Lesean McCoy getting pressed from his mother (1 Viewer)

[Blackjacks]

I'm a big fan of McCoy's as well as others' on this board it sounds like. I was looking around the weba nd found this for anyone wondering what is going to happen with him.

REPORT: PITT RB BEING PRESSURED BY MOM TO TURN PRO

Posted by John Taylor on January 12, 2009, 9:46 p.m.

Earlier today, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, citing an unnamed source, reported that Pittsburgh running back LeSean McCoy was “expected to announce today that he will turn professional.”

Later in the day, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, citing a press release issued by the university, stated that the tailback told head coach Dave Wannstedt he was not ready to make a decision.

Now, a television station in Pittsburgh has added yet another intriguing slant to the whole McCoy-to-the-NFL story.

According to KDKA-TV, and citing sources very close to the story, McCoy wants to return to Pittsburgh for his senior season, but is being pressured by his mother to make himself available for the 2009 draft and does not to want to cause any family friction by going against her advice.

Additionally, the report says, McCoy loves both the college life and being the big man on campus.

The report ends by stating that McCoy is “an emotional wreck”, and that the source for the story “feels sorry” for the running back.

(WRITER’S NOTE: McCoy would not actually be returning for his senior season as he spent a year at a prep school before joining the Panthers. Thanks to the two astute readers who so kindly pointed out my faux pas.)

http://www.collegefootballtalk.com/category/rumor-mill/

DOES STOOPS KNOW WHICH WAY BRADFORD IS LEANING?

Posted by John Taylor on January 12, 2009, 9:23 p.m.

With a Thursday deadline looming, arguably the biggest name junior who has yet to declare is Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford.

Dennis Dodd of CBS Sportsline.com spoke to Bradford’s coach, Bob Stoops, at the American Football Coaches Association convention in Nashville earlier today. Stoops told Dodd that he had a feeling as to which direction Bradford was heading, but refused to divulge where that may be.

“Everyone wants to know. He’ll get it figured out,” Stoops said.

The Heisman Trophy winner is thought by some to be a candidate for the top pick in the draft, while others see him falling to the 15-25 range.

This uncertainty over his slotting could be the deciding factor which nudges Bradford back to Norman for one final season.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Momma wants some cash

 

[awesomeness]

Momma knows best.

Because really he'd be foolish to return to Pitt.

 

[Blackjacks]

Yeah, sound like Momma wants a new pair of shoes.

 

[EBF]

It's the right decision. His future is football and he has nothing to gain by staying in school.

After watching Pitt's inept offense in their bowl game, I can't understand why he's even tempted to return.

 

[JohnnyU]

Maybe he should turn pro and not share any of the wealth with his mommy.

 

[Wadsworth]

Maybe he should turn pro and not share any of the wealth with his mommy.

Why? It sounds like mom is giving him good advice.

 

[JohnnyU]

Maybe he should turn pro and not share any of the wealth with his mommy.

Why? It sounds like mom is giving him good advice.

I'm under the impression she is a money monger.

 

[T Bell]

After all, a boy's best friend is his mother . . .

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Larry Fitzgerald has also advised Shady McCoy to go pro. The kid would be a fool to stick around another year with Stache and Stull at Pitt.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

To be honest, I don't think that emotional maturity was really his strong point. I followed him in HS when he was making his decision and he had some issues with it there as well. This could be one of those kids that doesn't want to and isn't ready to grow up and face the real world.

 

[Chachi]

The kid is holding a lottery ticket, at worst he is going to sign a deal where he is set for life and he's only 20 years old, at best he goes higher and gets more money, plays a long career, has endorsements... etc;

His mom is doing what a good parent would do, if my kid was holding a winning lottery ticket, I'd tell him to go get it, why would I tell my kid, hold onto it, it might get slightly bigger, but you might lose it altogether and you won't be set for life and you'll have to bust your butt til your 65.

 

[Chachi]

To be honest, I don't think that emotional maturity was really his strong point. I followed him in HS when he was making his decision and he had some issues with it there as well. This could be one of those kids that doesn't want to and isn't ready to grow up and face the real world.

I get the same impression.

 

[The Jerk]

Although there is the possibility that his draft status declines due to injury or a subpar season, I think it is just as likely that McCoy's draft status improves if he returns to Pitt. At this point, he's probably a second-round draft pick and due to a scarce number of teams interested in running backs, he may even slide to the end of the round. The publicity of a Heisman campaign and a potential big bowl game could help make McCoy a first-rounder. I'm not astute to compare how the 2010 draft may be in terms of RB peers and NFL team needs, but this year looks pretty tough for him.

More importantly, he could use another year to become more emotionally and physically mature. He sounds like he is not really ready to take on the professional world. I question whether he will reach anywhere near his true pro potential if his heart and head are not 100% committed to be in the NFL. An extra year could actually enable him to improve in all of these areas. He could end up with more money, a better focus/commitment and a stronger body.

I believe he can take out a $5 million injury insurance policy as far as covering the absolute worst-case scenario. I know many people say that the purpose of college is to improve your prospects for a given profession, and while I agree with this, I think there is another aspect of education in terms of broadening your world and improving your self-knowledge, too. I barely use what I studied in college and now would probably fail to pass many of my exams, but I still remember much of the experiences and challenges I faced in growing up and learning about myself and others during those years. As the years go by, while it doesn't show up on a resume, it is that informal education that probably has done more in terms of preparing me for my adult life.

This all being said, most of all I hope he does what he really wants to do rather than be pushed into his decision.

 

[The Jerk]

Larry Fitzgerald has also advised Shady McCoy to go pro. The kid would be a fool to stick around another year with Stache and Stull at Pitt.

Yeah, but Fitz was a guaranteed top 5 pick and Heisman runner-up (ridiculous that he lost out to Jason White), whereas McCoy is a second-rounder barring a phenomenal combine. And the maturity level of Fitzgerald was off-the-charts in every aspect, and McCoy is not there yet. He seems like a great personality and a good teammate -- not a troublemaker -- but he may not be ready for the pro world.

 

[Kleck]

To be honest, I don't think that emotional maturity was really his strong point. I followed him in HS when he was making his decision and he had some issues with it there as well. This could be one of those kids that doesn't want to and isn't ready to grow up and face the real world.

Refresh my memory; Didn't McCoy have a scholarship to Miami but they backed out after he broke his ankle during his junior year of high school? Was it after that when he struggled to find a school to play for, and Pitt was one of few that still had a lot of interest?

 

[awesomeness]

Although there is the possibility that his draft status declines due to injury or a subpar season, I think it is just as likely that McCoy's draft status improves if he returns to Pitt. At this point, he's probably a second-round draft pick and due to a scarce number of teams interested in running backs, he may even slide to the end of the round. The publicity of a Heisman campaign and a potential big bowl game could help make McCoy a first-rounder. I'm not astute to compare how the 2010 draft may be in terms of RB peers and NFL team needs, but this year looks pretty tough for him.More importantly, he could use another year to become more emotionally and physically mature. He sounds like he is not really ready to take on the professional world. I question whether he will reach anywhere near his true pro potential if his heart and head are not 100% committed to be in the NFL. An extra year could actually enable him to improve in all of these areas. He could end up with more money, a better focus/commitment and a stronger body.I believe he can take out a $5 million injury insurance policy as far as covering the absolute worst-case scenario. I know many people say that the purpose of college is to improve your prospects for a given profession, and while I agree with this, I think there is another aspect of education in terms of broadening your world and improving your self-knowledge, too. I barely use what I studied in college and now would probably fail to pass many of my exams, but I still remember much of the experiences and challenges I faced in growing up and learning about myself and others during those years. As the years go by, while it doesn't show up on a resume, it is that informal education that probably has done more in terms of preparing me for my adult life.This all being said, most of all I hope he does what he really wants to do rather than be pushed into his decision.

I'm not so sure why people are adament that he's going to be a 2nd rounder. There's no way in hell he's a late 2nd round pick imo. I expect McCoy to have a better combine than both Moreno and Beanie Wells, and would not be surprised if hes the first RB taken in the draft. Even in McCoy returns to Pitt, i don't see how they are going to get in a big bowl game. The offense is terrible, McCoy is the offense. If he went back to school he would just be putting more carries on his legs, shortening his NFL career and potential to make millions by one year. If he stays it would be a very big mistake on his part, imo.

 

[snellman]

DOES STOOPS KNOW WHICH WAY BRADFORD IS LEANING?

Posted by John Taylor on January 12, 2009, 9:23 p.m.

With a Thursday deadline looming, arguably the biggest name junior who has yet to declare is Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford.

He is not a Junior. He is a redshirt sophmore which makes him eligible to declare for the draft. I think if OU had won the National Championship he would have declared, but with them losing, I think he still has that to prove. As an OU fan, I sure hope that is the case anyway

 

[The Jerk]

I'm not so sure why people are adament that he's going to be a 2nd rounder. There's no way in hell he's a late 2nd round pick imo. I expect McCoy to have a better combine than both Moreno and Beanie Wells, and would not be surprised if hes the first RB taken in the draft.

McCoy has shown problems with fumbling, is not as powerfully built as some others in the draft, and as I stated before, the demand for RB this year is low.

Even in McCoy returns to Pitt, i don't see how they are going to get in a big bowl game. The offense is terrible, McCoy is the offense. If he went back to school he would just be putting more carries on his legs, shortening his NFL career and potential to make millions by one year.

You may be right, but the offense was averaging nearly 30 ppg prior to the Sun Bowl debacle. The offensive line should be improved and really, the QB play can hardly be worse. I think Pitt has as good a chance as any in the Big East to win the conference.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I'm not so sure why people are adament that he's going to be a 2nd rounder. There's no way in hell he's a late 2nd round pick imo. I expect McCoy to have a better combine than both Moreno and Beanie Wells, and would not be surprised if hes the first RB taken in the draft.

McCoy has shown problems with fumbling, is not as powerfully built as some others in the draft, and as I stated before, the demand for RB this year is low.

Even in McCoy returns to Pitt, i don't see how they are going to get in a big bowl game. The offense is terrible, McCoy is the offense. If he went back to school he would just be putting more carries on his legs, shortening his NFL career and potential to make millions by one year.

You may be right, but the offense was averaging nearly 30 ppg prior to the Sun Bowl debacle. The offensive line should be improved and really, the QB play can hardly be worse. I think Pitt has as good a chance as any in the Big East to win the conference.

based on what? Cause there aren't that many "open" jobs. Teams will take the BPA regardless of position if the player is high on thier board. Didnt hink Pitt or Carolina or Tenn needed a RB but they took one in round1

 

[awesomeness]

I'm not so sure why people are adament that he's going to be a 2nd rounder. There's no way in hell he's a late 2nd round pick imo. I expect McCoy to have a better combine than both Moreno and Beanie Wells, and would not be surprised if hes the first RB taken in the draft.

McCoy has shown problems with fumbling, is not as powerfully built as some others in the draft, and as I stated before, the demand for RB this year is low.

He isn't as powerful as the other backs, but thats not his style. He is quicker and faster than both Moreno and Beanie. And judging by how successful young quick/fast RBs have been doing this past year i think its likely more teams will think about following suit. The one thing that scares me about Moreno is that i think his stock will fall if he runs a 4.50+ and McCoy runs at or below 4.45. Fumbling is one of the easiest problems to fix for a RB imo; i don't think any team would focus in on that characteristic of McCoy's and devalue him because of it. There is hardly ever a big demand for RB's in the early rounds of rookie drafts. And at the moment McCoy is easily one of the top 4 RBs in this draft with the potential to be #1. I don't see how its going to get any better for him to stay one more year.

 

[The Jerk]

based on what?

I'm looking at teams and their projected needs and talent available in the first round. I'm no Mel Kiper Jr. but it appears that very few teams would take a RB in the first round because of other more pressing needs.I disagree that PITT, CAR and TENN didn't need RBs. The Steelers had questions about Parker and really no alternative until they signed Mewelde Moore. Mendenhall fell and they took him. Carolina was done with Foster, and Tennessee didn't like what they had with Chris Brown (or was it someone else).None of those choices were ultimately surprising. They were among the teams greater needs and at least in the Steelers case, their hand was more or less forced because the OL and DL that fit their scheme were all gone by the time pick 23 arrived.You might want to remember that this is a message board and people have differing opinions on certain topics. I may be very wrong about McCoy's draft potential and it will not at all be the first time. However, I've been know to be right occasionally, too. (sorry, no link ) Don't take it personally if I have a different viewpoint than you.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

To be honest, I don't think that emotional maturity was really his strong point. I followed him in HS when he was making his decision and he had some issues with it there as well. This could be one of those kids that doesn't want to and isn't ready to grow up and face the real world.

Refresh my memory; Didn't McCoy have a scholarship to Miami but they backed out after he broke his ankle during his junior year of high school? Was it after that when he struggled to find a school to play for, and Pitt was one of few that still had a lot of interest?

No even after the ankle he was still high on everyone's list. He was said to be leaning toward Penn State and made good friends with Jared Odrick, current PSU DT. But he made a poor impression during his official visit. Apparently he got into it with Michael Robinson over something. He also apparently was completely unprepared when he met with a academic rep during that trip to discuss college classwork. He didn't make the grades and had to go to Prep school, but still signed with Miami. Near the end of prep school he had a falling out with Miami, rumored to be mutual, and re-opened his recruitment. Then he finally signed with Pitt. He's a great RB and I wish him well, but it really seems like he needs to grow up more before becoming a professional. The ironic thing is that he would think he would get great lessons on that from his older brother. For those who don't know, his brother LeRon has hung around the NFL for several years as a WR for the Cardinals. Not sure if he's still there. So you would think he would have a great mentor in becoming an NFL player. Who knows.

 

[brewer]

I believe he can take out a $5 million injury insurance policy as far as covering the absolute worst-case scenario.

I've heard this stated before, but how does a kid with very little money take out an insurance policy of any substance without violating NCAA rules?

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

based on what?

I'm looking at teams and their projected needs and talent available in the first round. I'm no Mel Kiper Jr. but it appears that very few teams would take a RB in the first round because of other more pressing needs.I disagree that PITT, CAR and TENN didn't need RBs. The Steelers had questions about Parker and really no alternative until they signed Mewelde Moore. Mendenhall fell and they took him. Carolina was done with Foster, and Tennessee didn't like what they had with Chris Brown (or was it someone else).None of those choices were ultimately surprising. They were among the teams greater needs and at least in the Steelers case, their hand was more or less forced because the OL and DL that fit their scheme were all gone by the time pick 23 arrived.You might want to remember that this is a message board and people have differing opinions on certain topics. I may be very wrong about McCoy's draft potential and it will not at all be the first time. However, I've been know to be right occasionally, too. (sorry, no link ) Don't take it personally if I have a different viewpoint than you.

Im not taking it personally at all. From now till about august 1 is the best time on these boards. This RB class might be weak as to me there are only a few guys that stand out and maybe none go in the first round, but I remember alot of talk around here that it was hard to determine where the 1st round rb's would go last year and it was a surprise that so many did go in round1

 

[kremenull]

Although there is the possibility that his draft status declines due to injury or a subpar season, I think it is just as likely that McCoy's draft status improves if he returns to Pitt. At this point, he's probably a second-round draft pick and due to a scarce number of teams interested in running backs, he may even slide to the end of the round. The publicity of a Heisman campaign and a potential big bowl game could help make McCoy a first-rounder. I'm not astute to compare how the 2010 draft may be in terms of RB peers and NFL team needs, but this year looks pretty tough for him.More importantly, he could use another year to become more emotionally and physically mature. He sounds like he is not really ready to take on the professional world. I question whether he will reach anywhere near his true pro potential if his heart and head are not 100% committed to be in the NFL. An extra year could actually enable him to improve in all of these areas. He could end up with more money, a better focus/commitment and a stronger body.I believe he can take out a $5 million injury insurance policy as far as covering the absolute worst-case scenario. I know many people say that the purpose of college is to improve your prospects for a given profession, and while I agree with this, I think there is another aspect of education in terms of broadening your world and improving your self-knowledge, too. I barely use what I studied in college and now would probably fail to pass many of my exams, but I still remember much of the experiences and challenges I faced in growing up and learning about myself and others during those years. As the years go by, while it doesn't show up on a resume, it is that informal education that probably has done more in terms of preparing me for my adult life.This all being said, most of all I hope he does what he really wants to do rather than be pushed into his decision.

Or he can damage his career by going back to school and get a significant injury (ala Michael Bush) when a Top 50 selection is almost assured at this point. Take the advice of Moms on this one Shady.......GO PRO YOUNG MAN!!

 

[Wadsworth]

Running backs do so much damage to their bodies with every season and are at such risk of major injury that anytime they have a shot at being a first day pick it's worth consideration. I have a hard time taking the moral high ground with his mom when if it was my kid I'd likely give the same advice. And I don't need any money from my kid.

 

[The Jerk]

Running backs do so much damage to their bodies with every season and are at such risk of major injury that anytime they have a shot at being a first day pick it's worth consideration. I have a hard time taking the moral high ground with his mom when if it was my kid I'd likely give the same advice. And I don't need any money from my kid.

I'm not sure it's a moral high ground issue. I've heard McCoy has really enjoyed his time in college and others have mentioned possible maturity issues when it comes to turning pro. I hope he makes the decision that is best for him with minimal outside interference either way.

 

[Kleck]

To be honest, I don't think that emotional maturity was really his strong point. I followed him in HS when he was making his decision and he had some issues with it there as well. This could be one of those kids that doesn't want to and isn't ready to grow up and face the real world.

Refresh my memory; Didn't McCoy have a scholarship to Miami but they backed out after he broke his ankle during his junior year of high school? Was it after that when he struggled to find a school to play for, and Pitt was one of few that still had a lot of interest?

No even after the ankle he was still high on everyone's list. He was said to be leaning toward Penn State and made good friends with Jared Odrick, current PSU DT. But he made a poor impression during his official visit. Apparently he got into it with Michael Robinson over something. He also apparently was completely unprepared when he met with a academic rep during that trip to discuss college classwork. He didn't make the grades and had to go to Prep school, but still signed with Miami. Near the end of prep school he had a falling out with Miami, rumored to be mutual, and re-opened his recruitment. Then he finally signed with Pitt. He's a great RB and I wish him well, but it really seems like he needs to grow up more before becoming a professional. The ironic thing is that he would think he would get great lessons on that from his older brother. For those who don't know, his brother LeRon has hung around the NFL for several years as a WR for the Cardinals. Not sure if he's still there. So you would think he would have a great mentor in becoming an NFL player. Who knows.

Thanks, man.

 

[No. 16]

To be honest, I don't think that emotional maturity was really his strong point. I followed him in HS when he was making his decision and he had some issues with it there as well. This could be one of those kids that doesn't want to and isn't ready to grow up and face the real world.

Yah cause playing football for millions is the real world.

 

[CrossEyed]

Maybe he should turn pro and not share any of the wealth with his mommy.

Why? It sounds like mom is giving him good advice.

Shouldn't his mom be concerned about what he wants to do? The NCAA can provide them with up to a $5 million insurance policy against injury. So why not buy him the policy and let him return to Pitt? He'll most likely be a higher pick in '10 and make more money than if he declares this year.

 

[BeTheMatch]

Maybe he should turn pro and not share any of the wealth with his mommy.

Why? It sounds like mom is giving him good advice.

Shouldn't his mom be concerned about what he wants to do? The NCAA can provide them with up to a $5 million insurance policy against injury. So why not buy him the policy and let him return to Pitt? He'll most likely be a higher pick in '10 and make more money than if he declares this year.

Unless there's a rookie salary cap in 2010. Or would that not be until 2011?

 

[Wadsworth]

Maybe he should turn pro and not share any of the wealth with his mommy.

Why? It sounds like mom is giving him good advice.

Shouldn't his mom be concerned about what he wants to do? The NCAA can provide them with up to a $5 million insurance policy against injury. So why not buy him the policy and let him return to Pitt? He'll most likely be a higher pick in '10 and make more money than if he declares this year.

He'll also have another years damage done to his body and I don't know how much a $5m policy costs but I bet it's not cheap for a running back. And while he may or may not be a higher draft pick and make more money next season, we know he'll have bypassed one season of earnings if he goes back to Pitt. He'll also have to wait an extra season to be done with his rookie contract and have the option of free agency. RBs have a very short window in the NFL as traditionally few do much after 30 year of age. I encourage the kid to do whatever he thinks is best. But a lot of folks here seem to be coming down hard on the mom for some reason. I sounds to me like she's giving him reasonable advice and their no reason to assume that she's doing it for selfish reasons.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Larry Fitzgerald has also advised Shady McCoy to go pro. The kid would be a fool to stick around another year with Stache and Stull at Pitt.

Yeah, but Fitz was a guaranteed top 5 pick and Heisman runner-up (ridiculous that he lost out to Jason White), whereas McCoy is a second-rounder barring a phenomenal combine. And the maturity level of Fitzgerald was off-the-charts in every aspect, and McCoy is not there yet. He seems like a great personality and a good teammate -- not a troublemaker -- but he may not be ready for the pro world.

The only reason McCoy should go pro is because he'll be a year closer to his 2nd pro contract. Generally the big one for most players. Most RBs don't get more than 2 pro contracts. Sticking around at Pitt in that offense another year isn't likely to drastically improve his draft stock and is very likely to eat the tread on his tires. Running backs have such a limited shelf life it's important to capitalize as soon as possible.

 

[CrossEyed]

Maybe he should turn pro and not share any of the wealth with his mommy.

Why? It sounds like mom is giving him good advice.

Shouldn't his mom be concerned about what he wants to do? The NCAA can provide them with up to a $5 million insurance policy against injury. So why not buy him the policy and let him return to Pitt? He'll most likely be a higher pick in '10 and make more money than if he declares this year.

Unless there's a rookie salary cap in 2010. Or would that not be until 2011?

I saw Goodell quoted as saying that if an agent is telling an underclassman to go early because a rookie cap is coming next year, the agent is lying to them.

 

[Sudoku_in_the_Bathtub]

Wanny's still at Pitt after botching Joe Flacco?

 

[The Jerk]

Wanny's still at Pitt after botching Joe Flacco?

Walt Harris was the coach who recruited Tyler Palko, Luke Getsy and Joe Flacco within a one year period (maybe two years). Palko and Getsy arrived at the same time. Palko won the job and Getsy transferred to Akron when the season began. Flacco was a freshman that year and played in a mop up rule and/or in place of an injured Palko for a few snaps, maybe a game. Flacco transferred after his freshman year, I believe. As you can see, I'm not sure of all the details, but I am certain Flacco left Pitt when Walt Harris was the head coach.

 

[Wilbur Wood]

The Insurance Concepet is nearly worthless as it only pays off per a "career threatning" injury. So he'd get $5M in the 0.001% chance that gets a career ending spinal chord injury. All first time knee and ankle injuries are not career threatning. They may make him "damaged goods" and lose 0.2 tics of his 40 time, but will not make him eligible for an insurance payout.

RB's should nearly always come out if they will go in the 1st 2 rounds. They have a finite shelf life more so than any other position and why use up 300+ touches on the lifetime odometer for free as it less mileage available to be paid for as a pro.

 

[brewer]

Wanny's still at Pitt after botching Joe Flacco?

Walt Harris was the coach who recruited Tyler Palko, Luke Getsy and Joe Flacco within a one year period (maybe two years). Palko and Getsy arrived at the same time. Palko won the job and Getsy transferred to Akron when the season began. Flacco was a freshman that year and played in a mop up rule and/or in place of an injured Palko for a few snaps, maybe a game. Flacco transferred after his freshman year, I believe. As you can see, I'm not sure of all the details, but I am certain Flacco left Pitt when Walt Harris was the head coach.

This is correct. Tyler Palko was a great leader for Pitt, but I'm not sure that Flacco ever got a fair shot at winning that job. It was indeed Walt Harris who was at the helm though.If we want to start into who should be fired from Pitt, both of my hands go up for Matt Cavanaugh.

 

[CrossEyed]

Wanny's still at Pitt after botching Joe Flacco?

Walt Harris was the coach who recruited Tyler Palko, Luke Getsy and Joe Flacco within a one year period (maybe two years). Palko and Getsy arrived at the same time. Palko won the job and Getsy transferred to Akron when the season began. Flacco was a freshman that year and played in a mop up rule and/or in place of an injured Palko for a few snaps, maybe a game. Flacco transferred after his freshman year, I believe. As you can see, I'm not sure of all the details, but I am certain Flacco left Pitt when Walt Harris was the head coach.

This is correct. Tyler Palko was a great leader for Pitt, but I'm not sure that Flacco ever got a fair shot at winning that job. It was indeed Walt Harris who was at the helm though.If we want to start into who should be fired from Pitt, both of my hands go up for Matt Cavanaugh.

 

[guderian]

McCoy decides to leave Panthers

Pittsburgh running back LeSean McCoy confirmed he will enter the NFL draft.

"You never know what could happen," McCoy said Wednesday. "I just want to take care of my family."

McCoy said his NFL research showed he may be the second running back off the board in the first round, behind Georgia's Knowshon Moreno.

"I'm shifty," McCoy said. "I can make you miss. I can do a lot of things. I got a good report. I love Pitt, but this is a great opportunity."

McCoy, a sophomore who is draft-eligible because he attended prep school for a year, had said in November 2008 that he was returning to Pitt for his junior season. Even as late as Jan. 5, Panthers coach Dave Wannstedt said McCoy had told him he was staying.

However, McCoy and his family met with Wannstedt late last week, when McCoy informed his coach he would finalize his decision during the weekend.

 

[Chachi]

By the way Lesean declared for the draft today, something about taking care of his family.

http://www.pittsburghpostgazette.com/pg/09014/941664-142.stm

 

[Blackjacks]

2 out of the top four rookie picks will atleast get me two of Moreno, McCoy Wells or Crabtree whihc makes me very .

 

[CrossEyed]

McCoy decides to leave Panthers

Pittsburgh running back LeSean McCoy confirmed he will enter the NFL draft.

"You never know what could happen," McCoy said Wednesday. "I just want to take care of my family."

Translation: My mother was making my life a living hell and I didn't want to have to deal with it for another year.

 

[BeTheMatch]

McCoy decides to leave Panthers

Pittsburgh running back LeSean McCoy confirmed he will enter the NFL draft.

"You never know what could happen," McCoy said Wednesday. "I just want to take care of my family."

Translation: My mother was making my life a living hell and I didn't want to have to deal with it for another year.

I don't see why anyone has to dump on the guy or his family for wrestling with a difficult decision.

 

[BeTheMatch]

2 out of the top four rookie picks will atleast get me two of Moreno, McCoy Wells or Crabtree whihc makes me very .

Sweet. Be sure to let us know how your draft goes.

 

[Blackjacks]

2 out of the top four rookie picks will atleast get me two of Moreno, McCoy Wells or Crabtree whihc makes me very .

Sweet. Be sure to let us know how your draft goes.

Our rookie draft isn't until July so you'll waiting awhile

 

[Jaysus]

This kid is a certified dummy, and has no business being in school... he's got to take this opportunity while he still has it. Best of luck to him.

 

[BeTheMatch]

2 out of the top four rookie picks will atleast get me two of Moreno, McCoy Wells or Crabtree whihc makes me very .

Sweet. Be sure to let us know how your draft goes.

Our rookie draft isn't until July so you'll waiting awhile

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Wanny's still at Pitt after botching Joe Flacco?

Walt Harris was the coach who recruited Tyler Palko, Luke Getsy and Joe Flacco within a one year period (maybe two years). Palko and Getsy arrived at the same time. Palko won the job and Getsy transferred to Akron when the season began. Flacco was a freshman that year and played in a mop up rule and/or in place of an injured Palko for a few snaps, maybe a game. Flacco transferred after his freshman year, I believe. As you can see, I'm not sure of all the details, but I am certain Flacco left Pitt when Walt Harris was the head coach.

This is correct. Tyler Palko was a great leader for Pitt, but I'm not sure that Flacco ever got a fair shot at winning that job. It was indeed Walt Harris who was at the helm though.If we want to start into who should be fired from Pitt, both of my hands go up for Matt Cavanaugh.

Actually it was on Stache's watch...Stache wouldn't let him out of his scholarship.

Flacco passing for Big Ben

By Joe Starkey, TRIBUNE-REVIEW

Friday, December 12, 2008

About the writer

Joe Starkey can be reached via e-mail or at 412-320-7810.

Dave Wannstedt desperately wanted to keep Joe Flacco on the Pitt roster after spring practice in 2005.

Pitt was down to two scholarship quarterbacks - Flacco and incumbent starter Tyler Palko - and anybody could see that the 6-foot-6 Flacco was a monster talent.

"We knew about the arm strength and accuracy," Wannstedt recalled Thursday, "but I had no idea he could move around like that. He was running all over the place."

Thing was, Palko, a local kid, was coming off a superb sophomore season under Walt Harris. There was no way Flacco, a New Jersey kid who would have been a redshirt sophomore, was going to unseat him.

Nor should he have. Palko had established himself as a quality college quarterback.

Wannstedt also was looking ahead, picturing Flacco as Palko's one-year replacement in 2007 (can you imagine how different Pitt's '07 season might have been?).

So, Wannstedt tried. He told Flacco about how Vinny Testaverde and Steve Walsh had waited their turn at the University of Miami.

Flacco would have none of it - and you could hardly blame him, either. He wanted to play, and as he recounted Wednesday, his leaving was "nobody's fault."

Now a star rookie for the Baltimore Ravens, Flacco's only complaint was that Pitt did not release him from his scholarship. He had to sit out a year before launching an incredible two-year career at Division I-AA Delaware.

Wannstedt didn't want to get into the circumstances surrounding Flacco's departure, saying only: "I'm glad it worked out for him."

Did it ever.

Flacco parlayed his record-setting college career into a $30-million contract with the Ravens, who drafted him 18th overall. He is playing so well that he has drawn comparisons to a young Ben Roethlisberger, who joined the Steelers during Flacco's final year at Pitt.

The comparisons of their rookie years are legitimate and quite timely, as the Ravens and Steelers prepare for a titanic battle Sunday in Baltimore.

"With Flacco's size and the way he makes plays with his feet, those are things you're accustomed to seeing with Ben," Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden said. "He's a very poised guy, very instinctive, very intelligent."

Ravens coach John Harbaugh wanted no part of the Flacco-Roethlisberger comparison during an odd, Bill Belichick-style, clipped-answer teleconference with Pittsburgh reporters Wednesday, but the similarities are too obvious to ignore.

Both are athletic "freaks," as Steelers coach Mike Tomlin might say, with quickness that belies their large frames. Both can make every conceivable throw. Both own a burning desire to win (see Flacco's head-first launch into Redskins linebacker London Fletcher), and both showed from Day 1 they had an innate ability to keep plays alive while keeping their eyes trained downfield.

And like Ben four years ago, Flacco was supposed to be a rookie apprentice, not a rookie star. But when Troy Smith and Kyle Boller went down in training camp, it was time for Baltimore Joe to step in, which is the way he wanted it all along.

When I spoke with Flacco in camp, back when it looked as if he might be the No. 3 quarterback, he said: "I feel like if I'm sitting on the bench, all I'm doing is getting worse each day."

Yeah, he doesn't lack for confidence, either.

Once it became clear Flacco would start, team leader Ray Lewis pulled him aside and asked a simple question: Why can't you do for us what Roethlisberger did for the Steelers?

"Ray has said many things to me," Flacco said. "I just took out of it that he has confidence in me, so just go out there and play the way you know how to."

We might never again see somebody go 13-0 as a rookie, as Roethlisberger did in 2004, when he also broke Dan Marino's first-year records for completion percentage (66.4) and passer rating (98.1). The only way Flacco could top Big Ben's rookie season would be to go to the Super Bowl.

Meantime, Flacco is making some history of his own. If he throws a touchdown pass Sunday, he will become only the third rookie in NFL history with a TD pass in nine straight games.

Over his past eight games, Flacco has taken off, throwing for 12 touchdowns, three interceptions, a passer rating of 95.6 and a record of 7-1. He is among the leading third-down and fourth-quarter passers in the NFL.

In other words, this is no ordinary rookie.

"He's got ice water in his blood, man," said Steelers linebacker James Farrior, who saw Flacco post an 81.7 passer rating in the teams' first meeting this season.

But let's not pin this game solely on the Flacco-Roethlisberger matchup. That would be too limiting. It's not like they'll be on the field together, and both will be dealing with deadly defenses.

Flacco put the game in better terms.

He might be a rookie, but he knows a fierce rivalry when he sees one.

"Baltimore-Pittsburgh," he said. "I think that says enough."