Kickoff Zone College Football Blog

Usually, when someone talks about a college football player turning pro early, they are usually referring to a junior (or occasionally a 3rd year sophomore) who is awaiting reports on what round he is projected to be taken in the NFL Draft.

That’s not the case when it comes to Kyle Parker, the rising sophomore quarterback for Clemson.  Nobody knows what sport he will turn pro in.  While a few athletes have juggled professional careers in both baseball and football, they weren’t quarterbacks.  His newly signed contract with the Colorado Rockies hints that Parker will not be playing amateur sports following the upcoming season.  From the Sun News:

While the deal Parker agreed to Monday night allows him to continue playing football beyond 2010 at Clemson, Swinney and most pundits believe this will be Parker’s final year as a college quarterback.

Parker would have to give back a portion of his $1.4 million signing bonus to play football in 2011 — as much as half, according to a source close to the Rockies.

Moreover, to continue playing football in college while beginning a pro baseball career is a juggling act because college athletes must take 18 credit hours per academic year to be eligible.

“I’d be pretty shocked if he doesn’t head off in January and play some baseball,” Swinney said. “I also wouldn’t be surprised — if he has a great year this year — to see him at the [NFL] combine. I think the scouts are really going to be impressed with him and what they see this year.”

There is one scenario where Parker might opt to give back some of his bonus money and return for his junior year. The 2011 quarterback crop is considered deep, and if Parker is considered an early-round pick for the 2012 draft, he might consider returning to Clemson.

Parker’s deal was worth nearly $900,000 less than what the Rockies offered in July. Parker, the Rockies’ first-round draft choice and the 26th player selected, wanted $3 million. When both sides dug in, Parker chose to return for a second season at quarterback.

“It’s a huge sacrifice for Kyle Parker to be there (at Clemson), and I hope people will realize that,” said Carl Parker, Kyle’s father.

Parker will receive $200,000 now, his father said. The rest is deferred and depends on his playing for the Rockies. Carl Parker said the next payment would be $700,000 in March 2012.

Tags: Atlantic Coast Conference, Clemson University, College Football, NCAA, Preseason Prognostications, recap, rumor mill by Tommy
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Another high profile freshman has announced that he will be leaving an SEC Power.  Quarterback Zach Lee, the 9th rated pro style quarterback coming out of high school and a four star recruit according to Rivals, has signed to play professional baseball for the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Lee, who had been participating in summer drills with the LSU football team, was signed to play both football and baseball for the Tigers, but will leave the university to concentrate on his professional baseball career full time.

Lee, a 6-feet-4, 200-pounder from McKinney, Texas, was the 28th pick in the Major League Baseball Draft in June. He made his decision late Monday night, minutes before the 11 p.m. CDT signing deadline. Steven Henson of Yahoo Sports reported the contract was for $5.25 million over five years.

In other football/baseball related news, Clemson sophomore and starting quarterback Kyle Parker has signed to play professional baseball with the Colorado Rockies.  Unlike Lee at LSU, Parker will not leave the Clemson football team, and is expected to be to suit up for the Tigers this season.

Tags: Atlantic Coast Conference, Clemson University, LSU, Live Update, Louisiana State University, NCAA, Southeastern Conference, bcs, recap, rumor mill, transfer by Tommy
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The University of Michigan met with NCAA officials over the weekend to discuss their pending investigation, and will now decide on the fate of the Wolverines.  From the Detroit Press:

The infractions committee remained in the hearing room in a closed-door discussion for an hour after U-M officials departed late Saturday afternoon and planned wrap-up meetings Sunday morning. The committee heard three cases over the weekend — two on Friday and U-M’s on Saturday.

At this point, the 10 committee members must evaluate Michigan’s self-imposed sanctions and corrective actions, determining whether they were sufficient or needed to be enhanced.

In other Wolverine news, there may indeed be another controversy to keep their fans on edge, but this one thankfully involving on the field play as QB Denard Robinson has closed the gap between himself and returning starting QB Tate Forcier.  Many analysts predict that Robinson will eventually win the job, considering the importance of mobility and speed needed at the quarterback position in coach Rich Rodriguez’s offensive scheme.

The University of North Carolina has “lawyered up,” according to the ACC Insider.  

“[Evrard is] somebody who has experience going through this who can bring knowledge about what other schools have done, what’s been helpful in the past, what’s not been helpful, and help us know what to expect at each turn,” Baddour (UNC Athletics Director) said.

NCAA investigators have been to Chapel Hill at least twice since June to interview seniors Marvin Austin and Greg Little, and perhaps several of their teammates, about their potential improper contact with sports agents. In the past few days, the probe has apparently grown to include defensive line coach John Blake and his possible connection to sports agent Gary Wichard.

Finally, the University of Georgia self-reported an infraction to the NCAA over the weekend.  Not much will come of this, since the infraction was minor, and somewhat silly.  Coach Mark Richt has not seemed concerned with it, as his attention is focused on the inconsistent play of his offense, specifically his new starting quarterback, as the Bulldogs prepare for the upcoming season.

Tags: Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 10 Conference, College Football, Infractions, Mark Richt, NCAA, Preseason Prognostications, Rich Rodriguez, Southeastern Conference, University of Georgia, University of Michigan, University of North Carolina, bcs, recap, rumor mill, violations by Tommy
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As I alluded to in my previous post, the polls are starting to be released.  Here is roughly 1/3 of the BCS Forumula, otherwise known as the USA Today/Coaches Poll for the 2010 preseason:

2010 preseason poll August 6:

1. Alabama

2. Ohio State

3. Florida

4. Texas

5. Boise State

6. Virginia Tech

7. TCU

8. Oklahoma

9. Nebraska

10. Iowa

11. Oregon

12. Wisconsin

13. Miami (FL)

14. Penn State

15. Pittsburgh

16. LSU

17. Georgia Tech

18. North Carolina

19. Arkansas

20. Florida State

21. Georgia

22. Oregon State

23. Auburn

24 (tie). Utah

24 (tie). West Virginia

Others receiving votesCincinnati (12-1) 135; Houston (10-4) 76; Brigham Young (11-2) 66; Arizona (8-5) 65; Mississippi (9-4) 48; Clemson (9-5) 44; Stanford (8-5) 41; Connecticut (8-5) 40; Notre Dame (6-6) 38; South Carolina (7-6) 38; Washington (5-7) 26; Missouri (8-5) 23; Navy (10-4) 12; Oklahoma State (9-4) 11; Boston College (8-5) 10; Michigan State (6-7) 10; Arizona State (4-8) 6; California (8-5) 6; Texas Tech (9-4) 5; South Florida (8-5) 4; Texas A&M (6-7) 3; Northwestern (8-5) 2; Temple (9-4) 2; Central Michigan (12-2) 1; Mississippi State (5-7) 1; Nevada (8-5) 1; Northern Illinois (7-6) 1; Southern Methodist (8-5) 1.

The USA TODAY Board of Coaches is made up of 59 head coaches at Division I-A institutions. All are members of the American Football Coaches Association. The board for the 2010 season: Robb Akey, Idaho; David Bailiff, Rice; Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech; Tim Beckman, Toledo; Todd Berry, Louisiana-Monroe; Bret Bielema, Wisconsin; Art Briles, Baylor; Dave Christensen, Wyoming; David Cutcliffe, Duke; Mark Dantonio, Michigan State; Todd Dodge, North Texas; Sonny Dykes, Louisiana Tech; Dan Enos, Central Michigan; Steve Fairchild, Colorado State; Larry Fedora, Southern Miss; Jimbo Fisher, Florida State; Al Golden, Temple; Jim Grobe, Wake Forest; Jim Harbaugh, Stanford; Mike Haywood, Miami (Ohio); Butch Jones, Cincinnati; Brian Kelly, Notre Dame; Jerry Kill, Northern Illinois; Mike Locksley, New Mexico; Mike London, Virginia; Bill Lynch, Indiana; Mike MacIntyre, San Jose State; Doug Marrone, Syracuse; Urban Meyer, Florida; Dan Mullen, Mississippi State; Ken Niumatalolo, Navy; Tom O’Brien, North Carolina State; George O’Leary, Central Florida; Bo Pelini, Nebraska; Chris Petersen, Boise State; Bobby Petrino, Arkansas; Gary Pinkel, Missouri; Larry Porter, Memphis; Jeff Quinn, Buffalo; Paul Rhoads, Iowa State; Mark Richt, Georgia; Mike Riley, Oregon State; Rich Rodriguez, Michigan; Nick Saban, Alabama; Steve Sarkisian, Washington; Greg Schiano, Rutgers; Howard Schnellenberger, Florida Atlantic; Mike Sherman, Texas A&M; Steve Spurrier, South Carolina; Rick Stockstill, Middle Tennessee; Mike Stoops, Arizona; Charlie Strong, Louisville; Kevin Sumlin, Houston; Bob Toledo, Tulane; Jim Tressel, Ohio State; Tommy Tuberville, Texas Tech; Kyle Whittingham, Utah; Paul Wulff, Washington State; Ron Zook, Illinois.

Because it is serving an NCAA-imposed bowl ban, Southern California is not eligible to receive votes this season under AFCA policy.

Tags: Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 10 Conference, Big XII Conference, College Football, College Football Picks, College Football Power Rankings, Conference USA, Mountain West Conference, NCAA, Preseason College Football Rankings, Preseason Prognostications, Schedule, Southeastern Conference, Top 25, bcs, big east, odds, pac 10 by Tommy
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Many in the press have stated that the Alabama Crimson Tide will likely start the season as the #1 ranked team in the nation, while others have noted that preseason polls mean very little in the long run in terms of on-the-field play, while having too much influence on the final outcome of determining who will play for the BCS National Championship.

I tend to agree with both points.  While I think that preseason polls have too much influence on the BCS system, they do give you a snapshot of where things stand at any given particular moment.

I also think that Alabama should be the top ranked team heading into the season, but that does not necessarily mean that I believe they will repeat.  As the defending national champions, they should be ranked number one until somebody knocks them off of their perch.

The Kickoff, my employer, provides subscribers with a weekly power ranking system during the college football season.  We put a lot of time and effort into the process of bringing you the most accurate ratings system in college football.  That doesn’t mean that the preseason top ranked team is necessarily my pick to win the BCS title.  It’s a snapshot of where things stand at this particular moment.  As of right now, Alabama is the best team in the nation.  That doesn’t mean that they will be the best team in the nation in January, but until someone knocks them off, they have to be considered the #1 ranked team.  A power ranking system, like the one we use, gives a weekly indicator of how well a team is playing at that moment, but is no more an indicator of where they will be ranked in January than the Vegas oddsmakers.  The difference is that a power ranking system does not pretend to have any insider knowledge, nor is it putting any money on a team to make it through the season unscathed.

Tags: Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 10 Conference, College Football, College Football Power Rankings, NCAA, Preseason College Football Rankings, Preseason Prognostications, Rankings, Schedule, Southeastern Conference, Top 25, University of Alabama, bcs, big east, odds, recap by Tommy
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The reports coming out of Chapel Hill indicate that the current probe involving their football program could lead to some pretty stiff sanctions if the accusations are proven to be correct.  From NBC:

Obviously, the investigation is in its infancy, and literally nothing has been proven thus far.

However, if even some of the allegations are remotely close to being the truth, the sheer scope of what’s being alleged would put the USC/Reggie Bush scandal to shame.

And, given the near-historic sanctions levied on the Trojans’ football program, that’s not the type of characterization anyone associated with the heretofore squeaky-clean UNC athletic department wants to hear.

The UNC/agent situation sounding very serious. I’m told NCAA has spent months compiling evidence.

Tags: Atlantic Coast Conference, College Football, Infractions, Law, NCAA, University of North Carolina, bcs, recap, rumor mill, violations by Tommy
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Continuing with our countdown of the Top 10 Heisman Trophy contenders…

Heisman Trophy Contender #7

Jacory Harris- QB, University of Miami

2009 Stats:

242-406  3352 yds 59.6%, 24 TD, 17 Int

When examining candidates for the Heisman Trophy, one always has to remember that players from traditionally powerful programs will always considered.  For example, a player who has not yet reached their full potential may very well be considered a candidate if they are expected to have a breakout season.  For example, Ohio State’s Terrelle Pryor has not yet been consistent on a weekly basis, but he will be near the top of many preseason Heisman lists because he has shown flashes of greatness.  The same argument can be made about the University of Miami’s Jacory Harris.

While Harris does not have the explosive speed of Pryor (both of whom are rising juniors), he is a more accurate and polished passer than the Buckeye quarterback.  After backing up former Hurricane Robert Marve for much of his true freshman season, Harris took over the starting nod late that year and threw for 1195 yards with 12 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.

Jacory entered last season firmly entrenched as the Hurricanes quarterback, and at times, played brilliantly.  In the 2nd game of the season against 14th ranked Georgia Tech, Harris had his breakout game, completing 20-25 passes for 270 yards, 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions.   Against Wake Forest, Harris threw two 4th quarter touchdown passes to lead the ‘Canes to a thrilling come from behind victory over the Demon Deacons. 

Harris  was named the ACC Offensive Back of the Week on four different occasions. A true clutch performer, his best performances were in come from behind victories, such as the victory over Wake Forest and then 8th ranked Oklahoma. 

Like many young quarterbacks, Harris struggled with consistency on a weekly basis.  He has the potential to become arguably the best quarterback in Miami history, but has to learn how to pick his moments and cut down on his interceptions.  That should come as he continues to mature as a player, and in doing so, will likely find himself in the Heisman mix.  He is a player that should be on everyone’s radar in 2010.

Tags: Atlantic Coast Conference, College Football, College Football Power Rankings, Heisman Watch, Jacory Harris, NCAA, Preseason College Football Rankings, Preseason Prognostications, Top 25, University of Miami, bcs by Tommy
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After listing six of our 2nd tier Heisman Trophy candidates in no particular order, we begin our 1st tier with the #10 ranked contender.  Unlike our previous list, these candidates are ranked from 10th to our #1 pick going into the 2010 season.

Heisman Trophy Candidate Number 10

Ryan Williams- RB, Virginia Tech

2009 Stats

293 attempts 1655 yds, 21 TDs

127.3 rushing yds per game

To say the emergence of Ryan Williams last year was a bit of a surprise would be an understatement.  Expected to see limited playing time his freshman season, Williams was forced into action following the injury to All ACC Sophomore Darren Evans.  Well, all he did was go on to have an all conference season himself, breaking Evans own freshman rushing records at Virginia Tech and conference marks.  He rushed for over 100 yards in 10 games last season, which tied both the school and ACC mark. 

This season, Virginia Tech’s offense is expected to be even better.  With Tyrod Taylor returning under center and both leading recievers back, defenses will not be able to focus solely on shutting the running game down, and will also have to contend with Taylor’s rushing ability once the play breaks down.  This should create more opportunities for Tech’s rushing attack. 

The main reason Williams is not ranked higher than 10th on this list is the fact that Tech has so many weapons on offense that the spotlight will not be solely on him.  Darren Evans is returning this year and will get a large number of carries, and a legitimate case can be made for QB Taylor’s own Heisman chances.

Tags: Atlantic Coast Conference, College Football, Heisman Watch, NCAA, Preseason College Football Rankings, Preseason Prognostications, Virginia Tech, bcs by Tommy
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Finally, as the talk of expansion quiets down, we can put our focus on the upcoming season and what will happen on the field.  In this next series of posts, we will break down the early contenders for the Heisman Trophy for next season.

We have divided the contenders into two different categories, a first and second tier.  All of the following names have a shot at being invited to the ceremony in December, but some have better odds than others.

These rankings are in reverse order.  So today, we focus on the players longer odds of making the trip to New York in December. 

Note:  The first player is the top ranked in this group, while the rest of the names are in no particular order.

The 2nd Tier:

Tyrod Taylor – QB, Virginia Tech University

2009 Passing Statistics:

136-243 56.0%  2311 yds 13 TD 5 Int

Over 1,000 career rushing yards

Outlook: Heading up the 2nd tier of Heisman hopefuls is Virginia Tech’s quarterback, Tyrod Taylor.  In fact, the Kickoffzone blog probably has Taylor ranked higher than any other pundits out there, and here’s the kicker, we think that he will rise into the first tier once the season starts. 

Taylor led the ACC in passing efficiency last year, after 2 years of being known more as a running threat.  The Hokies also return their two leading recievers, both of whom averaged over 20 yards a reception last year.  Unlike Ohio State’s Terrelle Pryor, Taylor has proven that he can excel either throwing or running the ball, which makes him one of the most dangerous players in the country. 

If Taylor has the opportunities to shine, we think he will do just that.  Working against him is the talent around him.  With both Ryan Williams and Darren Evans in the same backfield, Taylor’s Heisman hopes may depend on the Hokies gameplan, and whether or not he is overshadowed by his own teammates again this season.

LaMichael James- RB, Oregon

2009 Statistics

230 carries 1546 yards, 14 TDs

James emerged after the suspension of LaGarrett Blount last season, rushing for over 1500 yards as a freshman.  This year he will be relied on even moreso following the suspension and subsequent removal of Heisman candidate Jeremiah Masoli at quarterback.  With an unproven signal caller, James should be a workhorse.  It also doesn’t hurt that he has an experienced offensive line returning as well.

James will have to prove he can shoulder the load in spite of his small frame, as he is only 5′9 and weighs in around 180 lbs.  Another factor is whether or not he is overshadowed by the tumultous offseason the program endured, and whether that will have an effect on the teams overall record.

Christian Ponder- QB, Florida State University

2009 Statistics:

227-330 68.8% 2717 yards 14 TD 7 Int

Ponder was well on his way to putting up Heisman-type numbers before an injury cut his season short last year.  He has all the tools of a top flight quarterback, but will have to prove that he has recovered from his blow out shoulder.  He also needs to be more consistent on a weekly basis, as blowouts against the likes of BYU will likely damage his chances in the upcoming season.  Plus, it remains to be seen how the team will be affected by the fact that Bobby Bowden is no longer on the sidelines or leading the team through the tunnel.

Terrelle Pryor- QB, Ohio State University

2009 Statistics:

167-295 56.6% 2094 yds.  18 TD 11 Int

162 rushing attempts, 779 yds rushing, 7 TD

Unlike almost every other publications or pundit, we here at the Kickoffzone blog are not on the “Terrelle Pryor for Heisman” bandwagon yet.  In fact, I have him rated below seven other quarterbacks on my Heisman watch list.  If this sounds ridiculous, well… sue us. 

In the long run, Pryor has yet to perform with any sort of consistency.  He had a solid Rose Bowl performance against the University of Oregon, but his numbers weren’t all that impressive.  He’s no Vince Young… yet.  In fact, we rate Tyrod Taylor higher, at this point.

In his favor, Pryor probably has more potential than anyone at his position in college football.  When he is on, he is an unbelievable football player, showing a lethal combination of speed and arm strength.  He just has to prove that he can put it all together on a weekly basis, and much like Ponder, he can’t afford to underperform against the likes of Purdue if he wants to be a contender for the most prestigous, and controversial award in college football.

Josh Nesbitt- QB, Georgia Tech

2009 Stats:

Passing: 75-162 46.3% 1701 yards 10 TD 5 Int

Rushing: 279 Att.  1037 yds, 18 TD

Possibly the most unconventional name to make more than one Heisman watch list is Georgia Tech QB Josh Nesbitt.  Not since Nebraska’s Eric Crouch has an option quarterback been a serious contender for the award and Nesbitt may not change that, but he could be rated highly enough to make the trip to New York at the end of the season. 

It all depends on how successful the Jackets are.  If they make the ACC Title game again, then you can bet that Nesbitt will have had a successful season, and that he will get some consideration.  He will need to put up monster numbers on the ground, while staying efficient, if not accurate, through the air. 

John Clay- RB, University of Wisconsin

2009 Stats:

287 Att.  1,587 yds 18 TD

John Clay is just the latest in a long line of successful Wisconsin running backs to reach an all-conference level.  His numbers are very impressive, and at 6′1 and weighing in at 250 lbs., he’s got Dayne-like size.

Clay has two things going against him.  The first is his conference.  Wisconsin, despite the fact that they contend for the title on a yearly basis, are always overshadowed in the media by the big market teams.  Although it may not be deserved, Terrelle Pryor will get the majority of the Heisman spotlight at the beginning of the season.  The second is ”the fact that he is a running back for the University of Wisconsin.”   The Badgers always turn out successful running backs who gain 1000+ yards a season.  Many voters may feel that he’s just a product of his system, much the way a Texas Tech qb may be the product of their system, which will likely diminish their Heisman value.

Tags: Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 10 Conference, College Football, College Football Power Rankings, Florida State, Heisman Watch, NCAA, Ohio State University, Preseason College Football Rankings, Preseason Prognostications, Southeastern Conference, Terrelle Pryor, Top 25, University of Wisconsin, Virginia Tech, pac 10 by Tommy
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