Do you realize...

[UNLV_1999]

Probably the only reason why they picked him was to save money. They went with someone who would not have demanded a lot of cash. It's a fact that EA Sports has been cutting expenses in terms of labor and probably other areas such as marketing.

[dharrisfan2003]

Quote: Originally Posted by oklahoma19

This was a really bad choice no doubt... I mean, all he did was almost cost his team the game by throwing a pick 6. He shouldnt have been on it, considering also that the best player on that team was Johnson. Hell, put Joe Thomas on the cover!

I like this guy

[Cardot]

Being a good college player doesn't always translate into being a NFL star. Tommy Frazier comes to mind.

Since this is an NCAA football game, I don't see the issue.

[N51_rob]

Quote: Originally Posted by Cardot

Being a good college player doesn't always translate into being a NFL star. Tommy Frazier comes to mind. Since this is an NCAA football game, I don't see the issue.

Ditto. Take away his game vs. Georgia he had a steller college career.

[cliburn]

I think he's the perfect cover boy for a COLLEGE football game. I also would have liked to have seen Chris Leak on the cover and he didn't get drafted either.

[nine0bison]

Just because he didn't get drafted doesn't mean he out the league...somebody will give him a shot.

[oakfan162]

Quote: Originally Posted by Cardot

Being a good college player doesn't always translate into being a NFL star. Tommy Frazier comes to mind. Since this is an NCAA football game, I don't see the issue.

Yep. Plenty of hiesmen winners not playing in the NFL or busts.

[bgeno]

In response to the last few replies stating that he's a great pick for the cover...


Sure, he was a great college player. And, sure, it doesn't matter for a true fan or someone who is going to buy the game either way. However, the move turned out to be a TERRIBLE marketing strategy. People who aren't entirely familiar with the game, the audience that EA needs to be targeting, aren't going to recognize some guy with a red goatee and a blue helmet with a horse on it.

People like you and me are going to be interested in the game regardless of the cover athlete. Hence, Zabransky is a great guy to have on the cover for OUR AUDIENCE. However, he's not going to sell any games, that's for sure. And, face it, that's what the cover athlete is supposed to do--sell games.

I'm not going to blame it on EA. I mean, it was just dumb luck that he did not get drafted, and I think the kid could have a good career as a Jeff Garcia back-up type who has a couple of magical years as a starter. I dont think all that many people saw him going undrafted.