Vince Young going pro; press conference this afternoon

[Vegas Vic]

Link (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3573146.html)

Oh yeah!

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a11/okraveg/stoopsbomarandad.gif

[Cuckoo]

Well, regardless of my feelings as an OU fan (and that gif is awesome :D), this is still a good move on his part.

[WSUCougar]

Somewhere Dom Capers is cackling like a lunatic.

[Buccaneer]

That must be the crazy Cousin Eddie in the backseat.

[ShovelMonkey]

While I agree with going for the money (it's what I'd do), I don't like that he basicly promised his team that he'd be back and is now going back on that.

[GreenMonster]

While I agree with going for the money (it's what I'd do), I don't like that he basicly promised his team that he'd be back and is now going back on that.

He should have added, I will be going pro if I put on the greatest champ. game performance ever, against the susposed greatest team of all-time.

[cthomer5000]

New York Jets: get him.

[Cringer]

I am not one to pick on articles and if they are written poorly or not, but I figured if I noticed this stuff it must be bad. Two things really bug me here....

said Yolanda Lezine, Young's godmother and the family media's spokeswoman.

Wouldn't this be 'family's media spokeswoman' or am I wrong? It sounds better my way.

The Madison product will hire Bus Cook as his agent. Cook is also the agent for Tennessee quarterback Steve McNair, Young's mentor, and Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre.

Young's mentor? Has McNair been teaching him? Do they even know each other? Someone can not mentor you if you don't know him.

[cthomer5000]

Young's mentor? Has McNair been teaching him? Do they even know each other? Someone can not mentor you if you don't know him.
They met at McNair's (QB?) camp years ago and supposedly have really kept in touch. So yes, they definitely know each other and this isn't the first time I'ver heard McNari be named as his "mentor."

[ice4277]

They met at McNair's (QB?) camp years ago and supposedly have really kept in touch. So yes, they definitely know each other and this isn't the first time I'ver heard McNari be named as his "mentor."
I think this is a big part of the reason why the Titans are the hot favorites to take him in the draft. McNair can mentor him for a year or two, then Young takes over.

[Huckleberry]

I'm happy for Vince. I think this is the right decision for him. I think the Texans are going to make a huge business mistake when they take Bush. I hope the Saints take Leinart, as they probably should based on the outside chance they're in LA in two years. I hope the Titans take Vince.

Signed,
The newest Titans fan in Houston

[TroyF]

I'm happy for Vince. I think this is the right decision for him. I think the Texans are going to make a huge business mistake when they take Bush. I hope the Saints take Leinart, as they probably should based on the outside chance they're in LA in two years. I hope the Titans take Vince.

Signed,
The newest Titans fan in Houston


Houston fans would have to be sick to see it happen that way. The local hero goes to the team who ditched them. That'd be tough to stomach I imagine.

[Huckleberry]

Houston fans would have to be sick to see it happen that way. The local hero goes to the team who ditched them. That'd be tough to stomach I imagine.
You got that right. I'm a lifelong Cowboys fan, but there are some angry people around here after yesterday's leak about taking Bush anyway. Already Casserly backtracked on that one through John McClain, a Houston Chronicle writer, in McClain's column today.

It's just my opinion, of course, but I imagine that the first Titans game in Houston will see a lot of this in the stands:

http://waumadscn7.eastbay.com/is/image/EB/70042301?tags=no&WID=500&$Number=10&$LNumber=1&$RNumber=0&$Name=V.YOUNG&$ENLARGE$

[Raiders Army]

So, does it look like it's a lock with Bush, Leinart, and Young going 1, 2, and 3?

Texans take Bush
Saints take Leinart
Titans take Young

That seems too simple at this point. :) I'm sure that things will change before April.

[timmynausea]

Does this make Ohio State the preseason number 1?

[bhlloy]

*shakes head* Why can't Casserley get into his head he needs a line (and a defense would be nice as well) to play football. Dumbass. With Leinart, Young and Bush out there teams are going to pay a premium to get the first overall pick - he can probably get three starting lineman and a couple of defensive players out of it.

Bush isn't Jesus Christ and I think even He would have trouble running behind that line. At the very least take Young who the fans are in love with and trade Carr who still has some value.

There is of course the possibility that this is all some great psychological ploy by the Texans, in which case they are smarter than I am, and I take it all back :p

[TroyF]

So, does it look like it's a lock with Bush, Leinart, and Young going 1, 2, and 3?

Texans take Bush
Saints take Leinart
Titans take Young

That seems too simple at this point. :) I'm sure that things will change before April.


It really all depends on what NO thinks of Young. If Leinhart makes noise about not wanting to go to NO and that he'll refuse to report or sign, then NO could decide it isn't worth the problems and draft Young. It all comes down to how they have the two scouted.

[ISiddiqui]

Well this was the least shocking news ever ;).

[TroyF]

Does this make Ohio State the preseason number 1?


I would think it would have to. It's not gonna drop Texas to number 8 or anything, but I don't know how you can vote against Ohio State after this announcement.

[Cringer]

They met at McNair's (QB?) camp years ago and supposedly have really kept in touch. So yes, they definitely know each other and this isn't the first time I'ver heard McNari be named as his "mentor."

That's pretty cool.

[kingfc22]

I like Young coming out because that is like moving up a spot in the draft for the Niners. :)

[Cuckoo]

I would think it would have to. It's not gonna drop Texas to number 8 or anything, but I don't know how you can vote against Ohio State after this announcement.

Actually, I think it may drop Texas that far. They're losing some key guys on the O-line and the secondary, and I've read a couple articles that see them around 7 or 8 if Young left.

As for Ohio State, I think they'll start the season at 1.

[timmynausea]

I like Young coming out because that is like moving up a spot in the draft for the Niners. :)

It could be the difference between a 4 and 5 win season next year for them.

[kingfc22]

It could be the difference between a 4 and 5 win season next year for them.
I'll take ithttp://www.operationsports.com/fofc/images/smilies/smile.gif

[GrantDawg]

I think this is a big part of the reason why the Titans are the hot favorites to take him in the draft. McNair can mentor him for a year or two, then Young takes over.

Which would be best for him and the team. Perfect situation.

[GrantDawg]

It really all depends on what NO thinks of Young. If Leinhart makes noise about not wanting to go to NO and that he'll refuse to report or sign, then NO could decide it isn't worth the problems and draft Young. It all comes down to how they have the two scouted.

And this would be his worse-case. NO pushing him on the field too soon on a team dismantling.

[HerRealName]

Ohio State is losing 3 players to the draft early (including a CB and the FS). The defense is going to be young, real young. No way OSU should be preseason number one, maybe LSU?

[Young Drachma]

I think Young in New Orleans would be better from a fan perspective and Leinart in Tennessee would be preferential for him, though..Mr. Hollywood that he is, I'm surprise he isn't lobbying to go to New York.

I think Young is smart to get out now, his stock will never be higher than it is now.

[st.cronin]

Ohio State is losing 3 players to the draft early (including a CB and the FS). The defense is going to be young, real young. No way OSU should be preseason number one, maybe LSU?

Notre Dame?
West Virginia?

[Blade6119]

Early 2006 Top 10


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MAILBAG
Stewart Mandel will periodically answer reader questions in his College Football Mailbag.

Your name:
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Enter your question:

1. Texas -- If Vince comes back.

2. Notre Dame -- This could be the season Irish fans have been waiting for since 1993. Seventeen starters return, most notably QB Brady Quinn, RB Darius Walker and WR Jeff Samardizja, and WR Rhema McKnight returns from injury to replace Maurice Stovall. The defense will obviously need to mature.

3. USC -- Next season should be much like 2003, when the Trojans had to replace Carson Palmer, Troy Polamalu and all its significant running backs. They'll be fine by halfway through the year, but like Cal did that season, someone should be able to knock them off early.

4. LSU -- We've long known how much talent is on hand in Baton Rouge, and you saw in the Peach Bowl what the Tigers are capable of when it all clicks. The offense will be loaded, especially with RB Alley Broussard returning, but the defense has numerous holes to fill.

5. Ohio State -- Following his epic Fiesta Bowl performance, QB Troy Smith should enter the season a Heisman candidate, and the offense will again be potent. Replacing A.J. Hawk and two other starting linebackers, as well as WR Santonio Holmes, will be a challenge.

6. West Virginia -- The Mountaineers made a statement for next year with their impressive Sugar Bowl win over Georgia. It seems hard to believe, but the eye-popping stars of that game, quarterback Pat White and tailback Steve Slaton, were freshmen this season.

7. Florida -- Urban Meyer's offenses exploded in his second seasons at Bowling Green and Utah. It might not be as dramatic for the Gators -- especially with so many holes on the O-line -- but QB Chris Leak looked a lot more comfortable against Iowa in the Outback Bowl.

8. Oklahoma -- The rest of the Big 12 took their best shots at the young Sooners this season; it won't be as easy next year. A healthy Adrian Peterson in the backfield, a more mature Rhett Bomar at quarterback and a more experienced offensive line should help OU return to prominence.

9. Michigan -- The Wolverines were ranked way too high going into this season; next year, they'll likely be rated too low. QB Chad Henne, RB Mike Hart and WRs Steve Breaston and Mario Manningham all return for a squad that wasn't nearly as bad as its 7-5 record.

10. Cal -- The Bears' offense exploded its last two games after coach Jeff Tedford finally pulled the plug on erratic QB Joe Ayoob. With Steve Levy or Nathan Longshore at quarterback complementing RBs Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett, Cal's attack could be pretty scary in 2006.

Keep an eye on: Auburn, Florida State, Nebraska, Clemson and Iowa

[st.cronin]

What is LSU's qb situation?

[timmynausea]

Does Oregon lose a bunch of guys?

[timmynausea]

What is LSU's qb situation?

LSU will have starter Jamarcus Russell back plus the backup Flynn who played so well in the bowl game.

[HerRealName]

I'd go LSU for now but SEC schools never seem to start out that high because the people putting these lists together factor in the schedule. Michigan has the talent but I'm just going to pencil them in for 3 losses right now. Notre Dame's defense is not good and they're losng a lot off that offensive line. USC is losing a ton of talent but they have raw talent to replace it. I think this is going to be one of those years with several one loss teams at the end of the year and a BCS mess to decide it.

[Draft Dodger]

So I guess me and Merrill Hoge are the only two people who thinks Young might not be a great NFL QB?

[Huckleberry]

Early 2006 Top 10

8. Oklahoma -- The rest of the Big 12 took their best shots at the young Sooners this season; it won't be as easy next year. A healthy Adrian Peterson in the backfield, a more mature Rhett Bomar at quarterback and a more experienced offensive line should help OU return to prominence.
Huh? Help me out here FOFC Sooner fans, but don't you lose something like 4 of your OL starters?

Don't get me wrong, I certainly find it possible that your OL performs better next year, but the above bolded part just goes to show the lack of research by lots of writers.

[Blade6119]

So I guess me and Merrill Hoge are the only two people who thinks Young might not be a great NFL QB?
A couple of us have voiced this thought. Celeval and i for sure, as long as a few others...but i for one think he will more then likely be a large dissapointment with the billing he is recieving

[sooner333]

Huh? Help me out here FOFC Sooner fans, but don't you lose something like 4 of your OL starters?

Don't get me wrong, I certainly find it possible that your OL performs better next year, but the above bolded part just goes to show the lack of research by lots of writers.

Yeah, they could be better, but they won't be all that much more experienced (in fact...should be better, they weren't good this year). We lose Joseph, Chester, Bush, and Chaisson. So, that would leave Messner as the only returning starter from the Holiday Bowl. However, by the end of the season (Tech game) Jon Cooper was starting at center before suffering a season ending injury and Braxton and Quinn were getting quality time as well. Duke Robinson was looking good as well at times. We also have a lot of junior college linemen coming in, so I guess they are experienced (though likely not the experience this writer was talking about).

[Grammaticus]

So, does it look like it's a lock with Bush, Leinart, and Young going 1, 2, and 3?

Texans take Bush
Saints take Leinart
Titans take Young

That seems too simple at this point. :) I'm sure that things will change before April.
I think that is how it will go, unless someone offers some sweet trade bait.

[digamma]

LSU will have starter Jamarcus Russell back plus the backup Flynn who played so well in the bowl game.
Don't forget Ryan Perriloux, who last year, as a true freshman, could have started over anyone in the country except for Matt Leinart (according to himself).

[IMetTrentGreen]

texas went fom a threat to win 34 straight to a 2 loss team. we'll be mnc calibur at 20-21 positions, but you cant count on freshmen qbs. oh well, it was worth it

i bet rocky hinds and ryan perrilloux are kicking themselves today

[Honolulu_Blue]

So I guess me and Merrill Hoge are the only two people who thinks Young might not be a great NFL QB?
From the Rose Bowl thread:


I am still not convinced that Vince Young will succeed in the pro game. Despite his dominance over the last few games, I just don't see it. He has a great completion percentage, but I have rarely seen him complete too many passes where his WR isn't wide open by a few yards. His passes seem to lack any sort of zip and he has that odd throwing motion. He has great speed and elusiveness, but Pro-level defensive players will be faster, bigger, and better tacklers than what he faced in college. He wont make almost everyone around him look like a smurf wading through pudding.

[Deattribution]

I could see the Texans playing everyone, saying they aren't going to take Young and definitely drafting Bush - then 'suddenly' changing their minds so that Carr still has some trade value and isn't a guy everyone thinks theyre going to cut anyway.

[Logan]

I could see the Texans playing everyone, saying they aren't going to take Young and definitely drafting Bush - then 'suddenly' changing their minds so that Carr still has some trade value and isn't a guy everyone thinks theyre going to cut anyway.

They have to pick up an $8 million option on him by March 1st. So no one is going to trade for him before that, and once that's picked up, no one is going to want him at that price.

[Young Drachma]

I don't think Young will be horrible. I mean, he's not Akili Smith or anything. And he's not a headcase, so I think Steve McNair is the sort of model that he could mold into. I don't think he'll be horrible though, I just don't.

That said, if I'm him..it still makes tons of sense financially to go while your stock is high. So if nothing else, he'll get paid.

[bhlloy]

They have to pick up an $8 million option on him by March 1st. So no one is going to trade for him before that, and once that's picked up, no one is going to want him at that price.

Yeah that's a good point that I hadn't thought about. Although I could possibly see somebody like Arizona or Tampa Bay who need a QB and won't be picking high taking a shot at him - 1 year contract, if he's good then you can resign him and if not then you let him go. Certainly better than anything on the FA market.

[vex]

Huh? Help me out here FOFC Sooner fans, but don't you lose something like 4 of your OL starters?

Don't get me wrong, I certainly find it possible that your OL performs better next year, but the above bolded part just goes to show the lack of research by lots of writers.
Yeah, we laughed about this article at SoonerScoop.com.

[cthomer5000]

So I guess me and Merrill Hoge are the only two people who thinks Young might not be a great NFL QB?
I see him as a high potential, high volatility guy.

[sooner333]

i bet rocky hinds and ryan perrilloux are kicking themselves today

I doubt it...they would have had to play for texas ;)

[Vegas Vic]

Duke Robinson was looking good as well at times. We also have a lot of junior college linemen coming in, so I guess they are experienced (though likely not the experience this writer was talking about).

Robinson, the 6-6 330 lb. true freshman from Atlanta, saw a lot of playing time this year. Kevin Wilson thinks he's going to be better than Jammal Brown, and potentially the best lineman in OU history.

[Cuckoo]

Yes, I thought the same thing when I read that about the experience on the line. I do think that OU will be significantly better next year, and with Vince Young gone, I think OU has to be the preseason pick to win the conference.

The big questions marks for the Sooners will come on the offensive line, though. The rest of their losses are fairly minimal, although I think OU fans are going to seriously miss all the great things JD Runnels has done for the team.

[IMetTrentGreen]

do the ou coaches think anyone playing for them won't be the best whatever in history? the next one would be the first

[JeeberD]

New York Jets: get him.

I haven't read the thread yet, but I just about guarentee you that the only reason he came out was because the Texans said they would pick him if he declared. From what I've heard Vince REALLY wants to play pro ball in his home town...

[scooper]

I'd go LSU for now but SEC schools never seem to start out that high because the people putting these lists together factor in the schedule. Michigan has the talent but I'm just going to pencil them in for 3 losses right now. Notre Dame's defense is not good and they're losng a lot off that offensive line. USC is losing a ton of talent but they have raw talent to replace it. I think this is going to be one of those years with several one loss teams at the end of the year and a BCS mess to decide it.
Actually, ND doesn't lose a lot of their offensive line. They lose one starter and one guy who split time with a co-starter. The returning guyed played about the same amount of time. So essentially, ND loses 1 1/2 offensive lineman. You're right about their defense, though they were young this year-9 out of 11 return. I'd put them around #4.

OSU's offense made great strides late, but their bread and butter is their defense. They lose all three linebackers and most of their starting backfield. The D will restock, but I wouldn't expect them to start out #1. Probably #2 or #3.

I'd have to go with LSU at #1.

[SFL Cat]

So I guess me and Merrill Hoge are the only two people who thinks Young might not be a great NFL QB?

Yes, he'll be the Second Coming, just like Michael Vick was.
:rolleyes:

[MylesKnight]

College Football in 2006 is WIDE OPEN!

Texas may very well sneak back to their normal spot right underneath Oklahoma in the Big 12 Standings... and USC, well the question is can Pete Carroll keep the magic going after his first tough loss as the Trojan HC... not to mention replace the kind of talent that was on hand.

It should be a very interesting season.... Wish we could skip on to late August after the NCAA Hoops Tourney.