I'm working on a couple of items this morning, including a more comprehensive recruiting update...

I'm working on a couple of items this morning, including a more comprehensive recruiting update (who's still here and who's gone) which includes Texas Tech's newest commit, Alaon Calhoun, the de-commitment of DE Kedrick Dial and another possible commit last night (still working on figuring out who that is). As a result, I'm going to pass on the DTN DD this morning. Feel free to post any links that you may find this morning in the comments.

about 1 month ago Seth C 51 comments 0 recs |

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I heart Jacob Karam

and although everyone is excited about Young, I think Karam can be a terrific quarterback for this team:

"Hopefully, I (will) get the chance to compete against those guys," Karam said. "Anywhere you go, if it’s a good program, there is going to be competition. I work very hard and I’ve learned a lot my first year here at Tech. If it comes down to competition for the job, I’m excited about that.

"I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I am really focused on winning the starting job or the No. 2 spot this spring."

As for Leach, Karam said he hopes he isn’t permanently blackballed from the sport and gets another head coaching job in the near future.

"I think Coach Leach is, if not the smartest, one of the smartest people I’ve ever come across," Karam said. "I’m not just talking about football smart, either. He is a great coach and has strong beliefs. I think he is a great man and I’m forever thankful to him for giving me this great opportunity to be a Red Raider."

Go Raiders . . .
Double-T Nation

by Seth C on Jan 24, 2010 6:53 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Total class act. It’s nice to see a player step up in support of Coach Leach and also look forward to what the program will be with Coach Tuberville. I look forward to seeing what this young man can do.

by Austin, Tx on Jan 24, 2010 11:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Refreshing...

Thanks for this Seth, we need to focus some time on the kids with healthy attitudes. We need internal leadership, players that have the smarts and frankly the b%lls to keep the “team obliteraters” from poisioning another lockeroom.

by raider realist on Jan 24, 2010 11:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I watched Karam play three games on the field

and one on the teley his senior year.

I came away very impressed with him…as much on the side line as on the field. He was one of those guys who talked to everyone on the side line, offering encouragement congratulations and rah rahing.

Interestingly, he is an accomplished pianist as well.

I get the sense that he is a first rate kind of guy who will be fun to watch leading the Air Raid, whenever his time comes.

Sometimes a river boat can out run a pirate ship.

by TallMike on Jan 24, 2010 3:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Karam

Although we don’t know a lot about him for some reason I really like Karam. My impression of him he is a warrior, like BJ. I’m excited about Scotty as well and will enjoy the competition. It will be interesting to see the 3 qbs battle this spring. I’m wondering if Karam can beat out Potts for #2. Anyway, that’s the way I see it.

by crna55 on Jan 24, 2010 7:53 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

And I saw the UT guys at Barking Carnival calling themselves ‘Quarterback U’ recently. HA!

"I’ve established a reputation for integrity. I have maintained those high standards" - Craig James

by TechFirst on Jan 24, 2010 8:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My biggest concern about

moving forward without Leach was his ability to seemingly have a quarterback that could step into the starters role and perform reasonably well. Obviously, Potts had his rough patches, but Leach’s history of preparing his quarterbacks speaks volumes about his ability to coach. Moving forward, that’s my biggest fear is how well Neal Brown is able to coach up these players.

Go Raiders . . .
Double-T Nation

by Seth C on Jan 24, 2010 8:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

My guess is that is why the Pride of Snyder,Tx (Sonnie Cumbie) was retained. He should know what it takes to be prepared.

by ttu_porters on Jan 24, 2010 9:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed here, too

Even with the best coaches and players that money can buy, UT got hurt bad by not having a solid backup. That doesn’t speak well of their QB development program, not when compared with Leach anyway.

With TP, SS, and Doege on the roster already, the progress of Brown/Cumbie in this department may not be apparent right away.

"I’ve established a reputation for integrity. I have maintained those high standards" - Craig James

by TechFirst on Jan 24, 2010 9:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If I'm not mistaken,

didn’t UT have two backup qbs’ haul ass after last year, leaving them way short
this year?

"uh, uh, well, uh yeah, I think the guys, uh played, uh pretty well in the second
half." The captains words, after uh, the insight bowl. You're the best Mike!

by Red50cal. on Jan 24, 2010 1:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

IF Brown follows the principles he was taught....

from Mumme and Leach, #1 being that all QB’s get reps on every play in practice, the developmet should come along nicely. Otherwise, we will be known forever as “Prarie Dog Town”.

"There's going to be ups and downs but you have to enjoy the battle." Mike Leach

by blackbeard on Jan 24, 2010 11:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Agree

Not sure how well Brown will step into that role of developing QB’s but at this point we just need to trust in Tuberville that he has a guy that can do that. We are lucky that we have so much depth at this position that has been schooled under the Leach offense.

"You've got to find your inner pirate" - Mike Leach

by Raider1992 on Jan 24, 2010 12:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My last count is 4 qb's

Did I miss something?
Potts
Sheffield
Doege
Karam

(Scotty Young will red shirt, if not he is an incredible, amazing qb !!)

Sometimes a river boat can out run a pirate ship.

by TallMike on Jan 24, 2010 3:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

talk about depth

"You've got to find your inner pirate" - Mike Leach

by Raider1992 on Jan 25, 2010 10:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Karam is my NFP

New Favorite Player
In light of all the crap that these kids have had to go thru in the last month, for a kid to step up and while being very positive, be perhaps not so politically correct by saying very good things about a very good coach speaks volumes to me about his character. Jacob, I am pulling for you.

"There's going to be ups and downs but you have to enjoy the battle." Mike Leach

by blackbeard on Jan 24, 2010 9:13 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Jacob is mature beyond his years

As a HS senior at Friendswood he was a leader both on and off the field. As a redshirt freshman at Tech (and even before he arrived on campus) he has been willing to do whatever it took to be considered a leader. He has been outstanding on the scout team this past season. The fact he dressed for all the games despite no chance of playing was because the coaches liked having him in the locker room and sidelines – his genuine enthusiasm is contagious to the rest of the team.

With Karam having 4 years of eligibility and with Young likely to come, Tech is in good shape at the QB position for a long time to come.

by jeffinhouston on Jan 24, 2010 9:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It’s amazing to see how many quality QBs come here (and Stay) knowing up front that they have something like a 1 in 5 chance of starting for even one year. I see kids bolting at most other schools once it becomes apparent that they aren’t going to be the big stud on campus.

"I’ve established a reputation for integrity. I have maintained those high standards" - Craig James

by TechFirst on Jan 24, 2010 9:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

This bugs me…..stay there and compete. I don’t cheer for qb’s that transfer.

" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me

by oldschoolraider on Jan 24, 2010 9:35 AM CST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

With the exception

of Chris Todd. I don’t think he was willing to contribute in the same way as the rest of the QB’s at Tech. I count him as no loss. We have the players who count, the ones that want to contribute in any way they can. Karem is one of those. We all seemed to forget about him since he was red-shirted. But, he has the same abilities as does Young, so the future competition at QB will be an ongoing thing to watch with great interest. As for next year, I think it best for Young to redshirt to learn the differences between high school and college speed. Karem has taken everything in and he will compete very well when the Spring trials begin. I really don’t think any one QB has an edge with the new OC, so this will be a battle we all will enjoy watching. There are several other positions up for grabs, but the QB slot is the most intriguing for me.

TTpilk

by TTpilk645 on Jan 24, 2010 9:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think the guys that stay are showing that they are in college to be more than a qb.

They have a plan to get a degree and to do something after college other than qb a football team…not that any one of them would by-pass the opportunity—the finacial opportunity—that comes with pro ball…and well the fun also.

Sometimes a river boat can out run a pirate ship.

by TallMike on Jan 24, 2010 3:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I have always liked Jacob Karam... from back when he was at Friendswood...

And he can actually run a little bit as a QB… he might fit Brown’s model for QB better than some of our other QB’s…

by Houston Raider on Jan 24, 2010 1:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

I always thought this kid was huge recruit for Tech and after watching his HS play I can see that he will be a major player for Tech. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him as the QB in the fall.

"You've got to find your inner pirate" - Mike Leach

by Raider1992 on Jan 24, 2010 12:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dressing for Games

I seem to recall that Leach specifically mentioning that Karam was suited up cuz he brought a lot of energy on the sidelines.

by ttu_porters on Jan 24, 2010 9:31 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

East-West Shrine Bowl

I got to see some of the game and was impressed with the play of Jamar Wall. I think he was a surprise to the announcers for sure. Carter was a force in the offensive line, taking on two people sometimes and destroying them. Had the West run the ball his way more they might have won the game easily. I am very proud of both and feel they have what it takes to become more than just backups in the NFL.

TTpilk

by TTpilk645 on Jan 24, 2010 9:47 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

My Mom talked to Jamar's Mom (Mom has Georgia's phone account).

Georgia said Jamar already has an agent. His agent said he thought Jamar would go in the 4th round. Jamar is a smart kid with good work ethics and is not a trouble maker. These agents know this and she said several wanted him, because they believed he would be a money maker. From my stand point I am glad to see someone like Jamar be as successful as he has been. I’ve seen some of the other great athletes from Plainview with bad attitudes end up not amounting to anything. Just goes to show if you are responsible and act like your supposed to good things usually happen.

American farmers feed & clothe the world!

by Extramp83 on Jan 24, 2010 10:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

awesome

I like this kid and hope he makes a huge impact in the NFL. Heck of hitter!

"You've got to find your inner pirate" - Mike Leach

by Raider1992 on Jan 24, 2010 12:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I understand that Wall has the same agent that Darcel McBath has. He helped Darcel get drafted into the second round last year by Denver.

by jeffinhouston on Jan 24, 2010 1:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

very true. especially the last sentence.

"uh, uh, well, uh yeah, I think the guys, uh played, uh pretty well in the second
half." The captains words, after uh, the insight bowl. You're the best Mike!

by Red50cal. on Jan 24, 2010 1:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

my feelings as well

"uh, uh, well, uh yeah, I think the guys, uh played, uh pretty well in the second
half." The captains words, after uh, the insight bowl. You're the best Mike!

by Red50cal. on Jan 24, 2010 1:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

supposed to be under ttpilk645

"uh, uh, well, uh yeah, I think the guys, uh played, uh pretty well in the second
half." The captains words, after uh, the insight bowl. You're the best Mike!

by Red50cal. on Jan 24, 2010 1:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If you look at Joe Carmical's facebook, you will see who the new commit is

and I’m really excited about him despite only having two stars

by texasraider on Jan 24, 2010 10:05 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

A LB who also played QB?

Sounds like an athlete to me.

by jeffinhouston on Jan 24, 2010 10:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

For lack of a better comparison . . .

he looks rather Tebow-esque in his size and playing style. Hard runner. Better speed than his 40 indicates. Obviously, very intelligent. He seems likes a very versatile athlete that will help us as we transition the defense, and possibly on the other side with a few new added twists. Who knows . . .

by CRV on Jan 24, 2010 10:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Good comparison

Carmical was on campus this weekend and Willis made the offer. A 30 ACT score is quite impressive in its own right.

by jeffinhouston on Jan 24, 2010 10:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

30 ACT is VERY impressive, especially for a football player. Must be a very bright kid.

And even though he was a QB, I feel confident Willis knows what he is talking about in offering him a scholly because he was the linebackers coach at the National Champs last year.

by pcrawttu on Jan 24, 2010 12:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Some information about Joe Carmical

from a December 2009 article on Rivals’ Marshall Univ site;

http://marshall.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1027125

by jeffinhouston on Jan 24, 2010 12:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Seems very much

Like a reach to the naked eye

" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me

by oldschoolraider on Jan 24, 2010 1:40 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

I am impressed with him

based on the link.

If he is intelligent, athletic, reasonably fast, and a leader, he can be a first rate player in his time…he already has great linebacker size…maybe he will project as a DE in the future, or get into a 4 man rotation as a 3-4 inside linebacker.

Sometimes a river boat can out run a pirate ship.

by TallMike on Jan 24, 2010 3:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Link to Info Regarding Kedrick Dial De-Commit

http://www.redraiders.com/2010/01/23/tech-loses-pledge-to-baylor/

by jeffinhouston on Jan 24, 2010 10:52 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Another link from Waco

After Texas Tech didn’t hire Ruffin McNeill as head football coach, Sulphur Springs defensive end Kedrick Dial began looking for a place to go.

Dial found it Saturday when he verbally committed to Baylor during his visit to campus.

McNeill was recently hired as East Carolina’s head coach after Texas Tech chose Tommy Tuberville to replace Mike Leach. McNeill was the Red Raiders’ defensive coordinator and served as interim coach for the Alamo Bowl after Leach was fired in December.

"Coach McNeill was like my dad, and he left," Dial said. "Baylor had tried to recruit me before I committed to Texas Tech last April. But when I visited Baylor this weekend, I loved it. The people here are great, and it’s closer to home."

http://www.wacotrib.com/sports/content/sports/college/2010/01/24/01242010waccommit.html

by jeffinhouston on Jan 24, 2010 11:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I feel bad for the kid. I can understand being close to Ruffin but be serious. Ruffin maybe saw the kid 2x and talked via the phone. The whole “like my dad” thing is definately Ruffin’s calling card. Seems like a defensive player not seeing the value in 2 defensive minds like Willis and Tuberville might not realize just what he gave up. Baylor?

"You've got to find your inner pirate" - Mike Leach

by Raider1992 on Jan 24, 2010 1:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Baylor has a good coach also.

Dial is the second of Ruff’s DE’s to decommit, the first went earlier to OSU.

I was looking forward to seeing Dial’s rangy frame in Scarlet and Black. I hope every success at BU.

Personally, I would take Lubbock over Waco any day of the week….

Sometimes a river boat can out run a pirate ship.

by TallMike on Jan 24, 2010 3:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't take ANY offense to the kid going to Baylor

But I will enjoy knowing the next 4-5 times we mudhole the fightin indigineous black bears, he’ll be revisiting this decision.

Give 'Em Hell Tech!!!!!

by Plano Jeff on Jan 24, 2010 6:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

"You've got to find your inner pirate" - Mike Leach

by Raider1992 on Jan 25, 2010 10:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

if you speak with any coach

its all about the relationships when it comes to recruiting…just like in sales, you will buy a product if you like the salesman, even it is more expensive then the competitors etc

by chad0454 on Jan 24, 2010 1:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Karan

Apparantly he’s an accomplished pianist. Pretty awesome.

by taraebeth on Jan 24, 2010 2:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Does anyone have a good scouting report on Karam? I’ve heard nothing but great things about him—at one time I heard he’s similar to Colt McCoy. I would love to get a good comparison on Karam vs. Scotty Young or Karam vs. Sticks/TP.

by WreckerRaider on Jan 24, 2010 4:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Young may have a stronger arm…Karam’s is plenty strong…when I was watching him in hs, I thought he might be stronger than Harrell. Young’s hs coach says that he is not very agile, Karam is.

I hs, Karam would make his reads and release pretty quickly, that is typical of a Mike Leach pick, he also had a good feel for the pocket and could move about as needed, I have seen him run out of a scramble but he was looking pass all the way. I do not recall seeing him run a play that looked like a design run play for qb.

I do not think Colt McCoy when I think of what I have seen from Karam…others might.

I doubt that either Young or Karam have the zip that Potts can generate.

Having only seen Potts and Scheffield play at college speed, it is kind of difficult to make comparison…of the two he is more like Sheffield because he is more quick footed.

Sometimes a river boat can out run a pirate ship.

by TallMike on Jan 24, 2010 7:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs