Random thoughts on McCoy / Lewis / Mustain
- Thread starter loweND
- Start date
jiggafini19 said:
Lewis to ND was the buzz and widely reported during practice week.
Austin was reported as lost by ND to UCLA although I think anyone following ND recruiting always had ND trailing UCLA particularly after he commented about no room at the inn a few weeks back.
Anyone following Young and McCoy knew they weren't announcing at the game.
I don't think any of us expected anyone besides Lewis to jump on board and that was based on practice reports. But to an Arkansas reporter looking for an explanation on his lead story ... ND's a better headline grabber than South Carolina.
jiggafini19
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Stewart roomed with McCoy in San Antonio last week:
The week in San Antonio provided Stewart with the opportunity to evaluate his future teammates. One player in particular really made an impression.
"Raeshon McNeil burned us pretty bad a couple of times," Stewart said. "He scored on that blocked field goal and I was like 'Wow, that's not fair.' But then Bartley Webb told me that he was going to ND and then I was OK with it."
With two of Notre Dame's top uncommitted recruits also spending the week in San Antonio, Stewart and his future teammates did their part to show Gerald McCoy and Sam Young how important they could be to the Irish.
"The unified thing about this group of guys is that we want to get better," Stewart said. "So there was some recruiting going on. We'll see later if it worked."
Stewart roomed with McCoy during the week so he had some extra time to talk with the top defensive tackle.
The week in San Antonio provided Stewart with the opportunity to evaluate his future teammates. One player in particular really made an impression.
"Raeshon McNeil burned us pretty bad a couple of times," Stewart said. "He scored on that blocked field goal and I was like 'Wow, that's not fair.' But then Bartley Webb told me that he was going to ND and then I was OK with it."
With two of Notre Dame's top uncommitted recruits also spending the week in San Antonio, Stewart and his future teammates did their part to show Gerald McCoy and Sam Young how important they could be to the Irish.
"The unified thing about this group of guys is that we want to get better," Stewart said. "So there was some recruiting going on. We'll see later if it worked."
Stewart roomed with McCoy during the week so he had some extra time to talk with the top defensive tackle.
Irishkid23
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jiggafini19 said:
Great info, Jiggs.
P.S. I would sure hate to feed those fellas.
But enough for rumors.
This evening on the Paul Finebaum show, a local sports call in show that now is national on Sirrius radio, a caller asked about Mustain and Alabama. Two things emerged:
#1) Arkansas offers QB fromn Alabama.
FAYETTEVILLE— Arkansas has extended a scholarship offer to another quarterback as the Feb. 1 signing day nears.
Carson Williams, 6-4 / 2, 218 pounds, 4. 75 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of Cullman, Ala., was offered a football scholarship to Arkansas during the weekend. Williams’ father confirmed the offer in Tuesday’s edition of the Cullman Times, saying Williams has narrowed his choices to Army and Arkansas. He is scheduled to visit the two schools in the next two weekends. “We were all going up to West Point [N. Y. ] this weekend and thought that Carson was going to sign with them,” Williams’ father, Frank, told Joshua Buckley of the Times. “Now with Arkansas coming in the picture, Carson is a little confused on what to do. “ I think West Point is expecting him to commit on this trip, but Carson may not do that yet.”
Carson Williams was reportedly offered a scholarship by Vanderbilt last summer, but the offer was rescinded when he declined to commit before the season.
Cullman High School assistant coach Ty Campbell said earlier that Williams also drew recruiting attention from Stanford, Oregon, Alabama-Birmingham and several Ivy League schools. Williams is No. 2 in his graduating class and reportedly has a 4. 4 grade-point average on a 4. 0 scale.
Campbell said he thinks Williams can make a big contribution at the next level.
“He had a very good senior season,” Campbell said. “He’s a big quarterback who is mobile and has a very strong arm.”
Williams completed 178 of 292 passes for 2, 185 yards with 18 touchdowns and 6 interceptions as a senior. He also rushed for 188 yards and 8 touchdowns on 61 attempts.
Cullman Coach Mark Britton told the Times that Arkansas Coach Houston Nutt was impressed with Williams’ ability.
“I’ve talked to Coach Nutt a couple of times, and I know he’s talked to Carson,” Britton told the Times. “He’s real excited about his arm strength and his height. Carson brings a lot to the table at that position.”
While Arkansas has offered Williams, it still has an offer on the table to Springdale quarterback Mitch Mustain, 6-3, 200, 4. 6.
Mustain orally committed to Arkansas in August, but reopened his recruiting Dec. 7. Mustain is now considering Notre Dame, Tennessee and Alabama as well as the Razorbacks.
With redshirt freshman Alex Mortensen transferring to Georgia Southern, Arkansas has to sign a quarterback in this class. Originally, Arkansas coaches told Mustain they wouldn’t recruit or offer another quarterback. But when Mustain withdrew his commitment, the Razorbacks began to look at other options as well.
In addition to Williams, it’s known that Arkansas asked for film on three Texas quarterbacks : North Crowley’s Jeff Panfil, 6-5, 183, 4. 61 ; Flower Mound’s Nick Stephens, 6-3, 195, 5. 01 ; and Ennis’ Clark Harrell, 6-2, 189, 4. 75.
Arkansas didn’t extend an offer to any of those three. Harrell committed to Tulsa, while Panfil committed to Purdue. Stephens originally committed to Ole Miss last summer.
FAYETTEVILLE— Arkansas has extended a scholarship offer to another quarterback as the Feb. 1 signing day nears.
1 Carson Williams, 6-4 / 2, 218 pounds, 4. 75 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of Cullman, Ala., was offered a football scholarship to Arkansas during the weekend. Williams’ father confirmed the offer in Tuesday’s edition of the Cullman Times, saying Williams has narrowed his choices to Army and Arkansas. He is scheduled to visit the two schools in the next two weekends. “We were all going up to West Point [N. Y. ] this weekend and thought that Carson was going to sign with them,” Williams’ father, Frank, told Joshua Buckley of the Times. “Now with Arkansas coming in the picture, Carson is a little confused on what to do. “ I think West Point is expecting him to commit on this trip, but Carson may not do that yet.”
Carson Williams was reportedly offered a scholarship by Vanderbilt last summer, but the offer was rescinded when he declined to commit before the season.
Cullman High School assistant coach Ty Campbell said earlier that Williams also drew recruiting attention from Stanford, Oregon, Alabama-Birmingham and several Ivy League schools. Williams is No. 2 in his graduating class and reportedly has a 4. 4 grade-point average on a 4. 0 scale.
Campbell said he thinks Williams can make a big contribution at the next level.
“He had a very good senior season,” Campbell said. “He’s a big quarterback who is mobile and has a very strong arm.”
Williams completed 178 of 292 passes for 2, 185 yards with 18 touchdowns and 6 interceptions as a senior. He also rushed for 188 yards and 8 touchdowns on 61 attempts.
Cullman Coach Mark Britton told the Times that Arkansas Coach Houston Nutt was impressed with Williams’ ability.
“I’ve talked to Coach Nutt a couple of times, and I know he’s talked to Carson,” Britton told the Times. “He’s real excited about his arm strength and his height. Carson brings a lot to the table at that position.”
While Arkansas has offered Williams, it still has an offer on the table to Springdale quarterback Mitch Mustain, 6-3, 200, 4. 6.
Mustain orally committed to Arkansas in August, but reopened his recruiting Dec. 7. Mustain is now considering Notre Dame, Tennessee and Alabama as well as the Razorbacks.
With redshirt freshman Alex Mortensen transferring to Georgia Southern, Arkansas has to sign a quarterback in this class. Originally, Arkansas coaches told Mustain they wouldn’t recruit or offer another quarterback. But when Mustain withdrew his commitment, the Razorbacks began to look at other options as well.
In addition to Williams, it’s known that Arkansas asked for film on three Texas quarterbacks : North Crowley’s Jeff Panfil, 6-5, 183, 4. 61 ; Flower Mound’s Nick Stephens, 6-3, 195, 5. 01 ; and Ennis’ Clark Harrell, 6-2, 189, 4. 75.
Arkansas didn’t extend an offer to any of those three. Harrell committed to Tulsa, while Panfil committed to Purdue. Stephens originally committed to Ole Miss last summer.
==============
#2) Finebaum noted that "the latest" (this was today) on Mustain was that "one of Notre Dame's QB had his scholarship withdrawn and they have room for Mustain".
======
As I almost drove off the shoulder laughing (listening on car radio) I awaited the news that Demetrious Jones had been declared the early favorite for the Biletnikoff Award in 2010 but they apparently weren't up to date on the all the goings on.
This evening on the Paul Finebaum show, a local sports call in show that now is national on Sirrius radio, a caller asked about Mustain and Alabama. Two things emerged:
#1) Arkansas offers QB fromn Alabama.
FAYETTEVILLE— Arkansas has extended a scholarship offer to another quarterback as the Feb. 1 signing day nears.
Carson Williams, 6-4 / 2, 218 pounds, 4. 75 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of Cullman, Ala., was offered a football scholarship to Arkansas during the weekend. Williams’ father confirmed the offer in Tuesday’s edition of the Cullman Times, saying Williams has narrowed his choices to Army and Arkansas. He is scheduled to visit the two schools in the next two weekends. “We were all going up to West Point [N. Y. ] this weekend and thought that Carson was going to sign with them,” Williams’ father, Frank, told Joshua Buckley of the Times. “Now with Arkansas coming in the picture, Carson is a little confused on what to do. “ I think West Point is expecting him to commit on this trip, but Carson may not do that yet.”
Carson Williams was reportedly offered a scholarship by Vanderbilt last summer, but the offer was rescinded when he declined to commit before the season.
Cullman High School assistant coach Ty Campbell said earlier that Williams also drew recruiting attention from Stanford, Oregon, Alabama-Birmingham and several Ivy League schools. Williams is No. 2 in his graduating class and reportedly has a 4. 4 grade-point average on a 4. 0 scale.
Campbell said he thinks Williams can make a big contribution at the next level.
“He had a very good senior season,” Campbell said. “He’s a big quarterback who is mobile and has a very strong arm.”
Williams completed 178 of 292 passes for 2, 185 yards with 18 touchdowns and 6 interceptions as a senior. He also rushed for 188 yards and 8 touchdowns on 61 attempts.
Cullman Coach Mark Britton told the Times that Arkansas Coach Houston Nutt was impressed with Williams’ ability.
“I’ve talked to Coach Nutt a couple of times, and I know he’s talked to Carson,” Britton told the Times. “He’s real excited about his arm strength and his height. Carson brings a lot to the table at that position.”
While Arkansas has offered Williams, it still has an offer on the table to Springdale quarterback Mitch Mustain, 6-3, 200, 4. 6.
Mustain orally committed to Arkansas in August, but reopened his recruiting Dec. 7. Mustain is now considering Notre Dame, Tennessee and Alabama as well as the Razorbacks.
With redshirt freshman Alex Mortensen transferring to Georgia Southern, Arkansas has to sign a quarterback in this class. Originally, Arkansas coaches told Mustain they wouldn’t recruit or offer another quarterback. But when Mustain withdrew his commitment, the Razorbacks began to look at other options as well.
In addition to Williams, it’s known that Arkansas asked for film on three Texas quarterbacks : North Crowley’s Jeff Panfil, 6-5, 183, 4. 61 ; Flower Mound’s Nick Stephens, 6-3, 195, 5. 01 ; and Ennis’ Clark Harrell, 6-2, 189, 4. 75.
Arkansas didn’t extend an offer to any of those three. Harrell committed to Tulsa, while Panfil committed to Purdue. Stephens originally committed to Ole Miss last summer.
FAYETTEVILLE— Arkansas has extended a scholarship offer to another quarterback as the Feb. 1 signing day nears.
1 Carson Williams, 6-4 / 2, 218 pounds, 4. 75 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of Cullman, Ala., was offered a football scholarship to Arkansas during the weekend. Williams’ father confirmed the offer in Tuesday’s edition of the Cullman Times, saying Williams has narrowed his choices to Army and Arkansas. He is scheduled to visit the two schools in the next two weekends. “We were all going up to West Point [N. Y. ] this weekend and thought that Carson was going to sign with them,” Williams’ father, Frank, told Joshua Buckley of the Times. “Now with Arkansas coming in the picture, Carson is a little confused on what to do. “ I think West Point is expecting him to commit on this trip, but Carson may not do that yet.”
Carson Williams was reportedly offered a scholarship by Vanderbilt last summer, but the offer was rescinded when he declined to commit before the season.
Cullman High School assistant coach Ty Campbell said earlier that Williams also drew recruiting attention from Stanford, Oregon, Alabama-Birmingham and several Ivy League schools. Williams is No. 2 in his graduating class and reportedly has a 4. 4 grade-point average on a 4. 0 scale.
Campbell said he thinks Williams can make a big contribution at the next level.
“He had a very good senior season,” Campbell said. “He’s a big quarterback who is mobile and has a very strong arm.”
Williams completed 178 of 292 passes for 2, 185 yards with 18 touchdowns and 6 interceptions as a senior. He also rushed for 188 yards and 8 touchdowns on 61 attempts.
Cullman Coach Mark Britton told the Times that Arkansas Coach Houston Nutt was impressed with Williams’ ability.
“I’ve talked to Coach Nutt a couple of times, and I know he’s talked to Carson,” Britton told the Times. “He’s real excited about his arm strength and his height. Carson brings a lot to the table at that position.”
While Arkansas has offered Williams, it still has an offer on the table to Springdale quarterback Mitch Mustain, 6-3, 200, 4. 6.
Mustain orally committed to Arkansas in August, but reopened his recruiting Dec. 7. Mustain is now considering Notre Dame, Tennessee and Alabama as well as the Razorbacks.
With redshirt freshman Alex Mortensen transferring to Georgia Southern, Arkansas has to sign a quarterback in this class. Originally, Arkansas coaches told Mustain they wouldn’t recruit or offer another quarterback. But when Mustain withdrew his commitment, the Razorbacks began to look at other options as well.
In addition to Williams, it’s known that Arkansas asked for film on three Texas quarterbacks : North Crowley’s Jeff Panfil, 6-5, 183, 4. 61 ; Flower Mound’s Nick Stephens, 6-3, 195, 5. 01 ; and Ennis’ Clark Harrell, 6-2, 189, 4. 75.
Arkansas didn’t extend an offer to any of those three. Harrell committed to Tulsa, while Panfil committed to Purdue. Stephens originally committed to Ole Miss last summer.
==============
#2) Finebaum noted that "the latest" (this was today) on Mustain was that "one of Notre Dame's QB had his scholarship withdrawn and they have room for Mustain".
======
As I almost drove off the shoulder laughing (listening on car radio) I awaited the news that Demetrious Jones had been declared the early favorite for the Biletnikoff Award in 2010 but they apparently weren't up to date on the all the goings on.
What kind of pressure is Mustain under. Check this "subtle" newspaper article.
Like it is : Mustain, 17, acts his age as scrutiny escalates
Wally Hall
Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2006
URL: http://www.wholehogsports.com/adg/142184/
She’s 86 and watches over children while their parents are in services at Park Hill Baptist.
She has raised two daughters and has three wonderful grandchildren.
Dortha Rodrian is also a sports fan, and she keeps up through the newspaper, television and radio. Sunday afternoon, she asked why the television people were mispronouncing Mitch Mustain’s name during Saturday’s All-American Bowl.
For some reason, they were calling him Moose-stain instead of Mus-tain.
There was no explanation for those talking heads.
In return, Mrs. Rodrian was asked what she thought about the quarterback’s comments to the New York Times News Service.
Mustain claimed several Arkansas players — unnamed, it should be mentioned — had told him the truth about a lot of things ; and he guessed it was after that he didn’t feel comfortable.
Mustain added : “They’re still making changes.”
Mrs. Rodrian did not have to think about the question.
“He’s only 17 years old,” she said — and that was the end of the subject.
Her comment kept coming to mind while opening e-mails Sunday and Monday.
The e-mails were mostly from concerned, loyal Razorbacks fans who are hurt and frustrated.
Some ran along the lines of profound, and a few were profane.
Still, “He’s only 17 years old,” kept echoing in my mind.
Perhaps, in his innocence, Mustain had no idea how much his comments could damage the current recruiting efforts.
Just as he didn’t think about what not honoring his commitment to the UA and taking other visits could do to the recruiting since he was the only quarterback the Razorbacks were pursuing.
To the Razorbacks fans, those two incidents were more than unfortunate.
In his defense, he really is just 17. And if that isn’t a confusing enough time in a young person’s life, throw in the fact you are the No. 1-rated quarterback in the country and that grown men continued to recruit you through your mom even after you stated your intention to attend the UA.
What kind of example were those coaches setting ?
Perhaps some of the things Mustain told the New York Times News Service were said because he had no idea those comments would get back to Arkansas. No doubt some of his suitors walked away from Saturday’s game wondering if he was a product of a system after his 2-for-13 passing performance that netted minus-2 yards.
Gus Malzahn and his Spread offense has produced great numbers, and several quarterbacks in it have gained football scholarships only to end up not playing.
In no way is that intended as a slap at Mustain’s abilities.
The simple truth is, until he takes snaps successfully under center and completes passes under pressure, no one knows how good he will be.
To some degree, the same can be said about the two quarterbacks who have committed to Notre Dame, or the Parade All-American redshirt freshman at Tennessee.
Every school in America has recruited guys who look like Tarzan and end up playing like Jane.
Look what has happened with most of the true, drop-back quarterbacks at Texas. It took an athletic quarterback who can pass and run like Vince Young to get the Longhorns over the hump.
Mitch Mustain has the intangibles to be a great college quarterback.
He’s got arm strength, nice touch when needed, and he’s big and athletic.
Coaches who are recruiting him see all those things, but no doubt, some left Saturday’s game not quite as convinced as they had been.
Some will even be concerned about a young man who makes statements like those Mustain made.
Well, for everyone keeping an eye on Mitch Mustain, remember he’s not old enough to vote or be in the military. As Mrs. Rodrian said : “He’s only 17 years old.”
Like it is : Mustain, 17, acts his age as scrutiny escalates
Wally Hall
Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2006
URL: http://www.wholehogsports.com/adg/142184/
She’s 86 and watches over children while their parents are in services at Park Hill Baptist.
She has raised two daughters and has three wonderful grandchildren.
Dortha Rodrian is also a sports fan, and she keeps up through the newspaper, television and radio. Sunday afternoon, she asked why the television people were mispronouncing Mitch Mustain’s name during Saturday’s All-American Bowl.
For some reason, they were calling him Moose-stain instead of Mus-tain.
There was no explanation for those talking heads.
In return, Mrs. Rodrian was asked what she thought about the quarterback’s comments to the New York Times News Service.
Mustain claimed several Arkansas players — unnamed, it should be mentioned — had told him the truth about a lot of things ; and he guessed it was after that he didn’t feel comfortable.
Mustain added : “They’re still making changes.”
Mrs. Rodrian did not have to think about the question.
“He’s only 17 years old,” she said — and that was the end of the subject.
Her comment kept coming to mind while opening e-mails Sunday and Monday.
The e-mails were mostly from concerned, loyal Razorbacks fans who are hurt and frustrated.
Some ran along the lines of profound, and a few were profane.
Still, “He’s only 17 years old,” kept echoing in my mind.
Perhaps, in his innocence, Mustain had no idea how much his comments could damage the current recruiting efforts.
Just as he didn’t think about what not honoring his commitment to the UA and taking other visits could do to the recruiting since he was the only quarterback the Razorbacks were pursuing.
To the Razorbacks fans, those two incidents were more than unfortunate.
In his defense, he really is just 17. And if that isn’t a confusing enough time in a young person’s life, throw in the fact you are the No. 1-rated quarterback in the country and that grown men continued to recruit you through your mom even after you stated your intention to attend the UA.
What kind of example were those coaches setting ?
Perhaps some of the things Mustain told the New York Times News Service were said because he had no idea those comments would get back to Arkansas. No doubt some of his suitors walked away from Saturday’s game wondering if he was a product of a system after his 2-for-13 passing performance that netted minus-2 yards.
Gus Malzahn and his Spread offense has produced great numbers, and several quarterbacks in it have gained football scholarships only to end up not playing.
In no way is that intended as a slap at Mustain’s abilities.
The simple truth is, until he takes snaps successfully under center and completes passes under pressure, no one knows how good he will be.
To some degree, the same can be said about the two quarterbacks who have committed to Notre Dame, or the Parade All-American redshirt freshman at Tennessee.
Every school in America has recruited guys who look like Tarzan and end up playing like Jane.
Look what has happened with most of the true, drop-back quarterbacks at Texas. It took an athletic quarterback who can pass and run like Vince Young to get the Longhorns over the hump.
Mitch Mustain has the intangibles to be a great college quarterback.
He’s got arm strength, nice touch when needed, and he’s big and athletic.
Coaches who are recruiting him see all those things, but no doubt, some left Saturday’s game not quite as convinced as they had been.
Some will even be concerned about a young man who makes statements like those Mustain made.
Well, for everyone keeping an eye on Mitch Mustain, remember he’s not old enough to vote or be in the military. As Mrs. Rodrian said : “He’s only 17 years old.”
Yo Mitch,
If Wally Hall is typical of grownup Hogfans, go anywhere else! And go in a hurry!
Yo Wally, Convenient you remembered Mitch's commitment but you neglect to mention Arkansas fired the guy Mitch committed to. And if Malzahn's such a wizard he should have no problem winning 10 games next year against Spurrier, Fulmer, Meyer, Tuberville, Myles, Shula, et al with the kid from Alabama that Arkansas offered today or any other warm body on the Arkansas bench.
Intended or not you succeeded.
BTW Wally, did you really graduate from Tennessee?
Phil Fulmer could not have found better recruiting material with an NCAA investigator than you provided in the hometown rag.
If Wally Hall is typical of grownup Hogfans, go anywhere else! And go in a hurry!
Yo Wally, Convenient you remembered Mitch's commitment but you neglect to mention Arkansas fired the guy Mitch committed to. And if Malzahn's such a wizard he should have no problem winning 10 games next year against Spurrier, Fulmer, Meyer, Tuberville, Myles, Shula, et al with the kid from Alabama that Arkansas offered today or any other warm body on the Arkansas bench.
Intended or not you succeeded.
BTW Wally, did you really graduate from Tennessee?
Phil Fulmer could not have found better recruiting material with an NCAA investigator than you provided in the hometown rag.
Just a little more pressure.
Mustain might need deadline
Wednesday, Jan 11, 2006
By Harry King
LITTLE ROCK - Maybe it's time for Arkansas football coaches to nudge Mitch Mustain and risk rejection.
If the No. 1 high school quarterback in the country decides to leave the state, Razorback head coach Houston Nutt is going to take a hit anyway. Why not give Mustain a deadline to sign up or skedaddle?
There are those who will say that is too risky, that Mustain is truly undecided and that he will rear up if backed into a corner.
On the other side are those who say Mustain in limbo is a loser for the Razorback program, that a couple of receivers are waiting on him and that his conversation with The New York Times was detrimental.
A deadline could be selfish, or maybe even a public service.
"For every one caller that's sick of it, there are 25 who can't stop talking about it," said radio talk show host Chuck Barrett.
Contact between prospects and coaches is prohibited through Thursday. Players can visit a campus Friday and Saturday, but Arkansas does not have any visits scheduled. There are players due in Fayetteville on Jan. 20 and Jan. 27, and the national signing date is Feb. 1.
Although Mustain is entitled to wait until the final hour, a decision next week would be welcome. I can't imagine him delaying for any reason other than uncertainty.
Receiver Stephaun Range of Dalton, Ga., has said he is waiting on the Springdale quarterback with the sensational stats. At least one other receiver is also on hold because of Mustain.
In addition, quarterback Carson Williams of Cullman, Ala., is to visit Jan. 20. If Mustain is still waffling, Arkansas could sign Williams and wind up with two quarterbacks.
With the departure of Cole Barthel and Alex Mortensen, the quarterback candidates on campus are Casey Dick and Robert Johnson.
The hiring of Gus Malzahn as offensive coordinator and Alex Wood as coordinator of the passing game, although not done specifically to please Mustain, should dovetail with the wants of a quarterback with his eye on the NFL.
Malzahn was his high school coach with the no-huddle offense and Wood was offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals and quarterbacks coach for the Minnesota Vikings. In the NFL, Wood worked with quarterbacks Daunte Culpepper and Randall Cunningham, among others.
Mustain alluded to those hires when he told the New York Times that he decided to back away from his commitment to Arkansas after talking with several Razorbacks.
Without elaboration, he was quoted as saying, "I guess the way the program was heading, that was something I didn't feel comfortable with. They're still making changes."
On national television a few days later, he was 2-of-13 for minus 2 yards in an all-star game in San Antonio and the Arkansas fans who are angry at him concluded that he was overrated. That, of course, is a judgment colored by rejection.
There are those close to Mustain who say that he was bound to fail - that every national media in attendance wanted a piece of him because he was the biggest unclaimed prize in town.
Plus, they say, his supporting cast was inferior. His team's first nine plays were passes, including eight downfield where pass protection was mandatory but missing - a reminder that every team needs more than a quarterback.
When Mustain re-opened the recruiting process, the smart money was on Notre Dame. South Bend is still a possibility, along with Arkansas, Alabama and Tennessee. But Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis has commitments from two quarterbacks, including one from Pennsylvania - an area the Fighting Irish will mine for years to come.
Also, Notre Dame is high on the list of Jimmy Clausen, already pegged as the greatest high school quarterback of next year
Mustain might need deadline
Wednesday, Jan 11, 2006
By Harry King
LITTLE ROCK - Maybe it's time for Arkansas football coaches to nudge Mitch Mustain and risk rejection.
If the No. 1 high school quarterback in the country decides to leave the state, Razorback head coach Houston Nutt is going to take a hit anyway. Why not give Mustain a deadline to sign up or skedaddle?
There are those who will say that is too risky, that Mustain is truly undecided and that he will rear up if backed into a corner.
On the other side are those who say Mustain in limbo is a loser for the Razorback program, that a couple of receivers are waiting on him and that his conversation with The New York Times was detrimental.
A deadline could be selfish, or maybe even a public service.
"For every one caller that's sick of it, there are 25 who can't stop talking about it," said radio talk show host Chuck Barrett.
Contact between prospects and coaches is prohibited through Thursday. Players can visit a campus Friday and Saturday, but Arkansas does not have any visits scheduled. There are players due in Fayetteville on Jan. 20 and Jan. 27, and the national signing date is Feb. 1.
Although Mustain is entitled to wait until the final hour, a decision next week would be welcome. I can't imagine him delaying for any reason other than uncertainty.
Receiver Stephaun Range of Dalton, Ga., has said he is waiting on the Springdale quarterback with the sensational stats. At least one other receiver is also on hold because of Mustain.
In addition, quarterback Carson Williams of Cullman, Ala., is to visit Jan. 20. If Mustain is still waffling, Arkansas could sign Williams and wind up with two quarterbacks.
With the departure of Cole Barthel and Alex Mortensen, the quarterback candidates on campus are Casey Dick and Robert Johnson.
The hiring of Gus Malzahn as offensive coordinator and Alex Wood as coordinator of the passing game, although not done specifically to please Mustain, should dovetail with the wants of a quarterback with his eye on the NFL.
Malzahn was his high school coach with the no-huddle offense and Wood was offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals and quarterbacks coach for the Minnesota Vikings. In the NFL, Wood worked with quarterbacks Daunte Culpepper and Randall Cunningham, among others.
Mustain alluded to those hires when he told the New York Times that he decided to back away from his commitment to Arkansas after talking with several Razorbacks.
Without elaboration, he was quoted as saying, "I guess the way the program was heading, that was something I didn't feel comfortable with. They're still making changes."
On national television a few days later, he was 2-of-13 for minus 2 yards in an all-star game in San Antonio and the Arkansas fans who are angry at him concluded that he was overrated. That, of course, is a judgment colored by rejection.
There are those close to Mustain who say that he was bound to fail - that every national media in attendance wanted a piece of him because he was the biggest unclaimed prize in town.
Plus, they say, his supporting cast was inferior. His team's first nine plays were passes, including eight downfield where pass protection was mandatory but missing - a reminder that every team needs more than a quarterback.
When Mustain re-opened the recruiting process, the smart money was on Notre Dame. South Bend is still a possibility, along with Arkansas, Alabama and Tennessee. But Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis has commitments from two quarterbacks, including one from Pennsylvania - an area the Fighting Irish will mine for years to come.
Also, Notre Dame is high on the list of Jimmy Clausen, already pegged as the greatest high school quarterback of next year
W
weisfaninmass
Guest
BigIrish said:
i think there is room at the inn bc of guys like Lewis (and supposedly McCoy) going elsewhere. The question is "is more better"? I am inclined to think less is better.....and then get Jimmy Clausen next year.
Folsteam_Ahead
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i'm on the same though process as you. but i can't imagine how pissed i will be next year if we lose clausen to someone else after having rejected mustain. i wish signing day would just suddenly arrive to put everyone out of their misery.
06ntlchmps said:
I hear what you're saying, but some announcers were saying that Claussen would have been the best QB playing, if he were playing in the Army All American game. And Mike Frank said that he's easily one of the best HS QBs he's ever seen. That's talent I'd risk it for. Especially since no matter what, we've got three pretty good guys (Frazer, Jones and Sharpley) already in the mix.
Folsteam_Ahead
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you're right. he is prob the #1 qb of this year's junior and senior classes. the risk would be worth the reward, and we wouldnt be screwed for 07. but there would still be a massive uproar over it. nd fans are fussy about qb's. especially coming off a heisman candidate.
W
weisfaninmass
Guest
06ntlchmps said:
That doesn't surprise me considering Clausen is an 18 year old junior. (Sept 21 b-day). I think Mustain is a 17 year old senior.....can someone confirm this?
jiggafini19
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- 58
Clausen was held back one year. I believe he repeated sixth grade.
I plan on being the first parent to hold my kid back TWO years so that I can live vicariously through him.
I plan on being the first parent to hold my kid back TWO years so that I can live vicariously through him.