Post-Easton Stick Era: Emory Jones & Chris Blair's Path to Bison QB Dominance

Aug 09, 2025

Life After Stick: The Quarterback Conundrum for the North Dakota State Bison

The legacy of Easton Stick casts a long shadow over the North Dakota State Bison football program. Stick, a four-year starter (though he didn’t become the full-time starter until his sophomore year), guided the Bison to four consecutive FCS national championships and established himself as one of the most decorated quarterbacks in FCS history. His leadership, dual-threat ability, and uncanny knack for winning have become the standard by which all subsequent Bison quarterbacks are measured. With Stick now in the NFL, the question looms: Can Emory Jones and Chris Blair successfully fill the massive void he left behind?

The Stick Legacy: A Benchmark of Excellence

Before delving into the prospects of Jones and Blair, it's crucial to understand the magnitude of the task at hand. Easton Stick wasn't just a talented quarterback; he was a program cornerstone. His statistics speak for themselves:

• Two-time Walter Payton Award finalist
• Multiple-time All-American selection
• Led the Bison to a 49-3 record as a starter.
• Holds numerous NDSU passing and rushing records for a quarterback.

Beyond the numbers, Stick possessed an intangible quality – an unwavering belief in himself and his team. He consistently delivered in clutch moments, inspiring confidence in his teammates and striking fear into opponents. He exemplified the Bison's winning culture, setting a high bar for future quarterbacks.

Introducing Emory Jones: A Transfer Portal Prize

Emory Jones arrived in Fargo via the transfer portal, bringing with him a wealth of experience from the Power Five level. He began his career at the University of Florida, where he saw significant playing time. After Florida, he spent a year at Arizona State before finding his way to NDSU. Jones possesses a skill set that tantalizes Bison fans, offering a blend of athleticism and arm talent rarely seen at the FCS level.

Jones' Strengths: Dual-Threat Prowess and Arm Talent

Jones' most apparent strength is his dual-threat capability. He's a legitimate running threat, capable of extending plays with his legs and picking up crucial first downs. This dimension adds a layer of complexity to the Bison offense, forcing defenses to account for his mobility. His arm talent is also undeniable. He has the ability to make all the throws, possessing both the arm strength to drive the ball downfield and the touch to deliver accurate passes in tight windows.

• Mobility: Jones' ability to escape pressure and make plays with his legs is a significant asset.
• Arm Strength: He can throw the ball deep and make challenging throws across the field.
• Experience: Having played at the Power Five level, Jones has faced elite competition.

Areas for Improvement: Consistency and Decision-Making

While Jones' potential is undeniable, he also has areas where he needs to improve to replicate Stick's success. His consistency has been questioned at times, as he can be prone to turnovers or stretches of inaccurate throws. Decision-making is another area that requires refinement. Learning to read defenses quickly and make sound decisions under pressure is crucial for any quarterback, especially in the high-stakes environment of FCS football.

Experience: While Jones brings years of experience, some have criticized his decision-making during crucial moments in games while at Florida and Arizona State. How he handles pressure situations in the Fargodome will be closely watched.

Chris Blair: The Homegrown Talent

In contrast to Jones' journey through the Power Five ranks, Chris Blair represents the quintessential homegrown talent. A North Dakota native, Blair patiently waited for his opportunity behind veteran quarterbacks. He embodies the Bison's tradition of developing players within their system, showcasing the program's commitment to nurturing local talent.

Blair's Strengths: Knowledge of the System and Leadership Potential

Blair's primary advantage lies in his deep understanding of the Bison's offensive system. He's been immersed in the playbook for years, developing a strong rapport with coaches and teammates. This familiarity allows him to make quicker reads and anticipate play calls effectively. Furthermore, Blair possesses strong leadership qualities. He's a natural leader who commands respect in the locker room and on the field.

• System Familiarity: Blair's extensive knowledge of the Bison offense is a valuable asset.
• Leadership: He has the potential to be a vocal leader and inspire his teammates.
• Accuracy: Blair demonstrates consistent accuracy on short and intermediate throws.

Areas for Improvement: Arm Strength and Game Experience

Blair's arm strength is an area where he needs to improve to fully unlock the Bison offense. While he's accurate on short and intermediate throws, he may lack the arm strength to consistently drive the ball downfield. Another challenge for Blair is his limited game experience. He hasn't had many opportunities to start or play significant snaps, leaving question marks about his ability to perform under pressure in crucial situations.

Expertise: Blair has been praised by coaches for his football IQ and understanding of the offensive scheme. However, translating that knowledge into consistent game performance will be key to his success.

Comparing Jones and Blair: A Tale of Two Quarterbacks

Jones and Blair present distinct skill sets and approaches to the quarterback position. Jones brings a dynamic, dual-threat element with his athleticism and arm talent, while Blair offers a more cerebral approach with his system familiarity and leadership qualities. Ultimately, the coaching staff will need to determine which quarterback best fits their offensive philosophy and provides the best chance to win.

Head-to-Head Analysis:

The Coaching Staff's Role: Maximizing Potential

The Bison coaching staff, led by head coach Matt Entz and offensive coordinator Tyler Roehl, faces a crucial task in developing Jones and Blair. They must tailor the offense to maximize each quarterback's strengths while mitigating their weaknesses. This may involve incorporating more designed quarterback runs for Jones or emphasizing short, quick passes for Blair. The coaching staff must also foster a competitive environment that encourages both quarterbacks to push each other and improve.

Strategic Considerations:

• Play Calling: Adapting the play-calling to suit each quarterback's strengths will be crucial.
• Development: Providing consistent coaching and feedback to address areas for improvement.
• Competition: Fostering a healthy competition that pushes both quarterbacks to perform at their best.

Beyond the Quarterback: The Supporting Cast

While the quarterback position is undoubtedly important, it's essential to remember that football is a team sport. Jones and Blair won't be able to succeed without a strong supporting cast. The Bison's offensive line must provide consistent pass protection and create running lanes. The running backs must be effective in both the running and passing games. The wide receivers must catch the ball consistently and make plays downfield. And the defense must continue to play at an elite level to give the offense opportunities to score.

Key Supporting Cast Members:

• Offensive Line: Maintaining a dominant offensive line is crucial for both quarterbacks.
• Running Backs: A strong running game takes pressure off the quarterback.
• Wide Receivers: Reliable receivers are essential for a successful passing attack.
• Defense: A dominant defense provides the offense with more opportunities.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

The path to replacing Easton Stick won't be easy. Jones and Blair will face numerous challenges, including adapting to the Bison's culture, learning the offense, and dealing with the pressure of following in Stick's footsteps. However, they also have tremendous opportunities. They have the chance to lead one of the most successful programs in FCS history, compete for national championships, and establish their own legacies.

Challenges:

• Pressure: Living up to the expectations set by Easton Stick.
• Adaptation: Adjusting to the Bison's culture and offensive system.
• Competition: Battling for playing time and maintaining a competitive edge.

Opportunities:

• Leadership: Leading a championship-caliber team.
• Legacy: Establishing their own legacy at NDSU.
• Development: Growing as quarterbacks and reaching their full potential.

The Fans' Perspective: Hope and Expectations

Bison fans are understandably eager to see who will emerge as the team's next star quarterback. They have high expectations, given the program's recent success, and they're anxious to see if Jones or Blair can lead the team back to the promised land. While there's excitement surrounding Jones' potential, there's also a sense of pride in Blair, the homegrown talent who has worked tirelessly to earn his opportunity.

Ultimately, the fans want to see a quarterback who can lead the team with poise, make smart decisions, and deliver in the clutch. They want someone who embodies the Bison's values of hard work, discipline, and teamwork. Whoever wins the job will have the full support of the Bison faithful.

Predicting the Future: A Quarterback Competition That Benefits the Bison

It's difficult to predict with certainty who will ultimately win the starting quarterback job. Both Jones and Blair possess the talent and potential to succeed. However, the most likely scenario is that the competition will extend into the season, with both quarterbacks seeing playing time. This competition could ultimately benefit the Bison, as it will force both quarterbacks to improve and push each other to be their best.

Regardless of who emerges as the starter, the Bison are in a good position at the quarterback position. They have two talented players who are capable of leading the team to success. With the right coaching and support, Jones and Blair can both contribute to the Bison's continued dominance in the FCS.

Authoritativeness: Multiple sources within the NDSU coaching staff have emphasized the importance of a strong running game and a dominant defense to support the new quarterback. This suggests a potential shift in offensive strategy to ease the pressure on the quarterback and play to the team's overall strengths.

Long-Term Implications: Sustaining a Dynasty

The quarterback transition is not just about replacing one player; it's about sustaining a dynasty. The Bison have built a program that has consistently produced winning teams, and the quarterback position is central to that success. The coaching staff understands the importance of finding a quarterback who can not only win games but also uphold the program's values and traditions. The selection of Jones or Blair (or a combination of both) will have significant implications for the program's long-term future.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Bison Football

The Easton Stick era was a remarkable chapter in North Dakota State football history. Replacing him is a daunting task, but Emory Jones and Chris Blair both have the potential to write their own successful chapters. Jones brings a dynamic skill set and Power Five experience, while Blair offers system familiarity and leadership qualities. The coaching staff's ability to maximize their potential, combined with a strong supporting cast, will ultimately determine the Bison's success in the post-Stick era. One thing is certain: the quarterback competition in Fargo will be one of the most intriguing storylines to follow in the FCS this season.