by WCT, The Ship of Fools
“Calling You Out!” is a periodic segment where WCT takes people to task for irresponsible journalism, foolhardy activities, or just general douchebaggery. Nothing is sacred, no one is spared, watch your ass mister! You could be next!
Its been a while since we revisited this feature, so we are all backed-up. Let's take 'em down, rapid fire style!
Terrelle Pryor - The high school senior and top QB recruit alerts the media, gathers reporters, and cameras, and microphones, and coaches, and announces... That he hasn't made up his mind yet.
What?
Now admittedly, part of the problem isn't Pryor's fault, its a problem with the system that allows a player to, you know, not sign, on what is known as, National Signing Day! I mean, isn't that the point of National Signing Day? To sign?
That being said, Pryor could have handled the situation differently. Why call a press conference to announce that you have nothing to announce? He hasn't even given a timetable as to when he will actually committ to a school. A better way handle this would have been to have his agent his family issue a press release announcing that he hasn't made his decision. That way he wouldn't have wasted everyone's time.
(On the other hand, if he ends up choosing Ohio State, all will be forgiven.)
Pro Football Hall of Fame Writers - If you are frequenter of this blog, then you know that I have litte use for Halls of Fame, and the writers who vote to populate them. But still, I cannot stand idly by and watch people like Art Monk be elected to the Hall of Fame, and people like Cris Carter not be.
Ok, before you start, yes, I am an Ohio State homer, yes yes yes, but lets just look at the empirical data:
Art Monk played 16 seasons (224 games), Cris Carter played 16 seasons (234 games).
Art Monk had 940 catches, Cris Carter had 1,101
Art Monk had 12,721 receiving yards, Cris Carter had 13,899
Art Monk had 68 TD catches, Cris Carter had 130
Art Monk had 0 seasons of at least 9 TD catches, Cris Carter had 8
Art Monk had 3 Pro-Bowl appearances, Cris Carter had 8.
Something doesn't add up there.
So lets balance that love for an OSU grad with some hate for an OSU grad:
Bobby Knight - Does anyone else find it comical that the same coach that asks his players to give everything they have no matter the circumstances, can up and quit with 10 games remaining in his team's schedule? Not only that, but he cannot even give a difinitive answer as to whether he is retiring, or simply stepping down! Why start the season if you are going to quit with six weeks left in the year? Nevermind the fact that his Red Raiders were 12-8 and on the bubble for an NCAA tournament bid.
By the way, his excuse that he "wants to get Pat (his son) some coaching experience" is garbage. If you are so concerned with getting your son's feet wet, why not step down before the year? That way, Pat can have an entire year's experience, and he will not be turning his back on this year's recruits who (inexplicably) came to Texas Tech specifically to play for Bobby.
Friday, February 8, 2008
CALLING YOU OUT! - RAPID FIRE (AGAIN)
Thursday, December 20, 2007
DOC BROWN'S IMMINENT LUMINARIES: TERRELLE PRYOR
by Rupert, Ghosts of Wayne Fontes
The one and only Doctor Emmett Brown has joined the Epic Carnival team to provide insight on some of the great sports stars of the future. Having placated all potential problems in Hill Valley, he has turned his attention to sports. He has seen that the future has to offer and is here to give us a sneak peak. Brown is going to drop by from time to time and show us a variety of some stars you might not have heard of yet, but certainly will. These are some of the heavy hitters in high school sports today who are sure to make an impact on the college scene before long.
"There's that word again; 'heavy.' Why are things so heavy in the future? Is there a problem with the earth's gravitational pull?"
In the most obvious selection of all time, this week's featured luminary is again the number one recruit in his respective sport, Terrelle Pryor. Why so obvious you ask? Well, we try to not to bias around here, but this column is brought to you from a blue-blooded Michigan fan. I can't help but get excited from time to time and this is one of those times. Unless you have been smoking opium in a den that sells Gucci purses under the N-Q-R-W subway line for the past week, you heard Rich Rodriguez took over at Michigan and may have brought a certain star quarterback in his wake. Terrelle Pryor is the dreamboat that Rodriguez wants to help spread out his offensive unit.
Name: Terrelle Pryor
Position: QB /occasionally also listed as Athlete
Vitals: 6'6" (Insane, I know), 235 pounds (ditto), 4.4 40-yard time
Ranking: Rivals 5 stars / Scout 5 stars
Video:
Strengths: Pryor is a phenomenal specimen in every sense of the game. He's quick; he's fast; he's athletic; he's competitive; he has a great arm; and he's a winner. He led his Jeanette, PA team to a state title and a 16-0 season under intense scrutiny and immense pressure. The Vince Young comparison are rampant and well warranted. He is a threat to burst out of the pocket with blazing speed and jumping bean quickness. His arm is very good also and he throws a very accurate ball, especially for a high school QB who is known for his making plays with his feet. The spread offense was made for Terrelle Pryor.
Stats/Accolades: My favorite stat is the fact that Pryor led his team to 14 mercy rules in 16 games. In his senior season he ran and passed for over 1,900 yards - each, not total. He was nominated to play in the Army All-America bowl. Finally, he is the #1 rated overall recruit, quarterback, and scrambler in the 2008 recruiting class. Pryor already has a dedicated fan site with a wealth of data if you just cannot get enough of him.
Criticisms: The challenge for Pryor is more related to dealing with the hype. There isn't much on the field he cannot do. He will have a tough job cut out for him emotionally, which will be no easy feat for a freshman. He's likely to oust a highly regarded starter (possibly Ryan Mallett), have a tough role to prove his leadership ability to the upper classman, and face ridiculous media coverage from day one. According to Scout, he needs to work on his 3 point game, finishing and ball handling. I guess they aren't too worried about his footwork behind center, but whoever lands Pryor may have to worry about those ankles on the court throughout basketball season.
Interesting Factoid: Pryor allegedly has a lot of influence over a couple of The Ohio State University's top recruits as well. Notably, if Pryor goes to Michigan, there is speculation that his buddies - a couple of OSU top commits - may follow. I believe 5-star center, Michael Brewster is the top concern involved in these rumors as the two are good friends. Somewhere, Tressel is drunk and wearing Uggs. Pryor is also a highly recruited small forward in basketball.
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