JoRo
01-22-2009, 07:51 PM
Hey guys,
I'm looking to possibly apply for a position writing for college football, and was looking to make an offer to possibly do some sort of college prospect to the pro's type of thing, and want your opinion while also adding to the boards. Comments are very much appreciated whether you agree with my assessment or not!
Coming to the draft season at the end of football season, the big question was how Tim Tebow would prosper in the NFL, but lost among Timmy's hype was a player that will make a much easier transition while possibly falling through the media cracks, a player that some, counting myself feel will make a huge impact on the pro level.
That player is West Virginia Quarterback Pat White.
Between Tim Tebow and White are some big similarities:
Both come from nothing close to a pro style offense
Both are left handed
Both are strong "intangible" players, or all reports are as such
Both also seem to have the possible skills to play at the next level, how is where the differences begin.
While it is believed by many that Tim Tebow will either have to fall to a team that will either need to overhaul it's scheme to fit his talent or change to a position like fullback and lose most of his impact, Pat White is going to fit into a position that has been done time and again in the pro's: White will become at the least a solid speed reciever, and be limited as a gadget player only by the creativity of his coach.
History has proven that many a quarterback in college who has transfered successfully to the pro receiver position. Theory is that having learned routes in high school and college to throw to the players helps ease the transition to learning routes in the pro's, routes many college wideouts have to learn for themselves as well, though they may not have mastered the techniques of running and learning routes in the college games as many star pass catchers in college simply "out-athlete" those trying to defend them; something a quarterback can't do.
Also aiding Pat White make the transition is his athletic ability, an asset that was on full display running a spread offense for four seasons. White has been rumored to be as fast if not faster than former teammate Steve Slaton, and while that is only mildy important: a skill that directly should be able to translate to the pro game. You simply can't teach a player to be an athlete.
Missing from the discussion to date is what a creative coach would see in White, which is his ability to add to the game in any number of roles. Being as talented as he is running the ball and left handed to boot, you could easily use White on a end around option pass or anything remotely close to that nature. If he could learn to catch kicks: you have yourself a returner! Want to save a roster spot and only carry two quarterbacks? You have your emergency QB! All this without even mentioning the damage White could bring to the field in any sort of oft-copied Wildcat formation.
While White does come with questions as he has to learn the actual receiver position, he comes with a question that is well worth taking a chance on if he is available where projected in the mid to later rounds. Brandon Marshall aside, most receivers lately taken in the mid to late rounds of the draft come with huge question marks or knocks on them, such as slow speed, stiff hips or character. None of these apply to a Pat White, and add the threat he poses with his running skills, possible explosiveness as a receiver and the ability to pass the ball. All of this equals a player who has the potential to be THE Gadget player in the NFL.
I'm looking to possibly apply for a position writing for college football, and was looking to make an offer to possibly do some sort of college prospect to the pro's type of thing, and want your opinion while also adding to the boards. Comments are very much appreciated whether you agree with my assessment or not!
Coming to the draft season at the end of football season, the big question was how Tim Tebow would prosper in the NFL, but lost among Timmy's hype was a player that will make a much easier transition while possibly falling through the media cracks, a player that some, counting myself feel will make a huge impact on the pro level.
That player is West Virginia Quarterback Pat White.
Between Tim Tebow and White are some big similarities:
Both come from nothing close to a pro style offense
Both are left handed
Both are strong "intangible" players, or all reports are as such
Both also seem to have the possible skills to play at the next level, how is where the differences begin.
While it is believed by many that Tim Tebow will either have to fall to a team that will either need to overhaul it's scheme to fit his talent or change to a position like fullback and lose most of his impact, Pat White is going to fit into a position that has been done time and again in the pro's: White will become at the least a solid speed reciever, and be limited as a gadget player only by the creativity of his coach.
History has proven that many a quarterback in college who has transfered successfully to the pro receiver position. Theory is that having learned routes in high school and college to throw to the players helps ease the transition to learning routes in the pro's, routes many college wideouts have to learn for themselves as well, though they may not have mastered the techniques of running and learning routes in the college games as many star pass catchers in college simply "out-athlete" those trying to defend them; something a quarterback can't do.
Also aiding Pat White make the transition is his athletic ability, an asset that was on full display running a spread offense for four seasons. White has been rumored to be as fast if not faster than former teammate Steve Slaton, and while that is only mildy important: a skill that directly should be able to translate to the pro game. You simply can't teach a player to be an athlete.
Missing from the discussion to date is what a creative coach would see in White, which is his ability to add to the game in any number of roles. Being as talented as he is running the ball and left handed to boot, you could easily use White on a end around option pass or anything remotely close to that nature. If he could learn to catch kicks: you have yourself a returner! Want to save a roster spot and only carry two quarterbacks? You have your emergency QB! All this without even mentioning the damage White could bring to the field in any sort of oft-copied Wildcat formation.
While White does come with questions as he has to learn the actual receiver position, he comes with a question that is well worth taking a chance on if he is available where projected in the mid to later rounds. Brandon Marshall aside, most receivers lately taken in the mid to late rounds of the draft come with huge question marks or knocks on them, such as slow speed, stiff hips or character. None of these apply to a Pat White, and add the threat he poses with his running skills, possible explosiveness as a receiver and the ability to pass the ball. All of this equals a player who has the potential to be THE Gadget player in the NFL.