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Why Resign Alex Brink? What about Graham Harrell?

 Now this is just a thought but why would you bring Alex back again just to be a camp body once again?

Why not bring in Graham Harrell?  I know, I know, he was great in college because of the system and not that he is anything special.... You can go on an on about that but why not bring him in and let Koobs give him a little training.  Worse case is he ends up being just another camp body like Alex, best case it turns out he can play in the NFL and you put him on the practice squad to develop and see if a year of practice will help him develop?   In addition it gets the Texans a little extra press and helps get a little larger Texas fan base going.  The fact that a guy that has posted 2 5000 yard years is not at least on a practice squad is to me is crazy.

 

Give a guy a chance!

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He's Already Signed

After his failed stint with the Browns he signed a deal with the Saskatchewan Roughriders for 2 years. If he proofs to be a barn burner in the “pros” other NFL teams will give him a shot a couple of years from now.

Ignore the hype; look at the results.

by harperslaw on Aug 17, 2009 2:07 PM CDT reply actions  

I'll bet you're right, but...

I liked Harrell, but when watching him there was always something that left me wanting; I think he would be a great backup, but I don’t think he’s starting material. He’s the type of guy that could lead the second team/practice squad without any mental errors. In a pinch he could come into a game and play somewhat well. But I don’t think he’ll ever be “the man” for a franchise. I can’t get past his arm strength (or lack of it). I too used to think that Kingsbury and BJ Symons would make decent NFL QB’s.

With all that being all that being said I imagine that an NFL team would have to pony up some cash to get Harrell out of his contract, and me, being the cheap person I am, would not pony up big bucks to get an unproven, weak armed yet mentally intriguing player that would probably be nothing more than a career backup.

But then again I could be wrong. I thought still believe that David Carr and Joey Harrington could have been solid QBs, but just fell into hard situations.

Ignore the hype; look at the results.

by harperslaw on Aug 17, 2009 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

But to answer your original question

Alex Brink is more than likely not there to “compete” for a backup job; he’s there because they need another arm, and he knows the system. Another disadvantage of grabbing Harrell would be he’d have a huge learning curve ahead of him, and before he could get the hang of the system preseason would be over, and then what? Carry 3 qbs on the roster, throw him on the practice squad, or cut him? If they went to all the trouble to get Harrell only carrying 3 qbs on the roster would make the most sense, but they you’d lose a guy at another position. It’s all a big numbers game, and Harrell, for now, is on the short end of the stick.

Ignore the hype; look at the results.

by harperslaw on Aug 17, 2009 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

From a coaching point of view

I agree that the time spent bringing Harrell upto speed is just a waist of effort if the guy is just a camp body. But if you think he could be more then it might be worth it. I’m guessing his CFL buy out is pretty cheap.

That said to be honest, Manning, and Brady don’t have canons, but are smart and make good reads, this is what makes them great at what they do. I think Harrell is that kind of guy, but on the other hand he could pull a Klingler and look awsome in college and never get over the hump in the pros.

Do you think they will pup, IR, or just cut Rexy?

by Texans-Brocos on Aug 17, 2009 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

can't pup him (I was wrong)

I think it’ll be a cuttin’ time decision. I never figured Kubiak would really carry 3 QBs, but at his salary, I could see us IRing The Cannon.

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Aug 17, 2009 9:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

Exactly

Plus, they already have a playbook w/ Brink’s name on it

So you're saying that now I have to think of some witty Sig that will be applicable across all the SBN sites? Go TexanHornStroKets!

by Shake on Aug 17, 2009 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

just to compair

If your hiring off of a Resume it doesnt take long to compair them.

From Wiki

Alex Brink Wiki
In his college career, Brink completed 58.4 percent of his passes for 10,913 yards. He threw 76 touchdowns and 43 interceptions. Despite these good numbers, the Cougars endured four straight seasons without a bowl berth. As a starter, Brink was 17-23 over four seasons. Brink finished his career as the third leading passer, in terms of yards, in Pac-10 history, behind Carson Palmer and Derek Anderson

During a game against Oregon State University in the 2005 season Brink set a new school record with 531 passing yards. Ahead 30-16 at the break, the Cougars, however, lost that game due in part to defensive and special teams lapses and other mistakes, but also because Brink threw 1 touchdown against 4 interceptions. For much of the 2006 season, Brink led the Pac-10 in passing yards. He was named second team All-Pac-10 for his efforts. The Cougars were at one point in the 2006 season ranked No. 25 in the nation with a 6-3 record, but lost their final three games to finish the year at 6-6.

Graham Harrell Wiki

[edit] Freshman season
In 2004, Harrell redshirted during his first season at Texas Tech. The next season, as backup to quarterback Cody Hodges, he played in several games, racking up 422 passing yards.

[edit] Sophomore season
Harrell started in every game of the 2006 season and, with his 4,555 passing yards, became the third-most sophomore passer in NCAA Division I FBS history and first of the Big 12.67 The 2006 regular season, which included wins against the Texas A&M Aggies and the Oklahoma State, ended with seven victories and five losses overall (4-4 in the Big 12) and an invitation to the 2006 Insight Bowl.8

The bowl game, played at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, saw the Red Raiders struggle through the first three quarters, scoring only 14 points to the Minnesota Golden Gophers’ 38. However, Tech’s defense held Minnesota to zero points in the fourth quarter, while Harrell led the offense in scoring 24. In overtime, the Golden Gophers added only a field goal, but the Red Raiders scored a touchdown to win the game, 44–41, with the largest come-from-behind victory in NCAA FBS bowl history.9

[edit] Junior season
Prior to his junior season, Harrell announced that he will continue to play for the Red Raiders for the remainder of his college career instead of leaving early for the 2008 NFL Draft.7 He reiterated this in December 2007.10

On September 27, 2007, Harrell was honored as AT&T’s All-America Player of the Week.11 The following Sunday, he appeared ninth on the list for CollegeFootballNews.com’s Top 10 Player Race for Week Five. Teammate Michael Crabtree was also on the list.12 On October 11, 2007, AT&T announced that Harrell was again the AT&T All-America Player of the Week. This marked the second time in three weeks that he was honored with the award.13 Harrell was the 2007 recipient of the Sammy Baugh Trophy recognizing the nation’s top college passer.14 He is the third Texas Tech quarterback to receive the award, following Kliff Kingsbury (2002) and B.J. Symons (2003).

[edit] Senior season
Entering his senior season, Harrell had 89 career passing touchdowns, putting him within range of Colt Brennan’s NCAA record of 131 touchdowns.15 Before the beginning of his final season, CBS Sports listed Harrell as a Heisman hopeful. Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree’s name also appeared on the list.16 Harrell was also named one of 26 candidates for the 2008 Unitas Award, given to the nation’s best senior college football quarterback.17 Additionally, his name appeared among 30 other quarterbacks in the Davey O’Brien Award watch list.18 Harrell, along with Coach Mike Leach and teammate Michael Crabtree were featured on the cover of the 2008 edition of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football.19

To support the Heisman campaign of both Harrell and Crabtree, Texas Tech created a website called PassOrCatch2008.com, which is modeled after political campaigns. The site garnered national attention and was awarded a Telly Award which honors the best in local, regional, and cable commercials and programs, as well as online videos, films, and commercials.2021 After leading the Red Raiders to a victory over the #1 Texas Longhorns, Harrell and teammate Daniel Charbonnet were selected for Big 12 player of the week honors.22 Harrell also leaped McCoy to make it to the top of the Heisman poll.23 Harrell was also one of ten finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and one of thirteen finalists for the Davey O’Brien Award.242526

Following the inaugural game of the 2008 season, where Texas Tech defeated the Eastern Washington Eagles, 49–24, Harrell was selected as the AT&T ESPN All-America Player.27 After the Red Raiders 58–28 victory over the Kansas State Wildcats, Harrell received two more honors. He was recognized as the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week and the O’Brien Quarterback of the Week.2829 During the game against Kansas State, Harrell broke the all-time record for passing yards at Texas Tech. The previous record, set by Kliff Kingsbury, was 12,429 yards. After the game, Harrell’s record stood at 12,709 yards.29 Following the 63–21 win over #18 Kansas on October 25, 2008, Harrell was again named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week. Teammate Matt Williams was named the Special Teams Player of the Week.30 After Tech’s 65–21 loss to Oklahoma, Harrell reduced his chances at winning the Heisman.31 Harrell finished fourth in the Heisman race but did not receive an invitation to attend the presentation ceremony. Michael Crabtree finished fifth.32

In the final regular season game against Baylor, Harrell shattered two of his fingers (the pinkie and middle finger) of his non-throwing hand during the second quarter. At halftime, Harrell’s hand got x-rayed, and medical examiners advised Harrell to discontinue playing in the game. Harrell replied, “Tape my hand up. I’m going out.” Harrell played the rest of the game with black tape around his fingers. He finished with 309 total passing yards and two touchdowns. With the victory, Tech clinched a share of the Big 12 South title, though fell short at going to the Big 12 Championship Game. On the day following the Baylor game, Harrell underwent a four-hour surgery, in which 17 pins and two plates were inserted into his injured hand to heal nine different breaks. He was later cleared to play in the postseason bowl game.33

On December 2, 2008, Harrell and teammate Michael Crabtree were named as Walter Camp Award finalists.34

On December 4, 2008, the American Football Coaches Association compiled their 2008 AFCA Coaches’ All-American Team, with Harrell headlining the list.35

In December 2008, Harrell, Coach Mike Leach, Leach’s wife, and Blayne Beal, the associate Tech media relations director, were in Baltimore for the presentation of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award to Harrell. While there, they received an invitation to Washington, D.C., to meet the president. On December 13, 2008, the group toured the White House and met with President George W. Bush, who disclosed that he watches college football on a regular basis. Bush also told Leach that he frequently talks with his 1978 congressional election rival, Kent Hance, the Texas Tech chancellor.36

On October 25, 2008, Graham Harrell passed Philip Rivers to move into sole possession of third place for passing yardage in a career. On November 22, 2008, Harrell passed Ty Detmer to move into second for passing yardage in a career behind Timmy Chang.37 On January 2, 2009, Harrell played his final collegiate game, a 34-47 loss to Ole Miss in the 2009 Cotton Bowl. In the game, Harrell finished his college career with an NCAA all-time record of 134 passing touchdowns, breaking the previous mark of 131 set by Colt Brennan. Harrell also compiled 5,111 passing yards in the season, becoming the first NCAA player to post multiple 5,000-yard passing seasons.38

[edit] Awards and honors
Harrell has received multiple honors, including the 2008 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.

Recognition Season Honor Status Notes
2006 2006 Insight Bowl MVP Selected 9
2006 Academic All-Big 12 Selected for first team 39
2007 AT&T ESPN All-America Player of the Week Selected twice
2007 Sammy Baugh Trophy Winner
2007 Academic All-Big 12 Selected for first team 40
2008 2008 Gator Bowl MVP Selected 41
2008 AT&T ESPN All-America Player of the Week Selected four times
2008 Academic All-Big 12 Selected for first team Posted a 4.00 GPA42
2008 AFCA Coaches’ All-American Selected 43
2008 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Winner 4445
2008 Heisman Trophy Candidate Finished fourth46
2008 The Sporting News 2008 National Player of the Year Selected Co-national player of the year with Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy47
2008 AT&T All-America Player of the Year Winner Voted on by fans48

by Texans-Brocos on Aug 17, 2009 9:24 PM CDT reply actions  

I can't fault Kubes for bringing Brink back in

But I do see the logic in Harrell. People said Colt Brennan was nothing more than a system quarterback, but I have a sneaking suspicion he might turn out to be decent.

When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.

by tehGrindCrusher on Aug 18, 2009 12:37 AM CDT reply actions  

Not to be the Negative Guy but

Putting up stats and winning awards in college is great, but that really doesn’t mean that you’ll be a good NFL QB. In fact the trend goes in the opposite direction. These are some of the all-time statistical giants in passing. How’d their careers in the NFL go?

Ty Detmer, BYU,1988-91: threw for 15,031yards
Tim Rattay, La. Tech,1997-99: threw for 12,746 yards
Chris Redman, Louisville, 1996-99: threw for 12,541 yards
Todd Santos, San Diego St, 1984-87: threw for 11,425 yards
Tim Lester, W. Michigan, 1996-99: threw for 11,299 yards

Ok, those aren’t so hot so maybe some of the leaders in efficiency:
Danny Wuerffel, Florida, 1993-96 163.6
Ty Detmer, BYU, 1988-91: 162.7
Steve Sarkisian, BYU, 1995-96: 162.0
Billy Blanton, San Diego St., 1993-96: 157.1
Jim McMahon, BYU, 1977-78, 80-81: 156.9

McMahon won a Super Bowl with the Bears, but when he was with the Bears he never completed more than 59% of his passes, and he never threw for more than 2400 yards in a season.

Well, maybe stats aren’t a good way to judge a player; let’s look at post season awards.
Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Winners (past 10 years):
Good/Potentially Good: Matt Ryan, Eli Manning, Carson Palmer
Jury’s Still Out: Brady Quinn, Matt Leinart
The Bad: Jason White, David Carr, Chris Weinke, Chris Redman, Cade McNown

Heisman Winners
The Good: Ricky Williams, Carson Palmer
Jury’s Still Out: Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, Tim Tebow (still in college)
The Bad: Ron Dayne, Chris Weinke, Eric Crouch, Jason White, Troy Smith

Sammy Baugh Trophy Winners
The Good: Daunte Culpepper, Chad Pennington
Jury’s Still Out: Brady Quinn, Colt Brennan, Sam Bradford (still in school)
The Bad: Chris Weinke, David Carr, Kliff Kingsbury, BJ Symons, Stefan LeFors

Note – by Good/Potentially good I mean that they are serviceable players (ie Chad Pennington isn’t great, but he’ll work as a patch).

The point of this rambling, badly formatted post is to try to bring you into the light, brother. Let him not be judged by his works (ie stats and awards) from college, but the quality of his arm and the head on his shoulders. Harrell, though he appears to have his head, he doesn’t have an arm. Oh repent and let Harrell and Mike Leach go as a post note in college football history.

Ignore the hype; look at the results.

by harperslaw on Aug 18, 2009 11:58 AM CDT reply actions   1 recs

Rec'd

For the breakdown.

Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...

by Tim on Aug 18, 2009 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'm not saying that he will be great

But I am saying give a guy a chance.

by the why someone that did have a few college awards and stuff.

That you missed on the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Winners
But I guess he did finish 2nd in the Heisman voting.

Peyton Manning
1994 SEC Freshman of the Year154
1995 First-Team All-SEC154
1995 SEC Offensive Player of the Week (vs. Arkansas)154
1995 NCAA Offensive Player of the Week (vs. Arkansas)154
1996 Second-Team All-SEC154
1996 Third-Team All-American154
1996 SEC Offensive Player of the Week (vs. South Carolina)154
1996 SEC Offensive Player of the Week (vs. Georgia)154
1997 Davey O’Brien Award155
1997 Johnny Unitas Award155
1997 NCAA QB of the Year156
 1997 Maxwell Award155
1997 James E. Sullivan Award155
1997 Today’s Top VIII Award155
1997 SEC Championship MVP30
1997 Citrus Bowl MVP
1997 First-Team All-American154
1997 SEC Player of the Year154
1997 First-Team All-SEC154
1997 SEC Player of the Week (vs. Southern Miss)154
1998 Best College Player ESPY Award35
 
And a Key thing he has in common with both Manning and Brady is smarts (Manning finished his BS in 3 years and Brady graduated cum laude.

 A great arm + no brain = “Captian Hairspary”. A ok arm + great mind = Tom Brady

Again not saying he will be great I agree that college success doesn’t translate into pro success but that said based on your numbers from the awards winners that you listed and their current employment status it sits at about 30% that is a hell of a lot better chance than Alex Brink has of being a success.

by Texans-Brocos on Aug 18, 2009 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

I went back 10 Years for Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award

But let’s go all the way back to ‘87 if you’re concerned I’m slanting this issue.

The Good (4)
Rodney Peete
Peyton Manning
Carson Palmer
Eli Manning

Jury’s Still Out (3) (though I think 66% of this group will go to the ugly)
Matt Ryan
Brady Quinn
Matt Leinart

The Ugly (12)
Craig Erickson
Casey Weldon
Gino Torretta
Danny Wuerffel
Cade McNown
Chris Redman
Chris Weinke
David Carr
Don McPherson
Tony Rice
Jay Barker
Jason White
Charlie Ward
Tommie Frazier

Just for this particular award only 18% went on to be marginal to great successes.

We’re still waiting to decide on another 13%.

Then a whopping 68% of those guys either never made the league or were OOF (Out of Football).

As stated previously, just because a QB puts up good numbers in college does not mean he will be a solid NFL player. Just because a panel of guys decides to award a college player does not mean that endorsement will correlate to an NFL career. The NFL is not about resume writing, it’s playing ability. If Eric Mangini and 31 other coaches and front offices took a look at Graham Harrell (especially in camp) and passed they probably have a reason. They might be wrong, and Graham Harrell could be the next coming of Kurt Warner, but Warner had a good arm; Harrell doesn’t.

Ignore the hype; look at the results.

by harperslaw on Aug 18, 2009 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions   2 recs

Damn

Rec’d….good data and solid analysis

So you're saying that now I have to think of some witty Sig that will be applicable across all the SBN sites? Go TexanHornStroKets!

by Shake on Aug 19, 2009 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions  

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