Recruiting: QB RUSSIAN ROULETTE

Scott Free · August 30th, 2005, 07:59 AM

I rarely post on here and in the past have mainly been an observer of this site, but the QB recruiting situation seems to be worrying me more and more. As most fans, I am impressed with Tim Tebow but as time goes by I fear his recruitment may only be another Fred Rouse letdown(Not that I thought he would ever arrive on campus). I feel there are three good QB recruits out there seriously looking at us right now: Tebow, Earl Alexander, and Chris Smelley. My fear is as time goes by like a game of musical chairs we may be the one left standing without a chair if we are not careful.

As much as I like Tebow I am almost tempted to say lets go ahead and offer Smelley who I think will be good and let the chips fall where they may. I went to the same highschool (Central-Phenix City) as Earl Alexander and see him on a weekly basis and though he has a lot of talent, I still feel he may be best suited as WR. However, with that said, Central's coach has scraped his normal run offense for a spread offense for the first time in at least 20years to showcase Alexander's talents. They opened up Friday with 4 wide receivers a sight rarely seen in Central's history. I will eagerly watch this year to see what Alexander looks like. I still hope we can get Tebow or Smelley and sign Alexander with the idea of making him a WR.

Hopefully some of the more Knowledgeable fans can relieve some of my fears so I look forward to your replies.

BigTex · August 30th, 2005, 09:20 AM

	Quote:	Scott Free
	I rarely post on here and in the past have mainly been an observer of this site, but the QB recruiting situation seems to be worrying me more and more. As most fans, I am impressed with Tim Tebow but as time goes by I fear his recruitment may only be another Fred Rouse letdown(Not that I thought he would ever arrive on campus). I feel there are three good QB recruits out there seriously looking at us right now: Tebow, Earl Alexander, and Chris Smelley. My fear is as time goes by like a game of musical chairs we may be the one left standing without a chair if we are not careful. As much as I like Tebow I am almost tempted to say lets go ahead and offer Smelley who I think will be good and let the chips fall where they may. I went to the same highschool (Central-Phenix City) as Earl Alexander and see him on a weekly basis and though he has a lot of talent, I still feel he may be best suited as WR. However, with that said, Central's coach has scraped his normal run offense for a spread offense for the first time in at least 20years to showcase Alexander's talents. They opened up Friday with 4 wide receivers a sight rarely seen in Central's history. I will eagerly watch this year to see what Alexander looks like. I still hope we can get Tebow or Smelley and sign Alexander with the idea of making him a WR. Hopefully some of the more Knowledgeable fans can relieve some of my fears so I look forward to your replies.

I have no way of knowing, but I agree with you. I think Tebow will string us along till the end and will go elsewhere.............

kmccoy1 · August 30th, 2005, 09:28 AM

	Quote:	Scott Free
	I rarely post on here and in the past have mainly been an observer of this site, but the QB recruiting situation seems to be worrying me more and more. As most fans, I am impressed with Tim Tebow but as time goes by I fear his recruitment may only be another Fred Rouse letdown(Not that I thought he would ever arrive on campus). I feel there are three good QB recruits out there seriously looking at us right now: Tebow, Earl Alexander, and Chris Smelley. My fear is as time goes by like a game of musical chairs we may be the one left standing without a chair if we are not careful. As much as I like Tebow I am almost tempted to say lets go ahead and offer Smelley who I think will be good and let the chips fall where they may. I went to the same highschool (Central-Phenix City) as Earl Alexander and see him on a weekly basis and though he has a lot of talent, I still feel he may be best suited as WR. However, with that said, Central's coach has scraped his normal run offense for a spread offense for the first time in at least 20years to showcase Alexander's talents. They opened up Friday with 4 wide receivers a sight rarely seen in Central's history. I will eagerly watch this year to see what Alexander looks like. I still hope we can get Tebow or Smelley and sign Alexander with the idea of making him a WR. Hopefully some of the more Knowledgeable fans can relieve some of my fears so I look forward to your replies.

Great post. Here are my thoughts. First, I agree that Tebow will probably not sign with us, but we DO have a chance. I think we have to do everything we can to maximize our chances as long as we have a chance. Tebow is a real difference maker, and having him at QB could very well push us around this corner that we need to turn. Plus, imagine the shockwaves throughout the world of college football if we land this guy that really has Florida written all over him. It really changes everything.

As for Alexander, we need to go after him full-throttle. I have no problem offering him as a QB, and giving him a legitimate shot at QB. If he turns out to be a mobile, strong-armed QB that really gels with Shula's system (think Shaun King), then fantastic. If not, and there is mutual agreement that he should move to WR, then so be it.

Kenny

7Tech · August 30th, 2005, 12:32 PM

drop off from Tebow to Smelly why not show the kids in state that are good and want to come to Bama the love. If Smelly fits into the system better why not just go on and tell him you have a scholly waiting, if you are not afraid of competition.

RollTideHG · August 30th, 2005, 01:47 PM

Honestly I think that in the end, Tebow's decision may come down simply to the game against Florida. However, we have seen in the past that the winning team may be at a disadvantage depending on what Tebow is looking for in his college career. I do consider Tebow to be much better suited for a system comparable to Shula's as opposed to the eratic offense tht Coach Meyer will most likely employ at UF. My strongest lean, however, is for Alexander.

Jack Bourbon · August 30th, 2005, 02:14 PM

Is it too late to offer Phillip Rivers?

derek4tide · August 30th, 2005, 02:38 PM

	Quote:	Jack Bourbon
	Is it too late to offer Phillip Rivers?

"No, he'll never be an SEC caliber QB." - Coach Mike DuBose

drsmithofga · August 30th, 2005, 02:55 PM

Scott Free, our 2006 QB recruiting does appear to be a bit precarious, but I'm really not that concerned. First of all, we have plenty of young talent already. Looking like Jimmy Barnes is the redshirt candidate, so it is conceivable that we are in good shape through 2009. 2006 would be a good year to bring in another young QB, but 2007 might be better because better recruits will see more hope for playing time (one way of looking at it, I suppose). I hope you are able to post your observations of Earl Alexander this fall. It would be appreciated. I think the staff jumped on him early because he is an exceptional athlete, not necessarily destined to be a QB. However, with him voicing his wishes to be a QB, the question would be is he better than Smelley? I think its important for the staff to be upfront and honest with these recruits, and if they aren't sincerely going to give him every chance to be a QB, I think Alexander will go to UGA.

I think the key to 2006 recruiting is to stay in touch with these recruits and keep them informed. Smelley needs to be told that he is number two, and if Tebow commits elsewhere, then he gets the scholarship. This may give Smelley reason to wait. Tebow needs to understand that other QBs are waiting for his answer and to be sensitive about that. Tebow is a young man of fine character and he would understand this. Many other recruits may not be so understanding. Alexander needs to be told the truth about what the staff intends to do with him. I'm sure they are talking to him, but probably also want to see what he does his senior year (same with Smelley).

These are simply my humble opinions on the situation, and I will humbly defer to the experts.

oskie · August 31st, 2005, 12:42 AM

	Quote:	oskie
	... up to this point, CMS and staff have shown me that they can hold their own when it comes to recruiting If they seem to be putting all their "QB eggs in one basket" concerning Tebow, then I am willing to believe they might know something we don't I don't think Tim is stringing folks along; ala Rouse; I don't get any impression that he's the Rouse type - on the contrary, actually, he just seems to want to focus on the upcoming season and then deal with college when it comes time to do so

...shouldn't quote myself, but i clipped this from another thread because it seemed to fit here ... and it saved me from re-typing it

.

bamaholic5519 · August 31st, 2005, 04:36 AM

Scott Free I also live in Phenix City. I read in Saturdays Columbus (GA.) paper where Earl Alexander stated that he wanted a shot at QB but he would play where ever he could help the team...

LP-HSV · August 31st, 2005, 01:22 PM

Patience...don't forget, Shula is establishing a pipeline with Nease...a highschool program on the rise. There are probably several younger Nease players Bama is watching as well. Let the pros (coaches) worry about it.

The Tide · August 31st, 2005, 01:43 PM

I am sure the staff has told Alexander that he can take a shot at QB.

As far as Tebow goes, the staff isn't just sitting on that one offer and hoping that he commits. They have evaluated many QB's this year. It just seems there is a drop off after the top 5. Just because a site doesn't report other QB's doesn't mean the staff aren't looking at others. You let yourself believe in what a site says to be gospel.

As far as Smelley goes, I am not sure the staff is quite sold on him. Just because he is from Alabama and has 3-4 stars by his name some automatically think he is a perfect fit for our system. I'd rather depend on the staff's ability to rate a QB and select the one they believe will excel in the system we run.

I think you could see some offers pop up soon after a few HS games. Relax. The staff knows what it is doing.

teamplayer · August 31st, 2005, 02:23 PM

I agree, The Tide. I'm sure the staff will offer to anyone they think can help the team. It wouldn't hurt my feelings to get 2 of the 3 everyone is mentioning. I think we have enough scholarships to sign 2 QB's this year. I really want the big offensive lineman from Birmingham. I think his name is Andre Smith. I would love for us to get some very good offensive and defensive lineman, as well as some quality linebackers. Of course, I'm sure the coaches would love to do that also. I would also like to see a top-notch placekicker brought on board. Man, do I have a way of stating the obvious?