Don't fiddle with their mechanics too much.

Don't order them to stay in the pocket too long.

Don't give them too much to think about.

And whatever you do, don't try to make them something they're not.

These are some of the rules for dealing with dual-threat quarterbacks. It's a tricky list of dos and don'ts that coaches navigate. Whether on the field or inside the film room, coaches walk a fine line between progress and paralysis by analysis.

"Sometimes I chuckle when I read where a school has said they brought a player in and they're reshaping his throwing motion and changing who he is. I don't believe in that," said Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy, who has tutored an 800-yard runner in Zac Robinson and a 4,000-yard passer in Brandon Weeden. "Can they improve? Certainly they can by reps. But can you change them a lot? I don't think so."

Click here to read more from Alex Scarborough on how Auburn and star QB Nick Marshall are navigating the tricky balance between improving as a passer and maintaining dynamic playmaking instincts.