feat.
