NFL Draftees...Good/Bad choice to leave before senior year?
According to ESPN and The Salt Lake Tribune, Alex Smith (Utah) will enter the 2005 draft.
Smith, a junior QB, had a tremendous season (12-0) and led his Utes to a bowl win against Pittsburgh 35-7. His efforts in that game were phenomenal, executing 4 TD passes and administering a difficult hook-and-ladder play for a score. No matter what is asked of him as a QB, either under center, from the shotgun, quick handoffs, or rushing for a first down, he's got it done. His accolades are numerous and include several from this year: Heisman Finalist (finished fourth), Sports Illustrated Player of the Year, The Sporting News Player of the Year, Davey O'Brien Finalist, Walter Camp Player of the Year Finalist, Cingular Wireless/ABC Sports All-American, SI.com All-American (first team), Pro Football Weekly All-American (first team), A.P. All-American (second team), CoSIDA Football Academic All-American of the Year--source: http://utahutes.collegesports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/122104aad.html.
No doubt that he SEEMS ready, but is he ready to go to the NFL now? I understand that he has a lot of potential as a young athlete, but can he compete with the big boys in the NFL? And where would he be most useful? (Big hint to Chicago: Let's see if we can pick ONE quarterback this season and stick with him!! We have the fourth pick in the draft, so take advantage accordingly.) Anyway...
As a college junior myself, preparing to enter the "real" world, I understand the thrill of going pro. It's every high school/collegiate athlete's dream. At the same time, however, how wise of a decision is it to give up your last year of eligibility, when in essence, you can only get better? For Smith to remain at Utah for one more year can only help him improve his game. On the other hand, I do understand the fact that the loss of coach Urban Meyer will be tough on the squad, and a new coaching philosophy could be even more difficult on the QB. Maybe that had something to do with his decision.
Another question: Will Smith be a first-rounder? According to espn.com, Meyer was quoted saying, "If he's going to be a first-rounder, he should go. If he's not a first-rounder for sure, he should stay." Either way, Meyer says he will support Smith.
A great Fiesta Bowl game, a strong arm, and a confident QB swagger--that, plus the ability to read other defenses and then to put that into play for his own offense is what makes Alex Smith a good NFL pick. I'm just not sure how smart his decision is (that is entering so soon) and how it will affect the rest of his young career.
On a side note: I love the Ultimate Highlight on ESPN's Sportscenter (especially the song to accompany it). I wonder what a woman's sports network would do to replace the "...and twins..." lines in the song. I'm just observing. Hmmmm...a woman's sports network...I'm not talking focusing on women's sports, I'm talking women reporting on all sorts of pro sports events. It would never happen in this society, but if this kind of thing could be successful, that would be awesome.
Nokia Sugar Bowl...ABC 7pm Central Time...Auburn vs. Virginia Tech...Watch it!!
Smith, a junior QB, had a tremendous season (12-0) and led his Utes to a bowl win against Pittsburgh 35-7. His efforts in that game were phenomenal, executing 4 TD passes and administering a difficult hook-and-ladder play for a score. No matter what is asked of him as a QB, either under center, from the shotgun, quick handoffs, or rushing for a first down, he's got it done. His accolades are numerous and include several from this year: Heisman Finalist (finished fourth), Sports Illustrated Player of the Year, The Sporting News Player of the Year, Davey O'Brien Finalist, Walter Camp Player of the Year Finalist, Cingular Wireless/ABC Sports All-American, SI.com All-American (first team), Pro Football Weekly All-American (first team), A.P. All-American (second team), CoSIDA Football Academic All-American of the Year--source: http://utahutes.collegesports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/122104aad.html.
No doubt that he SEEMS ready, but is he ready to go to the NFL now? I understand that he has a lot of potential as a young athlete, but can he compete with the big boys in the NFL? And where would he be most useful? (Big hint to Chicago: Let's see if we can pick ONE quarterback this season and stick with him!! We have the fourth pick in the draft, so take advantage accordingly.) Anyway...
As a college junior myself, preparing to enter the "real" world, I understand the thrill of going pro. It's every high school/collegiate athlete's dream. At the same time, however, how wise of a decision is it to give up your last year of eligibility, when in essence, you can only get better? For Smith to remain at Utah for one more year can only help him improve his game. On the other hand, I do understand the fact that the loss of coach Urban Meyer will be tough on the squad, and a new coaching philosophy could be even more difficult on the QB. Maybe that had something to do with his decision.
Another question: Will Smith be a first-rounder? According to espn.com, Meyer was quoted saying, "If he's going to be a first-rounder, he should go. If he's not a first-rounder for sure, he should stay." Either way, Meyer says he will support Smith.
A great Fiesta Bowl game, a strong arm, and a confident QB swagger--that, plus the ability to read other defenses and then to put that into play for his own offense is what makes Alex Smith a good NFL pick. I'm just not sure how smart his decision is (that is entering so soon) and how it will affect the rest of his young career.
On a side note: I love the Ultimate Highlight on ESPN's Sportscenter (especially the song to accompany it). I wonder what a woman's sports network would do to replace the "...and twins..." lines in the song. I'm just observing. Hmmmm...a woman's sports network...I'm not talking focusing on women's sports, I'm talking women reporting on all sorts of pro sports events. It would never happen in this society, but if this kind of thing could be successful, that would be awesome.
Nokia Sugar Bowl...ABC 7pm Central Time...Auburn vs. Virginia Tech...Watch it!!
posted by Laura Maritza @ 11:36 AM
1 Comments:
At January 25, 2005 at 1:09 PM,
Anonymous said…
Laura-
I think a women's sports network would be incredible. I support it and I would work for you. So yeah I think that should be your goal out of college so by the time I get out you can hire me!!!
-Katie
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