Who is QB1?

[GoodGood]

What level of athlete is JTJ? Is he similar to someone like Cole Payton? 

[iramurphy]

23 hours ago, Big Green said:

I'm told most of the coaches believe Jerry is the front runner after Spring Ball.

 

He could be, but I didn’t hear them mention that. Still TBD.

[iramurphy]

On 7/22/2025 at 9:43 PM, sioux24/7 said:

Besides the new look defense, this is the main thing everyone will be watching come fall camp. You have:

- The incumbent in Simon Romfo who missed spring ball and left a lot to be desired in his play last year.  

- The FBS transfer Javance Tupou'ata-Johnson who received money from the collective but sounds like didn’t have the smoothest transition during the spring. 

- The prized recruit in Jerry Kamniski who everyone has pretty much wanted to win the job since he’s gotten to campus. 

- The overlooked in Jack Sulik. Feels like people don’t think of him as a possibility but from all accounts he has impressed coaches and he has the size. 

What do you guys think?

There are 3 “prized recruits” and Romfo.  

[iramurphy]

On 7/23/2025 at 9:18 PM, SIOUXFAN97 said:

Considering that the guy that decided that simon "won the job" got essentially fired tells you everything you need to know about the talent evaluation IQ of said HC

day by day

 

On 7/23/2025 at 4:53 PM, SIOUXFAN97 said:

there is no reason UND put romfo out there at qb last year....zero

Romfo was the QB last year because he earned it. It was a staff decision.  It wasn’t forced by Bubba on the rest of the staff.
Romfo  “had the locker room”.  The players gravitated to him. (Same factor when Studsrud became starter). He also had the players gravitating to him.  

I continue to believe we had QB’s with the potential that needed PT last year. That is important for backups at all positions.

I didn’t see any of our QB’s perform consistently enough in the spring scrimmage to say that we have our QB yet. I believe the QB position is our biggest concern right now offensively. 
However, the spring scrimmage was one day.  It will be interesting to see how all 4 of these guys have progressed over the summer and into fall camp.  Regardless of any hype, the other players have to believe in the QB. This is a different team than last year. Whoever earns the starting spot must establish themselves as the guy the players look to and the guy the coaches trust to lead.  

[ND-fan]

I have question Romfo had surgery for his throwing arm so how much it affected him last year in his throwing as the season went along. Second will offensive line be improved over last year in pass protection or are we looking at never year where quarterback have to be Mobil enough to create offense when they are in pass situations like last year. Our most proven receivers are running backs right now but we are going need receiving core where somebody steps becomes go to receiver ideally we get couple of them making this step. We also need find TE that can be part of the passing game.  The best part on offensive side we have quality at running backs right now and with this should help us develop the passing game.  

[Siouxperman8]

53 minutes ago, ND-fan said:

I have question Romfo had surgery for his throwing arm so how much it affected him last year in his throwing as the season went along. Second will offensive line be improved over last year in pass protection or are we looking at never year where quarterback have to be Mobil enough to create offense when they are in pass situations like last year. Our most proven receivers are running backs right now but we are going need receiving core where somebody steps becomes go to receiver ideally we get couple of them making this step. We also need find TE that can be part of the passing game.  The best part on offensive side we have quality at running backs right now and with this should help us develop the passing game.  

Also related - has Romfo recovered enough from shoulder surgery to be ready and compete for the position?  Depending on the surgery it could bother him for a while.

[iramurphy]

1 hour ago, ND-fan said:

I have question Romfo had surgery for his throwing arm so how much it affected him last year in his throwing as the season went along. Second will offensive line be improved over last year in pass protection or are we looking at never year where quarterback have to be Mobil enough to create offense when they are in pass situations like last year. Our most proven receivers are running backs right now but we are going need receiving core where somebody steps becomes go to receiver ideally we get couple of them making this step. We also need find TE that can be part of the passing game.  The best part on offensive side we have quality at running backs right now and with this should help us develop the passing game.  

Oline should be better. A lot returning.

I think we will be fine at receiver. Deng Deng will be a matchup problem for everyone. Hoskins and Tai are fast and very quick. Strandell is developing into a very good receiver. Demontagnec has shown he can be very good but must be consistent and can’t drop the easy ones. Dennis has good speed and experience. The transfers Fleming and young showed they can play. They were still adjusting this spring. The biggest question at TE is whether or not they work the TE’s into the passing game. Kuntz and Behymer can catch. 
We are good at RB with the returning guys. We should be better with the guys we added. 

QB is anyone’s guess.  No way to know if or how much the injury hampered Romfo. I don’t know what the injury was nor the surgery he had. We will see how he responds.  We have 3 highly recruited guys with strong arms and good athletic ability. If none of them can progress to the extent it takes to lead this team, we have the returning starter coming off of injury/surgery. I think all four are mobile enough. We need to see who can carry this team with their feet and their arm.  So far I don’t believe it’s clear who that guy is. 

[geaux_sioux]

12 hours ago, ND-fan said:

I have question Romfo had surgery for his throwing arm so how much it affected him last year in his throwing as the season went along. Second will offensive line be improved over last year in pass protection or are we looking at never year where quarterback have to be Mobil enough to create offense when they are in pass situations like last year. Our most proven receivers are running backs right now but we are going need receiving core where somebody steps becomes go to receiver ideally we get couple of them making this step. We also need find TE that can be part of the passing game.  The best part on offensive side we have quality at running backs right now and with this should help us develop the passing game.  

I have so many questions.

[SIOUXFAN97]

On 7/24/2025 at 2:06 PM, geaux_sioux said:

That’s a convenient narrative for you. Do your thing.

if rombo falls to 4th on the qb depth chart (which he will if he makes the team)...would that validate the theory that simon was forced on isaac?

and if that does happen show me any other fcs school in the last ________ where your starting qb fell more than 2 spots in the depth chart the next season much less 3 spots with only 1 new qb coming into the program???? 

probably never happened but at und it might...joke

[iramurphy]

3 hours ago, SIOUXFAN97 said:

if rombo falls to 4th on the qb depth chart (which he will if he makes the team)...would that validate the theory that simon was forced on isaac?

and if that does happen show me any other fcs school in the last ________ where your starting qb fell more than 2 spots in the depth chart the next season much less 3 spots with only 1 new qb coming into the program???? 

probably never happened but at und it might...joke

It wouldn’t validate anything other than 3 guys moved ahead of him on the depth chart. Your “theory” has been debunked. You obviously haven’t had extended conversations with different coaches (if any at all). You don’t have a clear understanding of how and why coaches decisions are made.

Danny had mentioned in the fall of 2023 how impressive Simon had been looking then.  Coaches make position decisions as a staff. Normally, the position coaches and coordinators.  “Forcing” a decision on one’s staff, isn’t typically done, and not part of Bubba’s MO.  The players and staff are at practices, meetings, film study, the weight room and team social gatherings. If the players gravitate to a leader it becomes obvious to the coaches. It’s a big part of the decision and I was told that was a huge factor. The same evaluation takes place each year. We will see which of these guys can accomplish that, read defenses, minimize mistakes and maximize their physical and intellectual talents to give this team the best chance to win. 
 

What won’t happen is a decision made on just the “eye test”.  It won’t be made because of height, weight and HS accomplishments. ( those are factors that help  get them here, but they have to earn their way to the top of the depth chart). 
 

Your cheap shots show a lack of FB knowledge and a lack of class. Romfo has already “made the team”.  Calling him “Rombo” is typical of keyboard warriors and uncalled for. Who the hell even thinks of stupid stuff like falling from a starter down the depth chart behind lasts year’s backups? Are you really hoping for a conversation about that??  
 

Romfo is actually a story of a small town kid who proved himself a winner and champion as a multi sport athlete and earned a spot on an FCS FB team. He gradually worked his way up earning the starting QB position (nobody gave it to him).  
He may never play another down at UND but he has earned our respect and appreciation. 

[SIOUXFAN97]

1 hour ago, iramurphy said:

It wouldn’t validate anything other than 3 guys moved ahead of him on the depth chart. Your “theory” has been debunked. You obviously haven’t had extended conversations with different coaches (if any at all). You don’t have a clear understanding of how and why coaches decisions are made.

Danny had mentioned in the fall of 2023 how impressive Simon had been looking then.  Coaches make position decisions as a staff. Normally, the position coaches and coordinators.  “Forcing” a decision on one’s staff, isn’t typically done, and not part of Bubba’s MO.  The players and staff are at practices, meetings, film study, the weight room and team social gatherings. If the players gravitate to a leader it becomes obvious to the coaches. It’s a big part of the decision and I was told that was a huge factor. The same evaluation takes place each year. We will see which of these guys can accomplish that, read defenses, minimize mistakes and maximize their physical and intellectual talents to give this team the best chance to win. 
 

What won’t happen is a decision made on just the “eye test”.  It won’t be made because of height, weight and HS accomplishments. ( those are factors that help  get them here, but they have to earn their way to the top of the depth chart). 
 

Your cheap shots show a lack of FB knowledge and a lack of class. Romfo has already “made the team”.  Calling him “Rombo” is typical of keyboard warriors and uncalled for. Who the hell even thinks of stupid stuff like falling from a starter down the depth chart behind lasts year’s backups? Are you really hoping for a conversation about that??  
 

Romfo is actually a story of a small town kid who proved himself a winner and champion as a multi sport athlete and earned a spot on an FCS FB team. He gradually worked his way up earning the starting QB position (nobody gave it to him).  
He may never play another down at UND but he has earned our respect and appreciation. 

This post is the reason why everyone should've gotten the pink slip last year.....20 years into D1 football and it's all duckies and bunnies.

Simon wouldn't have started in the NSIC (maybe bubba still thought he was in Duluth?)....wouldn't have made the team in Fargo (not even close) yet people keep making excuses about what a crap show UND has become.

And yes...if Romfo ends up 4th on the depth chart it will validate my theory....

[Sioux94]

8 minutes ago, SIOUXFAN97 said:

This post is the reason why everyone should've gotten the pink slip last year.....20 years into D1 football and it's all duckies and bunnies.

Simon wouldn't have started in the NSIC (maybe bubba still thought he was in Duluth?)....wouldn't have made the team in Fargo (not even close) yet people keep making excuses about what a crap show UND has become.

And yes...if Romfo ends up 4th on the depth chart it will validate my theory....

I agree with your statement that it is very unusual for a starter to drop to 4th string. However it sounds like things were pretty close last fall. I think it's a case of Romfo having a higher floor but a lower ceiling than the others. He had a higher floor so they went with him to start the year.  Romfo was about at his ceiling last year,  2 other younger  guys behind him have now progressed and then we got an FBS transfer. 

I don't think Bubba forced Romfo as the starter last year. However I think it's totally on Bubba that nobody else got to play meaningful minutes so we could see what the other guys could do. If Jerry ends up being named the starter, more minutes last year would have been good for him.

[Und Princess]

1 minute ago, Sioux94 said:

I agree with your statement that it is very unusual for a starter to drop to 4th string. However it sounds like things were pretty close last fall. I think it's a case of Romfo having a higher floor but a lower ceiling than the others. He had a higher floor so they went with him to start the year.  Romfo was about at his ceiling last year,  2 other younger  guys behind him have now progressed and then we got an FBS transfer. 

I don't think Bubba forced Romfo as the starter last year. However I think it's totally on Bubba that nobody else got to play meaningful minutes so we could see what the other guys could do. If Jerry ends up being named the starter, more minutes last year would have been good for him.

Very well said!!! @Sioux94

[MoSiouxFan]

1 hour ago, iramurphy said:

It wouldn’t validate anything other than 3 guys moved ahead of him on the depth chart. Your “theory” has been debunked. You obviously haven’t had extended conversations with different coaches (if any at all). You don’t have a clear understanding of how and why coaches decisions are made.

Danny had mentioned in the fall of 2023 how impressive Simon had been looking then.  Coaches make position decisions as a staff. Normally, the position coaches and coordinators.  “Forcing” a decision on one’s staff, isn’t typically done, and not part of Bubba’s MO.  The players and staff are at practices, meetings, film study, the weight room and team social gatherings. If the players gravitate to a leader it becomes obvious to the coaches. It’s a big part of the decision and I was told that was a huge factor. The same evaluation takes place each year. We will see which of these guys can accomplish that, read defenses, minimize mistakes and maximize their physical and intellectual talents to give this team the best chance to win. 
 

What won’t happen is a decision made on just the “eye test”.  It won’t be made because of height, weight and HS accomplishments. ( those are factors that help  get them here, but they have to earn their way to the top of the depth chart). 
 

Your cheap shots show a lack of FB knowledge and a lack of class. Romfo has already “made the team”.  Calling him “Rombo” is typical of keyboard warriors and uncalled for. Who the hell even thinks of stupid stuff like falling from a starter down the depth chart behind lasts year’s backups? Are you really hoping for a conversation about that??  
 

Romfo is actually a story of a small town kid who proved himself a winner and champion as a multi sport athlete and earned a spot on an FCS FB team. He gradually worked his way up earning the starting QB position (nobody gave it to him).  
He may never play another down at UND but he has earned our respect and appreciation. 

Good response to a foolish post.

[SIOUXFAN97]

26 minutes ago, Sioux94 said:

I agree with your statement that it is very unusual for a starter to drop to 4th string. However it sounds like things were pretty close last fall. I think it's a case of Romfo having a higher floor but a lower ceiling than the others. He had a higher floor so they went with him to start the year.  Romfo was about at his ceiling last year,  2 other younger  guys behind him have now progressed and then we got an FBS transfer. 

I don't think Bubba forced Romfo as the starter last year. However I think it's totally on Bubba that nobody else got to play meaningful minutes so we could see what the other guys could do. If Jerry ends up being named the starter, more minutes last year would have been good for him.

i don't think unusual is the word...unprecedented? 

[SIOUXFAN97]

26 minutes ago, MoSiouxFan said:

Good response to a foolish post.

come on man....you voted for Jerry!!!!

 

[SIOUXFAN97]

On 7/25/2025 at 9:35 AM, iramurphy said:

 

Romfo was the QB last year because he earned it. It was a staff decision.  It wasn’t forced by Bubba on the rest of the staff.
Romfo  “had the locker room”.  The players gravitated to him. (Same factor when Studsrud became starter). He also had the players gravitating to him.  

I continue to believe we had QB’s with the potential that needed PT last year. That is important for backups at all positions.

I didn’t see any of our QB’s perform consistently enough in the spring scrimmage to say that we have our QB yet. I believe the QB position is our biggest concern right now offensively. 
However, the spring scrimmage was one day.  It will be interesting to see how all 4 of these guys have progressed over the summer and into fall camp.  Regardless of any hype, the other players have to believe in the QB. This is a different team than last year. Whoever earns the starting spot must establish themselves as the guy the players look to and the guy the coaches trust to lead.  

not sure who your sources are that said romfo "had the locker room".....that might be true but as the year went on and Bubba wouldn't give any other qb any minutes in blowouts (good or bad) he was seen as Bubba's 9 man pet....and the team lost faith in both Simon and Bubba as you can see from the 5 weeks of losses (including the worst loss in a long long time to Indy State)....

Bubba got "fired" and Simon will more than likey never see the field again....tells ya something.

 

[JacksonW]

2 hours ago, SIOUXFAN97 said:

This post is the reason why everyone should've gotten the pink slip last year.....20 years into D1 football and it's all duckies and bunnies.

Simon wouldn't have started in the NSIC (maybe bubba still thought he was in Duluth?)....wouldn't have made the team in Fargo (not even close) yet people keep making excuses about what a crap show UND has become.

And yes...if Romfo ends up 4th on the depth chart it will validate my theory....

I’m infrequently on here, how do you make someone invisible due to repetitive  poorly formed opinions 

[SIOUXFAN97]

2 minutes ago, JacksonW said:

I’m infrequently on here, how do you make someone invisible due to repetitive  poorly formed opinions 

u didn't even take the time to vote.....

[MoSiouxFan]

1 hour ago, SIOUXFAN97 said:

come on man....you voted for Jerry!!!!

 

I did!  But I think that Simon, if he's healthy, will be right in the mix.  My response had more to do with your seemingly denigrating a young athlete who can be proud of, just as I am proud of him, for what his character (and talent) has helped him to accomplish in going from leading his 9-man football team to, what, two state championships and then working his way up to becoming a starting QB at a Division I school.  It'll be a great QB competition this fall starting Thursday, and I fully support whomever the coaches choose as the starter.  

[SIOUXFAN97]

10 minutes ago, MoSiouxFan said:

I did!  But I think that Simon, if he's healthy, will be right in the mix.  My response had more to do with your seemingly denigrating a young athlete who can be proud of, just as I am proud of him, for what his character (and talent) has helped him to accomplish in going from leading his 9-man football team to, what, two state championships and then working his way up to becoming a starting QB at a Division I school.  It'll be a great QB competition this fall starting Thursday, and I fully support whomever the coaches choose as the starter.  

define "in the mix"

4th?

[iramurphy]

1 hour ago, SIOUXFAN97 said:

This post is the reason why everyone should've gotten the pink slip last year.....20 years into D1 football and it's all duckies and bunnies.

Simon wouldn't have started in the NSIC (maybe bubba still thought he was in Duluth?)....wouldn't have made the team in Fargo (not even close) yet people keep making excuses about what a crap show UND has become.

And yes...if Romfo ends up 4th on the depth chart it will validate my theory....

My post has nothing to do with the last 20yrs. My post wasn’t making excuses nor  even commenting on the programs struggles. My post was responding to your assumption that the starting QB decision was made by a HC against recommendations by his staff that they were then forced to accept.
down to how staff felt about who should start and who typically makes the decision. I never said I agreed or disagreed with the decision. I never commented on the HC issues.  
 

I asked some of the  decision makers (Bubba wasn’t one I talked to). That works better than riding by on a bike. 
 

Regardless of where Romfo ends up on the depth chart, it has nothing to do with last year. It has to do with who the staff believes will give them the best chance to win. I’m not coaching anymore so I am not foolish enough to think I know who that will be.

You do realize it’s not Romfo’s fault he was chosen to start. It’s not Romfo’s fault the other 2 QB’s didn’t get playing time (they should have). All Romfo did was show up, work his ass off and when his name was called he did his best. He didn’t select himself to start. Let last year go, foster your boy crush on JK and see if he becomes the starter. It’s a new staff and lots of new players. If you think UND FB is a “crap show” you know less about FB and achieving success that I thought you did ( which isn’t much).
 

 

 

[Nodak78]

2 hours ago, SIOUXFAN97 said:

not sure who your sources are that said romfo "had the locker room".....that might be true but as the year went on and Bubba wouldn't give any other qb any minutes in blowouts (good or bad) he was seen as Bubba's 9 man pet....and the team lost faith in both Simon and Bubba as you can see from the 5 weeks of losses (including the worst loss in a long long time to Indy State)....

Bubba got "fired" and Simon will more than likey never see the field again....tells ya something.

 

Very weak defense was a major problem. Offense score enough to win three of those games.

[UND-FB-FAN]

3 minutes ago, Nodak78 said:

Very weak defense was a major problem. Offense score enough to win three of those games.

Quarterback and defense are two biggest unknowns for UND going into 2025 for a reason … they were the two biggest weaknesses in 2024.

Romfo did his best, but his lack of consistent success against top tier competition says a lot. It was not entirely his fault in 2024 - this is the ultimate team sport. The 2024 defense was not nearly good enough.

There’s reason for optimism in 2025 with new players AND new coaches and schemes.
 

Let’s see who proves themselves in fall camp - no one truthfully knows. See video below (go to 4:33)

 

[CMSioux]

13 hours ago, JacksonW said:

I’m infrequently on here, how do you make someone invisible due to repetitive  poorly formed opinions 

You can block them, done it several times, but when they are quoted you will still see them.