Sympathy for Sam
7 comments so far
October 30, 2007 by
In the wake of the announcement that NU quarterback Sam Keller will miss the remainder of the season with an injury, I find myself feeling a great amount of sympathy for the kid. When you consider his arrival, this 2007 season so far for both NU and Arizona State, and what his injury means for both Keller and NU moving forward, its hard not to feel that way.
From Mercenary to Defacto Captain
Sam Keller's journey to NU is one of the most covered and discussed topics of the 2007 season. I don't need to rehash it here. But, I don't think I was the only Husker fan who was a little bit leery of this potential mercenary gunslinger coming in from Arizona State. And, the strange...even funny...cup-throwing incident this summer only made me more concerned that he was a Zabka-esque jerk.
Boy, was I wrong. On the field, Keller showed real guts to go along with his talent. And based on his commentary to the press, it appears he was an asset on the sidelines and in the locker room when NU sorely needed it. He certainly displayed a level of personal accountability that other players (and coaches) did not. To this point, I would consider Keller NU's defacto captain. He earned respect. Too bad his run under center for NU likely ends here.
Meanwhile...back in Arizona
While the Huskers are floundering at 4-5, Keller's former school - Arizona State - is 8-0 and in the thick of the national title hunt. Sure, their remaining schedule is tough. But to say they are responding to Dennis Erickson would be an understatement. No doubt, Keller looks back at that situation and wonders what might have been at his old school.
To be fair, Keller would have never played for Erickson. Had he been the starter at ASU last year - as he was originally slated to - he would have exhausted his eligibility. However, it has to be more bitter than sweet for him to see the guys in the colors he used to wear fair so well while his current team struggles.
There are some who will make a post-hoc error in reasoning, and point to Keller as the source of NU's woes and ASU's surge. Those people would be wrong. What is happening at both schools has to do with a lot more than just one player.
What's Next?
For Keller, losing the remainder of the season hurts. This was his last shot in college. Granted, his physiology and ability to manage two different types of pro-style offenses will likely make him valuable to some NFL team in the Draft. But, his stock has to fall because of the lost repetitions and production.
It is too bad Keller does not have another year left for NU, too. Zach Taylor made the media rounds this week espousing what a difference the second year of starting makes. Taylor’s own statistics spell that out. It's too bad for NU, too. Having a returning starter at QB would make whatever transition is to come that much easier.
For NU, it is time for Joe Ganz to step up. In the immediate future, maybe his steady hand can be a factor in helping get the Huskers another win or two. Down the road to next year, his having faced "live bullets" in meaningful games gives him a leg up in any competition that may take place. And, it gives NU some starting experience at quarterback for 2008.
For these reasons, I can't help but wonder what might have been for Keller at NU. And, I feel real sympathy for a football player who missed a window of opportunity.
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doombob Oct 30 07
Zac Taylor's comments have seemed to be a backhanded insult towards Bill Callahan for not putting in a player that will be there for more than one year. It may actually not mean that, but how can you not look at any statement this year and think about the negative spin. Anyway, Taylor seems to be pretty buddy buddy with Ganz and I don't blame him, his comments are cool and confident. Joe Cool. I love Double Meanings.
James Moore Oct 30 07
Man, you just have to feel for this guy. I feel awful for him. True competitor who gave us everything he had from scout team to last week in Texas. Hurting his thumb and missing the season, the Carpenter thing, and after showing character, guts, and fire this. I hope that somehow he is able to continue to play football for somebody, somewhere. If anyone deserves it, he does. Thanks for giving us all you had Mr. Keller.
Nate Oct 31 07
You should all stop talking as if Sam Keller was dead. As his time at NU as the starter is over, he will still (if he does choose to do so) have to live up to media hype going into the NFL. What you are going to see is talk unending about his talent and physical size and his (what some would call) not so impressive season at NU. But think about it. A Quarterback in the media is an instant stock rise regardless. Look at all the NFL teams struggling at the position this season. He will be valued as a Jeff Garcia who can step in and make plays to possibly save a team.
What can we expect from Joe Ganz. I'll tell you. 80 to 100 rushing yards per game. More TD's than INT's. And a nervous kid in the post game interviews. What is the difference between him and Keller? Sam made some throws that anyone would take back and had some INT's. But that is the style of QB that Sam is. A pocket style aim and shoot with unbelievable arm strength like Brett Favre. Too bad he was getting chased or hit so much. Ganz is a scrambler. He will have alot less INT's than TD's (most likely) than Keller did because he will opt to run out of the pocket more. So don't confuse this as Keller's lack of talent because I can tell you there is no lack what so ever. Good luck in the pro's Sam!
Darren Oct 31 07
I don't think my discussion was either maudlin or morbid. I just think this kid had much of his ability squandered at the college level (both ASU and NU), and that sucks. And I hope he gets a legit shot at Sunday football.
Dwayne Oct 31 07
So the real question now becomes when should or should at all Patrick Witt's red shirt be pulled if Ganz goes down? My feeling is that it shouldn't with the information that we know about the season and staff as of this point. Darren, your thoughts...
darren Oct 31 07
Wow, scary thought, Dwayne.
Should Ganz get hurt, my first instinct would be to preserve Lee first, and Witt second, just because Lee has fewer years of eligibilty left. So, I'd put in Witt before Lee for that reason.
In an effort to preserve them both...I might even consider putting in Beau Davis. Seriously.
THAT is the kind of decision you pay head coaches for. And, one I'm glad I will never be pressed to make.
Dwayne Oct 31 07
It really depends on the scenario but I would hope to think that red shirts wouldn't be burned for 2 or 2 1/2 games. I feel the situation is different than when Beck burned his against KSU a few years ago. I would use Davis but who knows what is and isn't right I guess. We may not know for 2 or 3 more years down the road. Hopefully Callahan won't be putting Ganz in the situation he did when Dailey played, but freaky things do occur. It's weird to think that 2 Joes could be starting and ending Callahan's career at NU.