Posted on 04/27/2005 12:27:40 PM PDT by GodfearingTexan
This is a sad situation. I am a big time Sooner fan (even though my name on here is Texan, long story). I never fell in love with Jason White as a QB, but I admit he threw for some great yardage the last two years and he did come back from two knee surgeries to do it. I do think he was the rightful winner of the Heisman in 03. But his performances in the championship games were horrible.
Anyway, I thought he should've gone ahead and left for the NFL last year after he won the Heisman. But, alas, he asked for a medical hardship waiver from the NCAA and got to play another year. He did fine, except for the USC game.
Well, now he hasn't gotten drafted, and almost inexplicably, he can't even get an invitation to a work-out camp next week. That's according to all the current sources here in Oklahoma. He has the same agent as Brett Favre, and the guy actually called EVERY SINGLE PRO TEAM, to no avail. There were no Jason White takers to be found.
Again, according to all media outlets on the issue, the basic issue is medical (two knee surgeries), with additional concerns over his size, arm strength, and while we're at it, his ability to win the big game. Although, in fairness to Jason White, a certain QB from Tennessee seemed to have that latter problem as well and it doesn't seem to have carried over into his pro career.
So, for the first time, basically ever, a Heisman winner who has WANTED to get drafted can't get drafted. It's sad. I know there are some Jason White haters out there, but for all his drawbacks, he's a pretty cool dude. The radio people keep saying that he is probably going to enjoy a long and probably boring but lucrative career in Oklahoma as "Jason White, former OU QB and Heisman Trophy Winner."
He's more athletic than White, that's why.
He has a history of injury problems, he choked in the big game, and not many teams are shopping for QBs right now (as evidenced by one of the top prospects not going until 25). that's a formula for a QB to have to find another career. I suggest he head to the Arena league if he wants to keep playing, shine there and he could get picked up, worked for Kurt Warner.
I remember Danny Wuerfle (sp?) was the most accurate passer I have ever seen in college and I have never seen anyone take the punishment he did and just get back up and go again, yet he had a poor NFL career.
".. certain QB from Tennessee seemed to have that latter problem as well (ability to win big game) and it doesn't seem to have carried over into his pro career. "
Actually, Peyton has yet to win a season-ending 'Big Game' in his career.
Tennessee's national championship in '98 came one year after he left and since then, he's basically been owned by the Patriots in games that matter.
Footnote: Winning thousands of people Fantasy Football Championships doesn't count!! :)
Some Heisman Trophy winners shouldn't be drafted...Gino Toretta, for example.
Heisman curse? What curse? Talk to Archie Griffin!
Three letters:
CFL
It worked for Doug Flutie and Joe Kapp, amongst others.
Mike Tomczak was never drafted after being QB at Ohio State. He never won the Heisman Trophy but had a rather lengthy and distinguished career with the Bears and the Steelers. He may not be forgiven for the only Bears loss of their SBXX season to the Dolphins on MNF.
Nonsense, all the former college stars are now saying things like "So would you like the 2.0 upgrade with the firewall or just the firewall?"
Recent history seems to be littered with Heisman winners who did little or nothing in the pros. Heck, Charlie Ward wasn't drafted either and went into the NBA.
Live in Norman, have season tickets to OU football games, and didn't want Jason White to come back for the 2004 season. My kid's have friends that have had classes with him and unlike the vast majority of football players here he is as arrogant as they come.
When he decided to come back he told the team before the coaches. Players that were graduating in May 2004 and this spring thought it was great. The younger players never related to him and still don't according to a source that my son knows. I would tend agree from everyone I talked with in the last year. I was one of the Sooner fans complaining he came back along with my two kids.
Instead of whining, he should go the CFL route but then his ego probably won't let him. As the sports talk shows around here are starting to say -- it is more than the knee surgeries not to take a chance on him. Maybe they should talk to kids who were in class with him and get the real perspective on White instead of their media perception that he walked on water.
Not to mention we had three receivers drafted who had to make circus catches sometimes to catch the ball this past season.
Can you tell I am not a White fan just because he comes from the local area? I wanted Paul Thompson playing last year as our quarterback who can run.
My more than two cents!
** a certain QB from Tennessee seemed to have that latter problem as well and it doesn't seem to have carried over into his pro career.**
Well, though it didn't hinder his draft status, he has yet to win a big game.
Jay Feeley, presumable the Dolphins starting QB only started 4 games in college.
And their first round pick the other day in the draft (2nd pick overall) wasn't even a starter.
Or Pro Wrestling ;-)
Do you have a personal connection with White?
Rich Gannon and current Chiefs QB Trent Green overcame knees that were in basically destroyed. The difference is that they were already in the NFL at the time. Everything I've heard and read says White's biggest problem is/are? his throwing mechanics. Maybe a stint in one of the "farm" leagues would help that.
Oh, I don't know. Eric Crouch didn't fare so well, either. He did get signed, but never really played, and certainly not as a quarterback.
Well, to be honest, Todd Helton hasn't won any playoff series in the pros, either. :^)
CFL
It worked for Doug Flutie and Joe Kapp, amongst others."
Okay, I have respect for Joe Kapp, but Doug Flutie sucked.
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