McElroy Committs to..

[southlake thug]

Greg McElroy has changed his verbal committment to Alabama today after an official visit this weekend. Sucks for Tech, they lost a good QB. I expect Greg to rip up SEC secondaries for from now on. And Bama also has possible the best O-Line recruiting class of all time coming in this year.

[farmerfan]

Greg McElroy has changed his verbal committment to Alabama today after an official visit this weekend. Sucks for Tech, they lost a good QB. I expect Greg to rip up SEC secondaries for from now on. And Bama also has possible the best O-Line recruiting class of all time coming in this year.


Good fro McElroy. He will lovethe game day atmosphere in Tuscaloosa, Bryant Denny is one of my favorite stadiums in all of college football. There could be some battles in Atlanta between McElroy and Staford the next couple of years. The 3 QB's going to Florida, UGA and Bama are all top notch. Congrats to McElroy.

[southlake thug]

Good fro McElroy. He will lovethe game day atmosphere in Tuscaloosa, Bryant Denny is one of my favorite stadiums in all of college football. There could be some battles in Atlanta between McElroy and Staford the next couple of years. The 3 QB's going to Florida, UGA and Bama are all top notch. Congrats to McElroy.


Yeah the tradition and atmosphere down there was deff. one of the top reasons for his choice. I'm proud of my boy MC and expect him to succeed agian at the next level.

[drgnbkr]

Alabama has been after him for a while..they were at the Lufkin game I know, as well as Stanford & some others...I think Tech is still in good shape with Harrell and Potts...

[gritty52]

I hope he is tough enough for the SEC. My nephew will be blocking for him in 2 years.

[KT2000]

Two of the top QBs in Texas are lured to SEC schools....interesting. I can see it more from Stafford's point because of family ties, but still intriguing to me.

[drgnbkr]

I hope he is tough enough for the SEC. My nephew will be blocking for him in 2 years.

Tough is probably not a problem for Mc..He took some wicked shots this year & bounced up grinning every time...

[farmerfan]

Two of the top QBs in Texas are lured to SEC schools....interesting. I can see it more from Stafford's point because of family ties, but still intriguing to me.

Just think had Sneed not decommited from Florida then 3 of the top QB's from this state would be at SEC schools this next year. Factor in Dick starting at Arkansas and possibly Flynn starting at LSU then we could quite possibly see 1/3 of the starting QB's in the SEC being Texas boys.
I have always favored the SEC over the big 12 and I am looking forward to seeing Stafford and McElroy having some great battles in Atlanta.

[CKE]

thats good for him alabama treats there players real well and the state loves alabama football since they dont have a pro team

[Tusk-1]

South Lake,I just came across your thread on a board over here in Bama,and as of right now your a pretty big hit.I was curious if the info your talking about is pretty legit? Not doubting you or your sources ,we've been hearing different rumblings all day,and just kind of holding our breathes in wait.If you can offer any insight it would be greatly appreciated.Greg seems like a wonderful kid ,and a great QB,and I for one am excited of the possibilty of him coming to Bama.Thanks in advance........

[Congo]

Why'd he decommit from Tech (if that's what happened)?

- He held a press conference (well AFTER Taylor Potts committed) announcing his decision to Tech, wearing a Tech ball cap and giving the "guns up".
- He told radio announcers after the SLC/Katy game that he was going to try and recruit Newton to Tech, and apparently said he couldn't wait to get to Lubbock.
- He's been interviewed not once, but twice, by a Texas Tech radio program, once during school (after he got his teacher's permission to call in).
- He's told a TV interviewer that he couldn't wait to get to Tech to spend (five, I think he said) years with Benny Wylie, the strength coach there.

What's going on behind the scenes to get a young man who's sounded so "gung-ho" to Tech in so many venues to change his mind like this?

[farmerfan]

Why'd he decommit from Tech (if that's what happened)?

- He held a press conference (well AFTER Taylor Potts committed) announcing his decision to Tech, wearing a Tech ball cap and giving the "guns up".
- He told radio announcers after the SLC/Katy game that he was going to try and recruit Newton to Tech, and apparently said he couldn't wait to get to Lubbock.
- He's been interviewed not once, but twice, by a Texas Tech radio program, once during school (after he got his teacher's permission to call in).
- He's told a TV interviewer that he couldn't wait to get to Tech to spend (five, I think he said) years with Benny Wylie, the strength coach there.

What's going on behind the scenes to get a young man who's sounded so "gung-ho" to Tech in so many venues to change his mind like this?

It is not behind the scenes, there had been rumors for a while that he was interested in Alabama. All you have to do is look at Lubbock and look at Tuscaloosa and it is not that difficult of a choice of where you want to play your college football.

[farmerfan]

I know we are talking about McElroy and Alabama, but I thought I would share some of the pictures I was able to get this year while at the UGA/Boise State game.

http://community.webshots.com/user/BostonFarmer

[dragons08]

how many people does UGA's stadium seat? mannnnnnn that place is HUGE

[farmerfan]

how many people does UGA's stadium seat? mannnnnnn that place is HUGE

I believe with the addition ofthe 3rd deck a few years ago on the north side it can now seat 92,000. It is one of the 7 largest stadiums in America.

[Congo]

Farmerfan, that's not a good enough answer.

There's one thing to changing your mind (if indeed that's been done). He may not be the first, and if it happens he won't be the last.

But changing his mind after the very obvious "pro-Tech" press conferences, interviews, radio and TV he's done...

Yet, let's see what happens. And best to the young man wherever he ends up...

[BigFanSLC]

very good decision for McElroy. He will do a lot better at Alabama and play much more than at Tech.

[pack98]

That is why a player should not commit to a school before he A. Takes all of his visits and makes a choice. When a player commits to a school he should stick to it. you make a commitment to something you stick to it. there is nothing wrong with taking your visits and wating tell feb 2 to sign or after that. it would help to if the colleges would not scare the kids either commit to them or they will not have any offers later that is the sad thing about it. And sure the SEC got 2 of our QB but i can take that i rather see a texas go to any school in America except for that one up NORTH from Dallas in a city called Norman. Dont go there.

GO HORNS
GO PANTHERS

[pack98]

that is very true with Potts and harell there he may not have seen the field. that is what hurt us at Texas over the past seasons is having vince there no one wanted to sit on the bench for 2 seasons.

[farmerfan]

Farmerfan, that's not a good enough answer.

There's one thing to changing your mind (if indeed that's been done). He may not be the first, and if it happens he won't be the last.

But changing his mind after the very obvious "pro-Tech" press conferences, interviews, radio and TV he's done...

Yet, let's see what happens. And best to the young man wherever he ends up...

So are you accusing Alabama of some recruting violations? cause let me tell you after what they have been through the last 5-6 years they would be the last program to violate NCAA rules.
McElroy had not been a solid verbal to Tech during this whole process. There was always the possibility of him switching to Bama. He will play in more of a pro style offense while at Alabama then he would at Tech. If you had been following the recruiting process over the last few months it was always said that McElroy was not a solid to Tech, in fact I can remember hearing and reading before the championship game against Katy that Alabama had been very interested in pursuing him. Also he has a chance to get on the field quicker at Bama then he would at Tech. Why sit for the next 3 years when he can possibly get on the field at Alabama within the next year?

[jtk1519]

Farmerfan, that's not a good enough answer.

There's one thing to changing your mind (if indeed that's been done). He may not be the first, and if it happens he won't be the last.

But changing his mind after the very obvious "pro-Tech" press conferences, interviews, radio and TV he's done...

Yet, let's see what happens. And best to the young man wherever he ends up...

Would you expect him to be "anti-Tech" during a press conference? Of course he's going to be excited and pumped up, but you have to remember that he is still 17 or 18 years old. The only creature on Earth that changes it's mind more than a 17/18 year old boy is a 17/18 year old girl. Bottom line is that during the recruiting process, new opportunities arise and fall all the time. Obviously for Mr. McElroy, he was very excited about the chance to play for Tech, but when Bama started showing interest, his curiosity was peaked and he obviously liked what he saw.

I can tell you what McElroy will see at Bama that he will never see at Tech. Win or lose, 81,000 crazy people packing Bryant Denny Stadium. A game day atmosphere and game day experience that Lubbock can’t even hope to compete with. Rivalries and road games that the Big XII just can’t compete with. A state so rabid about their team that we can't even comprehend. And on and on.

BTW, what hat a kid is wearing or what hand signals he is flashing doesn't mean a damn thing. I can show you a picture of Ryan Periloser and Martellus Bennett wearing Longhorn hats and flashing the "hook 'em" sign. We all see how that panned out.

[drgnbkr]

Farmerfan, that's not a good enough answer.

There's one thing to changing your mind (if indeed that's been done). He may not be the first, and if it happens he won't be the last.

But changing his mind after the very obvious "pro-Tech" press conferences, interviews, radio and TV he's done...

Yet, let's see what happens. And best to the young man wherever he ends up...

I guess thats why they have an official "National Signing Day" in 3 weeks...until then its just a courtship between cut throat colleges & 17-18 year old kids...

[Congo]

Indeed, that's why they have it.

Farmerfan, you didn't see my answer. We own a business, and we've got customers among the Shula family...if the rest of them are as polite as the one I've dealt with, that's a blessed family indeed. I don't see anything that Alabama's done (other that what Colorado, Nebraska, Michigan and Tennessee have done, and that's simply contacting the McElroy family) that's anything other than fair and above board.

Still, if you have a favorite program, and you have a highly-ranked recruit (though he wasn't as much so at the time) A) call a press conference to commit to your school, with your school's hat on, flashing your school's "hand signals" (for lack of a better term), etc.; B) post, along with his father, on your schools bulletin boards; C) be interviewed as a commit not once but twice (including last month) by a radio program that's for fans of your school; D) tell a radio interviewer right after last month's championship game that he's looking forward to coming to your school and hopefully bringing some future recruits with him; E) go on a taped television interview last month saying that he "can't wait" to get to your school to spend five years working with the strength coach there who's apparently a family friend (?)...

Well, common sense tells me you'd be a bit upset, too.

Now, at Tech Mike Leach has, throughout most of his career, gotten kids to switch their commitment from other schools to Tech. As the Good book (and Jesus Himself) tells us in the Gospel of Matthew, those who live by the sword will die by it. I honestly can't shed many tears for him if this happens, nor do I think he would genuinely expect them given today's moral climate.

And I'm not convinced that this Alabama switch has actually occurred, either, for McElroy.

However, if the young man goes to Alabama, best to him...in the radio and television interviews (I've genuinely seen more with him than any other recruit I can remember save Mitch Mustain) I've heard him in he seems like a gracious young man.

There's this four-letter word called "L-I-F-E" that has a way of evening things out for all of us...

[Pearland1]

Most of this kids that go out of state you never heard from them again. I hope he makes it. He is not the only QB in the Alabama roster.

[gritty52]

My nephew was happy when I told him Mc was going to Bama. He is 6'6 310 can fly for a big man and can't wait to get to Bama.

[Favpack]

This announcement surprises me. Obviously Shula somehow convinced Greg that Bama does not plan to score 10 points a game for the next several years. Regardless, the SEC appears to be coming back around to a defensive oriented conference - this past year confirms that. I can understand rethinking TTech -- due simply to the abundance of qb's - but sure seems like another school would have been a far better fit for him than the Tide. They are a run oriented team that demands tough, hardnosed play from the qb with little concern for the forward pass. Not saying Greg can't do it - but would it be your first choice.

[Bamabuzzard]

They are a run oriented team that demands tough, hardnosed play from the qb with little concern for the forward pass.


I have to disagree. Bama traditionally has been known as a heavy "run first" team and if possible run all the time. Shula is in a process of changing that. If you got a chance to watch some of our games Shula made an attempt to throw the ball a lot. Of course no where near what Texas Tech attempts. But that is not our offense. We run a pro set/I formation variation offense with about a 60/40 run to pass ratio. However, up until our young offensive line starting falling apart this season we were throwing the ball very well and very often. Just ask Florida and South Carolina. Prothro went down and our younger receivers just didn't step up.

Years of "tradition" isn't changed over nite. Shula knows for us to compete for national titles we can't just line up and run, run, run. We have to be a more balanced team and all indications Shula is aggressively moving toward that. If McElroy does end up signing with us it won't be to simply hand the ball off.

[Sakatha]

Farmerfan, that's not a good enough answer.

There's one thing to changing your mind (if indeed that's been done). He may not be the first, and if it happens he won't be the last.

But changing his mind after the very obvious "pro-Tech" press conferences, interviews, radio and TV he's done...

Yet, let's see what happens. And best to the young man wherever he ends up...


Is there really any debate as to which is the better situation from *any* perspective?

Which is the better program?
Which conference in stronger at this point?
Which school doesn't produce cookie cutter QB's that aren't taken seriously after college?

On another note, tech has taken some SERIOUS recruiting hits this week... Very sad.... but not really..

~DnM

[Favpack]

As of early 2006 - here is my RANDOM list (not in a specific order) are the qb friendly schools:

1) Florida
2) BYU
3) Texas Tech
4) Notre Dame
5) Tennessee
6) Nebraska
7) Ariz State
8) UTEP

Bama doesn't top my list as the most un-friendly qb school, but it sure is below Tech. I have no idea what Greg's thought process was - I like Shula and that will be a good fit for him - beyond that - I'm not sure.

[Bamabuzzard]

Bama doesn't top my list as the most un-friendly qb school, but it sure is below Tech. I have no idea what Greg's thought process was - I like Shula and that will be a good fit for him - beyond that - I'm not sure.


I'm not sure what you mean by "below Tech". I assume you mean by "qb friendliness"? I see no real mystery as to why McElroy would come to Bama. We're not a three yards and a cloud of dust type offense like you seem to think we are. A lot of what you saw in the Cotton Bowl and through out the second half of the season was strictly because our young, injured, inexperience OL couldn't pass protect well enough for us to pass the ball like Shula wanted to. So we had to play with what we had and that was to play it close the vest and rely on our defense. But when we were healthy we lit up Florida through the air and South Carolina as well. After the Florida game our injuries caught up with us.

The offense Shula runs is very similar to what many pro teams run. Any player thinking about the NFL wants to familiarize himself with what he's going to be expected to learn on the next level. He has 15 yrs of pro experience and also has MANY connections to the NFL. The "Shula Factor" is what we call it. His last name draws attention to a lot of recruits and since he was a qb's coach and offensive co. he's been to the "show" and knows what it takes to get there. That is very attractive to all players, not only qb's.

[Favpack]

Thanks for the input Buzzard - I don't follow the Tide that closely - just reflect on the scores and I seem to recall a few 9-3 scores -- or in that range. Prothro's injury seemed pretty devastating. As I said I do like Shula - have like him since his playing days and years in Dallas - and I wish Greg all the best there - I'm sure it wasn't a rash decision.

[BamaFaninTexas]

Bama doesn't top my list as the most un-friendly qb school, but it sure is below Tech. I have no idea what Greg's thought process was - I like Shula and that will be a good fit for him - beyond that - I'm not sure.

I'm not sure if I agree with this. Tech is getting the reputation that their QB's gaudy numbers are a derivative of the offensive system, not the QB himself. For all Cody Hodges has done he doesn't seem to be high on anyone's draft board.

If Greg goes to Tech he will be behind Graham Harrell (baring injury)for the next 3 years and will have to fight it out with Potts, if he goes to Alabama his chances of significant playing time go way up.

Alabama runs a pro style offense based on running to set up the pass, a model used by most pro teams. Alabama's coach is a) an experienced college quarterback b) an experienced QB coach in the pro's c) an experienced offensive coordinator in the pro's. If I'm Greg...which team/coach can most likely get me to the next level?

As to pure atmosphere there is no comparison. Go to the Bear Bryant Museum on campus, the amount of history there would knock over any football fan. The shear number of Alabama's national titles, SEC titles, 10 win seasons, bowl games/bowl game wins would be attractive to any kid. The place simply screams "this is where to play football". And as to an earlier comment about Bryant Denny Stadium, by the time Greg runs on that field the end zone expansion will be complete and he will be playing in front of 91,000 Bama fans.

Don't get me wrong, I'm from Alabam but I've lived in Texas 80% of my life. I played high school football here and no one can match the tradition and excellence of Texas High School football. That's why so many out of state schools recruit here. I have friends who went to Tech, hell I almost went to Tech. It's a fine school, but for football I'd have to ask WHY would he go to Tech if he had the chance to go to Alabama?

[Bamabuzzard]

Thanks for the input Buzzard - I don't follow the Tide that closely - just reflect on the scores and I seem to recall a few 9-3 scores -- or in that range. Prothro's injury seemed pretty devastating. As I said I do like Shula - have like him since his playing days and years in Dallas - and I wish Greg all the best there - I'm sure it wasn't a rash decision.

Most college fans still view bama as the "three yards and the cloud of dust", and this season probably didn't change that view. But Mike Shula (in his early press conferences) point blank said that he wanted to transform Bama into a more balanced pro style offense. Any bama fan (worth their salt) will tell you that he's making a definite effort to do that. We throw the ball deep much more than in years past. He's putting a major emphasis on getting the bigger, taller, faster receivers. He's going out of his way to get the best qb's he can when in years past (since we ran the ball so much) I think a passing qb wasn't viewed as a "need". It is definitely a "need" with Coach Shula and that is probably one of the things Coach Shula told McElroy.

Oh, by the way. I live here in northwest louisiana and get to watch a lot of ya'lls games and I love watching Tech's offense. Talk about exciting.

[Tigerhater06]

My nephew was happy when I told him Mc was going to Bama. He is 6'6 310 can fly for a big man and can't wait to get to Bama.

I know this is about McElroy possibly committing to Bama but being an Alabama fan I have to ask if you don't mine giving some more info on your nephew like maybe where he goes to school and a name (even if it just a last name) if you don't mine because I am a Bama fan and would like to try and follow the name thru his recruiting process to see where he commits (hopefully Bama). I like Texas Tech's offense and believe me with the system ya'll have you will have no problem plugging in another gun slinger at QB. Hodges really impressed me with his throwing and running ability and is one tough guy and I know he is gone now but this was his first year at Qb after sitting three waiting so I know ya'll will be at least top 5 in offense again with that system in place.

RTR

[farmerfan]

It's cool to see so many Bama fans on this site. I have always enjoyed watching the SEC and been to a game at Bryant Denny stadium. It is a very special place. It's great to see Bama back and competiting with the top teams again.

[LarryFine]

"Sucks for Tech, they lost a good QB. " Why would you say that? I know I am about to get blasted by the 6000 SLC posters here and yes I would much rather McElroy go to Tech than Alabama, but it doesn't exactly suck for us.

We still have Potts in this class & at 6'4, 205 & had 2 good years at AHS. He isn't exactly a reach. He is as solid a QB prospect out of Texas this year, except for Stafford.

It isn't like McElroy was going to beat out Graham Harrell anytime soon. Isn't that one of the reasons he chose Alabama, quicker route to the starting job? Isn't part of the reason he is heading to Alabama is he doesn't want to wait 3 or 4 more years to start?

That doesn't even mention the blue chip QB from Kentucky who RS this season.

By the time Harrell leaves, we'll have another McElroy or two recruited. I wish he would come to Tech, but it isn't like he was the crown jewel of the class or the final piece to the puzzle for us.

McElroy is going to a fine program and will enjoy his time out there. I wish him the best, but it doesn't suck for Tech. It could be better for Tech or it would be nice for Tech if he came, but doesn't exactly suck for Tech.

Flame on Dragons.

[eazyrey]

GM attented a football camp ran by the Alabama staff. He was by far the best qb attending. There is an local qb named Smelley who was courted by quite a few SEC coaches that did not perform as well as McElroy, Shula saw this and got into contact. Bama stayed in contact with GM throughout the year, they let the Smelley kid go to South Carolina. I'm not sure anybody knew this, just thought it might had been a factor.

[dragonsdaddy]

GM attented a football camp ran by the Alabama staff. He was by far the best qb attending. There is an local qb named Smelley who was courted by quite a few SEC coaches that did not perform as well as McElroy, Shula saw this and got into contact. Bama stayed in contact with GM throughout the year, they let the Smelley kid go to South Carolina. I'm not sure anybody knew this, just thought it might had been a factor.
as many detractors will tell you, he went to many camps. he was one of if not the best at almost every one of them. i will miss seeing him more often at tech, but he will be a great addition to a truly historic program. i hope they are done with the sanctions and the reasons for the sanctions.

[drgnbkr]

"Sucks for Tech, they lost a good QB. " Why would you say that? I know I am about to get blasted by the 6000 SLC posters here and yes I would much rather McElroy go to Tech than Alabama, but it doesn't exactly suck for us.

We still have Potts in this class & at 6'4, 205 & had 2 good years at AHS. He isn't exactly a reach. He is as solid a QB prospect out of Texas this year, except for Stafford.

It isn't like McElroy was going to beat out Graham Harrell anytime soon. Isn't that one of the reasons he chose Alabama, quicker route to the starting job? Isn't part of the reason he is heading to Alabama is he doesn't want to wait 3 or 4 more years to start?

That doesn't even mention the blue chip QB from Kentucky who RS this season.

By the time Harrell leaves, we'll have another McElroy or two recruited. I wish he would come to Tech, but it isn't like he was the crown jewel of the class or the final piece to the puzzle for us.

McElroy is going to a fine program and will enjoy his time out there. I wish him the best, but it doesn't suck for Tech. It could be better for Tech or it would be nice for Tech if he came, but doesn't exactly suck for Tech.

Flame on Dragons.

No flames..Mc made the decision based on what was best for him..I'm sure Potts is ready for the challenge....

[slorch]

Most of this kids that go out of state you never heard from them again. I hope he makes it. He is not the only QB in the Alabama roster.
yeah recently, Drew Tate( baytown Lee) and Drew Brees( westlake) never did much. Nor did the Detmers or a kid named Michael Bishop.

I can see how you would think Texas QB's never make it...

[slorch]

GM attented a football camp ran by the Alabama staff. He was by far the best qb attending. There is an local qb named Smelley who was courted by quite a few SEC coaches that did not perform as well as McElroy, Shula saw this and got into contact. Bama stayed in contact with GM throughout the year, they let the Smelley kid go to South Carolina. I'm not sure anybody knew this, just thought it might had been a factor.
Tim Tebow going to Florida, IMO had a much bigger impact on the decision to go to 'bama

[dragonsdaddy]

Tim Tebow going to Florida, IMO had a much bigger impact on the decision to go to 'bama
probably more to the point, bama's interest wouldn't have been there had tebow stayed committed.

[southlake thug]

Indeed, that's why they have it.

Farmerfan, you didn't see my answer. We own a business, and we've got customers among the Shula family...if the rest of them are as polite as the one I've dealt with, that's a blessed family indeed. I don't see anything that Alabama's done (other that what Colorado, Nebraska, Michigan and Tennessee have done, and that's simply contacting the McElroy family) that's anything other than fair and above board.

Still, if you have a favorite program, and you have a highly-ranked recruit (though he wasn't as much so at the time) A) call a press conference to commit to your school, with your school's hat on, flashing your school's "hand signals" (for lack of a better term), etc.; B) post, along with his father, on your schools bulletin boards; C) be interviewed as a commit not once but twice (including last month) by a radio program that's for fans of your school; D) tell a radio interviewer right after last month's championship game that he's looking forward to coming to your school and hopefully bringing some future recruits with him; E) go on a taped television interview last month saying that he "can't wait" to get to your school to spend five years working with the strength coach there who's apparently a family friend (?)...

Well, common sense tells me you'd be a bit upset, too.

Now, at Tech Mike Leach has, throughout most of his career, gotten kids to switch their commitment from other schools to Tech. As the Good book (and Jesus Himself) tells us in the Gospel of Matthew, those who live by the sword will die by it. I honestly can't shed many tears for him if this happens, nor do I think he would genuinely expect them given today's moral climate.

And I'm not convinced that this Alabama switch has actually occurred, either, for McElroy.

However, if the young man goes to Alabama, best to him...in the radio and television interviews (I've genuinely seen more with him than any other recruit I can remember save Mitch Mustain) I've heard him in he seems like a gracious young man.

There's this four-letter word called "L-I-F-E" that has a way of evening things out for all of us...


It is real funny that you are acting like you know what your talking about with Gregs committment to Tech. None of your statements are credible since you know nothing about his recruiting procces. Why do you continue to doubt my information? Today Greg was on Fox Sports Southwest and announced his committed to the University of Alabama.

[dragonsdaddy]

It is real funny that you are acting like you know what your talking about with Gregs committment to Tech. None of your statements are credible since you know nothing about his recruiting procces. Why do you continue to doubt my information? Today Greg was on Fox Sports Southwest and announced his committed to the University of Alabama.
as did his progenitors in a recent phone call to this reporter.

[farmerfan]

I think McElroy was in a situation he could not pass up. I had the fortune to not only meet Mr McElroy at PO Melvins but got the chance to talk to him for about 10 minutes, he was one of the nicest men I have ever met. I look forward to following him during his Bama days and only wish I had the talent and work ethic that Greg has displayed that I to could have gone to Alabama. I think in a situation like this we all should be supportive of his decision to attend Bama rather than be harping on why he decommited from Tech.

[Red Raiders]

Greg McElroy has changed his verbal committment to Alabama today after an official visit this weekend. Sucks for Tech, they lost a good QB. I expect Greg to rip up SEC secondaries for from now on. And Bama also has possible the best O-Line recruiting class of all time coming in this year.

Our Tyler Lee QB Preston Hill commits to Texas Tech with Taylor Potts... (I think its right)

[Texasfrog]

Congrats to McElroy. I hope he does very well at Alabama. There has been a few Texas kids go over to "Bama" the last few years and do very well. RB-Shaud Williams, LB-Derrick Pope, DB-Charles Pephrah, OL-JB Closner.

I dont want to downplay it, but McElroy is going to have some very tough competition at "Bama" with a pretty good Red-shirt freshman named John Parker Wilson from Hoover, Al.

Next.. there is alot of Texas QB's over the last couple of seasons that have gone into the SEC and done pretty good or projected to do very well.

QB- Matt Flynn (LSU)- Peach Bowl MVP.
QB- Casey Dick (Arkansas) started several games this season as a freshman.
QB- Matt Stafford (Ga) - Probably going to start as a true freshman.
QB- Greg McElroy (Alabama) - has a chance to do very well.
QB- Nick Stephens (Ole Ms or Tenn) - Looks like Ole Miss or Tenn.

Not an SEC school but I think Christian Ponder is going to do some great things for Florida St (ACC).

I think its extremely safe to say that the State of Texas is stepping up as one of the top QB producing States in the nation.:D

[LarryFine]

yeah recently, Drew Tate( baytown Lee)

Sure, bring that guy up & poor salt in the wounds of Aggies & Red Raiders. RC offers Drew as a JR. TAMU kicks RC upstairs and brings in Fran. Fran isn't interested in a short QB. Drew begs Leach to offer but Leach is interested in this big kid from Bridgeport. Drew goes to Iowa. TAMU suffers, PD transfers to SHSU, and Drew looks pretty good at Iowa and has the last laugh. Oh well TAMU will start McGee next season & Tech will start Harrell.

McElroy seem to want to play at Alabama for a while, I can't begrudge him jumping at the chance. I was at the Cotton Bowl and the Alabama fans were great. Greg McElroy will be fine there.

[Texasfrog]

Most college fans still view bama as the "three yards and the cloud of dust", and this season probably didn't change that view. But Mike Shula (in his early press conferences) point blank said that he wanted to transform Bama into a more balanced pro style offense. Any bama fan (worth their salt) will tell you that he's making a definite effort to do that. We throw the ball deep much more than in years past. He's putting a major emphasis on getting the bigger, taller, faster receivers. He's going out of his way to get the best qb's he can when in years past (since we ran the ball so much) I think a passing qb wasn't viewed as a "need". It is definitely a "need" with Coach Shula and that is probably one of the things Coach Shula told McElroy.

Oh, by the way. I live here in northwest louisiana and get to watch a lot of ya'lls games and I love watching Tech's offense. Talk about exciting.

I agree with you. My best friend is from Alabama. I've been watching alot of Alabama games over the last few years and they arent "run left, run right" anymore. I would say they are a pretty balanced overall offense that runs probably one of the best NFL style offensives in college football.

Of coarse Brodie Croyle is probably the best "under-rated" QB in the nation. I think he has a very good NFL career ahead of him.

Greg McElroy isnt going to have the "keys" handed to him at Alabama. QB-John Parker Wilson is a pretty heady QB and is going to make some tough competition.

[Texasfrog]

yeah recently, Drew Tate( baytown Lee)

Sure, bring that guy up & poor salt in the wounds of Aggies & Red Raiders. RC offers Drew as a JR. TAMU kicks RC upstairs and brings in Fran. Fran isn't interested in a short QB. Drew begs Leach to offer but Leach is interested in this big kid from Bridgeport. Drew goes to Iowa. TAMU suffers, PD transfers to SHSU, and Drew looks pretty good at Iowa and has the last laugh. Oh well TAMU will start McGee next season & Tech will start Harrell.

McElroy seem to want to play at Alabama for a while, I can't begrudge him jumping at the chance. I was at the Cotton Bowl and the Alabama fans were great. Greg McElroy will be fine there.

I think Iowa was always in the picture for Drew Tate. His step-dad (Coach Olin) Baytown Lee, is from Iowa. I'm glad Tate went to the Univ-Iowa and like watching him playing there. He's done very well and it wont surprise me to see him tossing in the NFL.

[slorch]

yeah recently, Drew Tate( baytown Lee)

Sure, bring that guy up & poor salt in the wounds of Aggies & Red Raiders. RC offers Drew as a JR. TAMU kicks RC upstairs and brings in Fran. Fran isn't interested in a short QB. Drew begs Leach to offer but Leach is interested in this big kid from Bridgeport. Drew goes to Iowa. TAMU suffers, PD transfers to SHSU, and Drew looks pretty good at Iowa and has the last laugh. Oh well TAMU will start McGee next season & Tech will start Harrell.

McElroy seem to want to play at Alabama for a while, I can't begrudge him jumping at the chance. I was at the Cotton Bowl and the Alabama fans were great. Greg McElroy will be fine there.
I was being sarcastic, all those guys had great college careers

[Octoberfest]

Not an SEC school but I think Christian Ponder is going to do some great things for Florida St (ACC).

I think its extremely safe to say that the State of Texas is stepping up as one of the top QB producing States in the nation.:D

With all the QB shuffling at FSU over the past couple of days, spring drills should be interesting for Mr. Ponder.

[Congo]

Southlake thug,

You're right that I don't know much about McE's recruiting process. I've actually asked some people if, given what we've learned today, Leach did something to really hack off the McElroy family.

But I've a question...

On a bulletin board (like this one) anyone can pretend to be just about anyone else if you know the right things to say.

Whenever you've found someone on a bulletin board pretending to be someone they're not, and making things up (as McElroy did last month when he pretended to be his father, and posted on a subscription Red Raider board that "Gregory is 100% committed to Texas Tech" (exact words, in response to Texas Tech fans quite uneasy about rumors on a TCU board that McElroy was heading there)) does that give you much confidence in them? Or, even in these days of situational ethics, would it possibly indicate that there's something a bit more wrong in the head of the individual posting it than just a proclivity to pull childish pranks?

It was good to see many Tech fans on that same bulletin board wishing the young man well, as I do. But, frankly, the feeling I have is relief about him tonight. As a Tech fan, I think it's a very good thing that he's rolling with the Tide tonight.

[wide-e-wide]

This is a bulletin board?
wow...all this time I thought it was a place to talk smack.

[TTURedRaider]

I wish McElroy well at Alabama. He wanted to play there originally and finally got to sign with them.

Now I don't see why yall have to act like playing at Tech is like playing at a JUCO when you say why he went to Alabama instead..

I can tell you what McElroy will see at Bama that he will never see at Tech. Win or lose, 81,000 crazy people packing Bryant Denny Stadium. A game day atmosphere and game day experience that Lubbock can’t even hope to compete with. Rivalries and road games that the Big XII just can’t compete with. A state so rabid about their team that we can't even comprehend. And on and on.

Now it might be stacked in their favor personally I think Tech does alright.

Our stadium only seats 56k but there are plans to add on to it that have already been approved. Should be at least 60-65k... We've set back to back attendance records. Most Tech fans are crazy though you got to give us that.

The game day atmosphere in Lubbock is actually quite nice. You got RaiderGate which is basically a 4 hour offical party before the game. Lots of tents with vendors selling Tech gear and food tents from Lubbocks restraunts. Also a stage where bands come and play. Thats not including the greek tailgating and etc going on.

The Tech vs A&M game is pretty hardcore... Has virtually the same sort of record as the Auburn vs Alabama series I believe. Just less publicized.

Before Texas lit us up these last two games that was a pretty good game as well. Beat them in 02. Got beat 43-40 in 03 where they pulled a Frsh VY for Chance Mock to lead them down the field on the final drive with his arm. Also I know the SEC isn't a easy but neather is the Big 12. Going to play Texas, A&M, OU, Nebraska, Colorado... isnt exactly easy.


To those saying who has a better chance of getting him to the next level? Well Shula knows more people in the NFL. But Tech has ties to the NFL. Bill Parcells (a friend of Bobby Knight) along with the Browns HC used to coach in Lubbock. Leach got Kingsbury and Symons into the NFL and both of them had the knock of being system QBs. They havent done anything there but they got to the dance alright. Heck Kingsbury might of got a ring since he was on the Patriots in 03.

[RocklandDragon]

I'm sad to see a great talent like McElroy to not attend Texas Tech, but I can't blame him. Graham Harrell will be there for quite a while. Also, with the year of learing already under his belt, Harrell has such a huge advantage of knowing Mike Leach's system. It would be 2 years minimum (barring a catastrophic injury to Harrell), that McElroy would have a shot to compete with Harrell. Not to mention the fact that Taylor Potts (rumors of him jumping ship are rampant) and many other great quality quarterbacks that he'll have to compete with. Even Mack Brown made a backhanded compliment to Texas Tech about Tech hoarding great quaterbacks. Besides, a shot to play for the Crimson Tide--become part of the Iron Bowl, SEC rivalries, playing at an 80,000+ venue filled with people that will support you thick and thin--is just unreasonable for a great athlete like him to pass up.

I wish him well. I think he'll continue the resurgence of the mighty Alabama football program.

I want Texas Tech to play Alabama again. That game was great!! The AD's of both schools need to work out an arrangement on that.

:cool:

[Bamabuzzard]

Now I don't see why yall have to act like playing at Tech is like playing at a JUCO when you say why he went to Alabama instead..


You're exactly right. Anybody playing at Texas Tech has absolutely NOTHING to be ashamed of. Coach Leach has done (and will continue to do) a brilliant job with your program. I was very impressed with your team in the cotton bowl. Very good athletes and a very well designed offense. If I could make two suggestions to your team I'd say commit to the run a little more (to attract a better quality of rb in recruiting) and beef up your defense.

"Physical defenses" will shut down most offenses regardless of what they run i.e. spread offense, spread option, et. In the Cotton Bowl the inability of your defense to be "physical" with our offense is really the ONLY reason we won that game.

But TT has a good thing going and the Bama Nation has nothing but respect for your program and good luck in 2006.

[BamaFaninTexas]

Now I don't see why yall have to act like playing at Tech is like playing at a JUCO when you say why he went to Alabama instead..

I certainly didn't mean it that way. I have tremendous respect for TTU and what Leach has done for yall. All I meant was that I have been to several Tech games in Lubbock, and several Bama games at Bryant Denny (even been to one at Legion Field) and the difference is palpable. You can feel the atmosphere at Bryant Denny. The history, the winning tradion, notable players going back to Bart Starr, Namath, Stabler, etc up to someone like DeMeco Ryans who will be a first rounder this year.

Alabama fans don't just expect to win games and conference titles, their expectations are National Championships...and that expectation started back in 1925 and continues to the present.

Tech will continue to improve and become a power in the Big 12. And if that defense can tighten up even more they will be downright dangerous. Certainly be proud of Tech, yall are looking like you could be a consistent Top 25 team. Besides, yall already have to many stud QB's on your roster anyway. You've got Harrell and Potts, yall are fine for the next 4-5 years and you know it.

One other thing, they're expanding Bryant Denny for next season, it should seat either 91,000 or 93,000 when they are finished. Roll Tide

[WestlandTiger'95]

you cant say that alabama is a better place if you want to go the next level....
i may be mistaken but i was at the cotton bowl and during the alabama highlight reel IT said the last Bama QB to start in the NFL was Joe Namath so be careful of saying that McElroy would have a better shot at goin to the NFL at bama.

[rancher52]

you cant say that alabama is a better place if you want to go the next level....
i may be mistaken but i was at the cotton bowl and during the alabama highlight reel IT said the last Bama QB to start in the NFL was Joe Namath so be careful of saying that McElroy would have a better shot at goin to the NFL at bama.
That can't be correct. Although there is not a long list of successful QBs, Ken Stabler and Jeff Rutledge were after Namath. During those years after Namath, as has been mentioned, the emphasis was on the running game.

[BamaFaninTexas]

you cant say that alabama is a better place if you want to go the next level....
i may be mistaken but i was at the cotton bowl and during the alabama highlight reel IT said the last Bama QB to start in the NFL was Joe Namath so be careful of saying that McElroy would have a better shot at goin to the NFL at bama.

That would be a great arguement if Mike Shula had been the coach all these years, however, thats not the case. Shula is the first pass minded head coach they've had. He has NFL experience coaching QB's, TE's, and as Tampa's offensive coordinator. Read the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal... McElroy cited Shula's NFL experience as one of several reasons he made the switch. As well as Bama's tradition:

"As the season progressed and I started to receive more and more interest from the likes of Alabama and Michigan and schools like that, things changed a little bit,'' McElroy said. "So when Alabama came forth with an offer, it really kind of struck me. They just have tremendous tradition, an unbelievable record of great quarterbacks, and 12 national championships speaks for itself." Just to clarify, when he says great QB's he's referencing college experience, not just guys who made it to the pro's. Jay Barker wasn't a pro stud, but I believe he was 34-3 as a starter?!

And there have been Alabama quarterbacks in the NFL since Namath, most notably Stabler and Rutledge.

[Favpack]

Yeah- but look at UT. The second greatest UT qb in NFL history has started about 6 games - Chris Simms!!! Did you see that stat?

After Bobby Layne - UT has squat for NFL qb's. That wishbone hangover has lasted about 40 years.

[dragonsdaddy]

it should have been ya tittle, but for some mix up when he got to austin to register, sending him packing to lsu.

[Favpack]

it should have been ya tittle, but for some mix up when he got to austin to register, sending him packing to lsu.

That's what I call a registration snafu. Can't blame it on computers.

Slingin' Sammy Baugh probably would have picked Austin over TCU - but I think he could only hitch a ride as far as Ft. Worth from the family farm.

[TTURedRaider]

You're exactly right. Anybody playing at Texas Tech has absolutely NOTHING to be ashamed of. Coach Leach has done (and will continue to do) a brilliant job with your program. I was very impressed with your team in the cotton bowl. Very good athletes and a very well designed offense. If I could make two suggestions to your team I'd say commit to the run a little more (to attract a better quality of rb in recruiting) and beef up your defense.

"Physical defenses" will shut down most offenses regardless of what they run i.e. spread offense, spread option, et. In the Cotton Bowl the inability of your defense to be "physical" with our offense is really the ONLY reason we won that game.

But TT has a good thing going and the Bama Nation has nothing but respect for your program and good luck in 2006.

I personally think we need to rush more and work in a little play action passing. Some more undercenter plays would help our QBs get to the NFL since they wont see so much shotgun in the NFL.

The main problem with getting a RB is we have to fight with Texas, A&M, OU, and Okie State for RBs. The better tradition and success comes up with all of them especially at the RB. All that being said we've have a decent RB tradition over our history. Donny Anderson way back in the day. More recently our RBs have won the Doak Walker Award... TTU sits only behind Texas who has 3 to our 2.

Henderson was a good RB coming out of HS. Rushed for 6,337 yards and 76 touchdowns during his career and led his team to a Class 3A Championship.

The thing will help is Graham Harrell isn't as big a scrambler as Hodges was. So he will hand off the ball. Also when he got in he would check down into the run every so often to keep them honest.

Our defense is as physical as it can be. We play soft corners and we just try to keep everything infront of us. They did pretty well against the run. The thing that hurt us is we didnt get pressure on Croyle. That stems from our DC's philosophy of just keep everything infront of you dont get beat. He blitzes less than anyone in college football. We only blitzed maybe once in the CB. I mean picture the exact polar opposite of the Grits Blitz. That means our D-line has to get pressure on the QB when there going 4 on 5 or 6. We don't have the talent on D-line to be able to get to the QB all the time.

On defense we need to get better D-line and Linebacker recruits in my mind.

I certainly didn't mean it that way. I have tremendous respect for TTU and what Leach has done for yall. All I meant was that I have been to several Tech games in Lubbock, and several Bama games at Bryant Denny (even been to one at Legion Field) and the difference is palpable. You can feel the atmosphere at Bryant Denny. The history, the winning tradion, notable players going back to Bart Starr, Namath, Stabler, etc up to someone like DeMeco Ryans who will be a first rounder this year.

Alabama fans don't just expect to win games and conference titles, their expectations are National Championships...and that expectation started back in 1925 and continues to the present.

Tech will continue to improve and become a power in the Big 12. And if that defense can tighten up even more they will be downright dangerous. Certainly be proud of Tech, yall are looking like you could be a consistent Top 25 team. Besides, yall already have to many stud QB's on your roster anyway. You've got Harrell and Potts, yall are fine for the next 4-5 years and you know it.

One other thing, they're expanding Bryant Denny for next season, it should seat either 91,000 or 93,000 when they are finished. Roll Tide

Ive never been to a game at Bryant Denny. At any football game there is a atmosphere, now Alabama clearly has the edge on history, winning tradition, and more notable stars. Also yes they're a winning program so they always want to win the NC. There more like Texas, OU, and A&M... in those respects.

Now this is how I would try to sell recruits on coming to Tech instead.
The cool thing that Tech has going for it I would argue is were in the process of starting the history of a winning tradition and more notable stars. So instead of following in others footsteps you can make your own. You can be on the first team that wins the Big 12 title for Tech and etc.

Its that way everywhere. Both in sports and academics. Were building more and more stuff on campus. Leach called for us to re-do the athletic facilities. Officals from Notre Dame visited the Campus to get ideas for upgrades for their campus. They just finished the renovations of that one side of the stadium in 03. In 07 on the other side there going to add a parking garage, a upper deck and more seats on the corners. It should add about 10k seats bring us up to 66k.

[Texasfrog]

With all the QB shuffling at FSU over the past couple of days, spring drills should be interesting for Mr. Ponder.

I wont be surprised to see Ponder work his way into a starting role next season. I got to see the a couple of games with PONDER and was very impressed by him. I think he has some dang good skill and is kind of a sleeper.

[Texasfrog]

you cant say that alabama is a better place if you want to go the next level....
i may be mistaken but i was at the cotton bowl and during the alabama highlight reel IT said the last Bama QB to start in the NFL was Joe Namath so be careful of saying that McElroy would have a better shot at goin to the NFL at bama.

I was at the Cotton Bowl this year also.. That QB they had for them (Brodie Croyle) will be in the NFL. That kid has a dang gun and very good. He is a good kid to boot.

[southlake thug]

I wont be surprised to see Ponder work his way into a starting role next season. I got to see the a couple of games with PONDER and was very impressed by him. I think he has some dang good skill and is kind of a sleeper.


I doubt Ponder will beat out Xavier Lee and Drew Weatherford. So how can you say that he will start? I thought he was going to redshirt anyway. He is a damn good QB, but look at the depth chart.