Could Huskers Add Another QB?

3 comments so far August 22, 2006 by Darren K. Carlson

A quarterback controversy at Arizona State could create a positive effect for NU. Sam Keller was ASU's starter for the first half of last season before injuring his hand. After the injury, Rudy Carpenter stepped in and played very well. The two battled for the job all of last Spring and in this Fall camp. ASU coach Dirk Koetter named Keller - a senior this season - the starter on Friday. He then reversed his decision on Sunday and name the sophomore Carpenter the starter. Both Keller and Coach Koetter have said that a transfer to another school is a very real possibility for Keller. NU is supposedly on the short list of transfer options for Keller, which creates a number of interesting topics on the Nebraska side of things.

Here are the nuts and bolts. If Keller transfers to an division 1-A school, NCAA rules stipulate that he must sit out one year. If he transfers to a division 1-AA school, he does not. The upside for Keller is that he has his red shirt season remaining. So, he could use that year to sit out, and then play his senior season (where ever it is he chooses) in 2007.

So, what are the possibilities that Keller transfers to NU? Actually, pretty good. Many reporters online and on the radio are citing (but not naming) credible sources that say NU is very much on the short list. And, that Keller and his family have contacted NU about a possible transfer. Apparently Keller's father has experience as a player and executive in the NFL, and knows Coach Callahan and other NU coaches that way. And, the situation in Nebraska is attractive - big time program with an influx of talent at the offensive skill positions, but in need of a quarterback. NU is one of several schools apparently in the running, including conference rivals Colorado and Oklahoma.

Next, lets assume for a second that he DOES in fact choose NU as his transfer school. What does that mean for the Huskers? Potentially, it could mean quite a lot for the 2007 season, as NU would be getting a talented player at an important position, one where they would have a hole to fill.

Keller is a real talent. The kid was a 4-star prospect as a high school recruit, and many publications list him as one of the top 10-15 quarterbacks in the country heading in to his senior season. He has NFL aspirations and talent. He's 6'4'', 240 lbs, and has a very strong arm. Midway through the season last year, he was leading the country in passing yards, and torched an LSU defense (led by one Bo Pelini) for 451 yards and four touchdowns. He can play.

Assuming he sits out the 2006 season, Keller would join a 4-way race to replace Zach Taylor at quarterback for 2007 with Joe Ganz, Brian Hildebrand and incoming freshman Patrick Witt. His talent and starting experience have to put Keller somewhere near the very top of that list of names. It would be as close to a perfect storm as you could get for NU's offense, too. They will have major talent returning at nearly every single position of the offense in 2007...except for quarterback. I would think they might be just the right trigger man away from being something very special.

But, let's not get too ahead of ourselves. As of late last night and this morning, things were still very unclear about Keller's future and if that includes NU. And, even if he does join Callahan's home for wayward quarterbacks, is there a downside that we aren't seeing yet? I can't imagine that the ASU staff would let a talent like Keller just walk out the door for no reason. Is there something about this guy's playing or personal habits we don't know? Maybe. In fact, there is a lot we don't know. But it sure is fun to think about.

Update: The Wizard of Odds has some more dirt and at least one ASU writer thinks it was a bad move to bench Keller. Here is video of ASU Coach Koetter talking to the press about his decision.

Photo: CSTV

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