I agree with one of martin's earlier comments, that how long it has taken JR to develop has stopped him from being the best QB in all of college football. JaMarcus is one of the top 10 easily, but he had a very big learning curve coming out of HS (far more so than most QBs) that has held him back. Obviously, another year would allow him to fine tune his skills even more, but as far as draft position - it wouldn't make a big difference. He's a first round pick whether he stays or goes. It is not even a question. Quinn is the only QB that could be taken before him this year. I heard JaMarcus was sold on going to the pros before the year, but is considering coming back now. His ultimate goal has always been to play in the NFL and that is really pulling him, but he feels a loyalty to Miles that may be enough for him to come back for (which is pretty suprising considering Miles didn't even recruit him).
Well, there's that Troy Smith guy, the one who'll be hoisting the Heisman in New York in the near future. You know, everyone keeps saying how well JR matches up w/ this year's other good QBs (Quinn, Smith, Leak)...but nobody looks ahead at how he looks versus the 2008 draft class. You have Pat White, who is hardly a prototypical NFL QB (whereas JR fits that mode well) and...that's it. Wouldn't a 2007 Rose Bowl title, top 2 preseason national ranking with a very, very, very friendly schedule and possible (probable-?) well-received Heisman run make JR a lock to not only be the #1 QB in the draft (something that's not guaranteed this year), but a top 5 pick as well (something that's not likely, at least at this point)? A Matt Leinhart lost millions in coming back, but he was being touted after his Heisman as a possible #1 OVERALL pick...that's not the case with JR. I'm not ready to throw in the towel on him going pro just yet. A Rose Bowl win sets JR up to follow in the footsteps of both Vince Young and Troy Smith...what's not for him to like about that? C'mon, JR, come back...I'd have these visions of both him and CLM hanging with Joe McKnight on his final visit, JR looking him in the eye and saying, "Come to Baton Rouge and help us win it all this year. I came back just for a chance like this one. Let's work together and make it happen." Hey, a guy can dream, eh?
I agree with that you are saying...but FWIW, I'd rather be in New Oleans next year and Pat White is a Sophomore.
JaMarcus is gone boys, he's outta here. Gonna miss him but thankfully we are in good shape (I know experience is a critical factor but we've got one with a little experience and both have great skills and great shoes to fill).
Current juniors who will be in next year's draft (assuming they don't come out this year): Brian Brohm John David Booty Chad Henne Colt Brennan Brandon Cox Eric Ainge Not a terrible group, but there is no one that is an odds on favorite to go before Jamarcus. If he comes out this year, it is likely that he'll be behind Quinn. Why not come back, make a run at a :crystal: , make a run at a Heisman, and have a greater possibility of being the first QB taken?
