BQB News

Falcons Sign Randall to Practice Squad

The Atlanta Falcons signed Bryan Randall an undrafted rookie free agent from Virginia Tech to their practice squad shortly after cutting him from their active roster for the 2005 season. Similarly Marcus Randall former QB at LSU was signed to the Tennessee Titans practice squad as a safety.

BQB’s Among Final Cuts in Training Camp 2005

The “turk” visited several QB’s including Bryson Spinner of the Redskins, Shane Boyd of the Titans, Tory Woodbury of the Bills, Bryan Randall of the Falcons, Josh Harris of the Cleveland Browns and surprisingly Rohan Davey of the Patriots.

Chicago Bears Sign Jeff Blake

Despite initially saying they wouldn't add a veteran quarterback in the wake of Rex Grossman's injury, the Bears signed Jeff Blake to a one-year deal Sunday, according to the Chicago Tribune. Coach Lovie Smith said Blake will battle Kurt Kittner for the third-string job behind Chad Hutchinson and rookie Kyle Orton.

Former Tennessee QB to transfer to Junior College

Schaeffer says he is attending the College of the Sequoias in Visalia, California. He originally was thought to be going to Clemson, but they refused to accept his pledge. After this season, he will have two years of eligibility remaining, and then he could transfer to another SEC school. He is interested in Florida, Auburn and Georgia.

First Ever Black QB – Fritz Pollard inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame

Congratulations to the family of Frederick (Fritz) Pollard for his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame the weekend of 8/6/2005. Pollard played in the American Professional Football Association (Precursor to NFL) for seven years for Akron (1919-1921, 1925-26), Milwaukee (1922), Hammond (1923, 1925) and Providence (1926). Even though Pollard faced discriminatory tactics by fans and opposing players, including the racially insensitive song “Bye Bye Blackbird”, he continued to prosper as he did in college. He led the Akron Pros to the championship in 1920, attaining All League status and was lauded along with Jim Thorpe as the major gate attractions. Later on he was the first African American head coach in the NFL (Hammond, Indiana) and is credited on the Fritz Pollard website (www.fritzpollard.com) and by the Hall of Fame as the first African American Quarterback, playing the position and taking direct snaps from center for the Hammond Pros in a couple of games in 1923. He was elected to the College Hall of Fame (1954, 1^st African American) and was finally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005 almost 80 years after his playing days were over. He was a true pioneer of the game and left a lasting legacy for future African American QB’s and players.

Dailey plans to transfer to North Carolina

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - 5/23/2005 — Former Nebraska quarterback Joe Dailey says he plans to transfer to North Carolina. Dailey told the Lincoln Journal Star on Monday that he chose the Tar Heels over Rutgers and Maryland. He said his plans could be finalized Tuesday, when he will sign scholarship papers.

Redskins Sign QB Jason Campbell

As of 8/2/2005, Washington has reportedly come to terms with Auburn QB Jason Campbell, selected 25th overall at the 2005 draft. He was the second of the Redskins two #1 picks at this year's draft. Campbell is expected to challenge for the 2^nd String job and backup Patrick Ramsey.

Navy QB Ready to Make an Impact In 2005

In looking at players to watch in the upcoming 2005 College Season, US Naval Academy QB Lamar Owens (5-9, 187) comes to mind. Owens is finally getting his chance to lead the Midshipmen and enters the fall as Navy's starting quarterback after serving as the back up the last three years behind Craig Candeto and Aaron Polanco. Though he is a first year starter, I believe he has the leadership and option wizardry to lead Navy to another Bowl game in 2005. The Savannah, Georgia native appeared in six games in 2004, rushing for 115 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries for an average of 4.8 yards per carry. He has been working on his passing and footwork all summer while staying on campus to improve on his 2004 passing stats of 2 completions on 5 attempts for 38 yards. Owens showed his big-play ability in the 2004 Army-Navy game, bursting around right end for a 17-yard touchdown to score the final points of Navy's 42-13 rout. Owens is looking to take one game at a time in 2005 and wants to finish his 4 year career undefeated against Army. After this season he is looking to graduate with a degree in Economics and coach at the Naval Prep Academy, but I believe he has the tools to make it on the next level. With a big senior year and his Solid Decision Making, Change of Direction Ability and Quick Feet, I believe he can make the transition from College Option QB to Special Teams Kick Returner. Owens followed Georgia Southern growing up and attended their Option Camp as a prep player. I look for him to follow the path of Georgia Southern QB Chaz Williams, who signed as UFA by Green Bay in 2005 and is now a Backup RB and KR.

QB Smith Cleared in Camp Probe

Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith did not break any NCAA rules when he missed a class to attend a football camp sponsored by Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair this summer, the school said Monday. Ohio State athletic department officials spent six weeks probing Smith's attendance at the June football camp in Nashville. NCAA rules prohibit players from attending educational or charitable activities if they miss class and do not get written permission from the school's athletic director. But because Smith was hired to be at the camp, his presence fell outside the scope of NCAA rules, the school said.

Last year, Ohio State suspended Smith from the Alamo Bowl for accepting about $500 from a team booster. The NCAA also suspended him for 2005 opener against Miami (Ohio).

McNabb on Madden ’06 Cover and will try to break jinx.

After breaking the NFC Championship Jinx in 2005, Donovan McNabb will now try to break the “Madden Jinx”. McNabb was named to the cover of the 2006 version of the Electronic Arts' Madden NFL video game. In the past, the cover has jinxed Daunte Culpepper, Eddie George, Marshall Faulk and Michael Vick. They all had an injury plagued seasons after appearing on the cover.

Akili Smith Released by Bucs

The career of Akili Smith maybe in Jeopardy. Smith was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they are the latest NFL team to part ways with the quarterback, who was the third overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. Smith was only with the Buccaneers after the team agreed to sign him so he could participate with an NFL Europe team, the Frankfurt Galaxy, this summer. The Galaxy's season ended on June 4, and Smith returned to Tampa for mini-camp and was let go.

Taken by the Cincinnati Bengals, Smith was a member of the heralded 1999 quarterback draft class, which included Tim Couch, Donovan McNabb, Daunte Culpepper and Cade McNown, all of whom were among the top 12 picks that season. Only McNabb and Culpepper remain in the league. Smith appeared in just 22 games in his NFL career, starting 17, in four disappointing seasons with the Bengals. He signed with Green Bay before the 2003 season, but was cut in training camp. BQB_Site believes Smith will have to go to Arena Football and/or the CFL to prove he can still play. In NFL Europe he was a backup and showed some signs of his past 1^st Round potential.

Florida State to hand over offense to talented Freshman QB

Freshmen Xavier Lee is poised to battle for the starting position at FSU this fall. He was to challenge incumbent Wyatt Sexton in spring ball and with the erratic behavior and subsequent hospitalization of Sexton (Lyme Disease), the team will need a new leader. The team announced that Sexton will sit out the 2005 season to take care of his problem with Lyme Disease. Lee and fellow rookie Drew Weatherford were highly touted recruits from Florida, who have the dual threat potential of a Charlie Ward or Adrian McPherson.

USC QB Hinds to Transfer

USC redshirt freshman quarterback ROCKY HINDS (#7), who starred in the team's recent spring game will likely transfer to UNLV before the start of the fall semester after being told that he is still #3 on the depth chart behind senior Matt Leinhart and redshirt sophomore John David Booty. New quarterback coach Steve Sarkisian had to say about him recently, "Rocky Hinds is a physical specimen. He was injured his last year of high school. The kid has tremendous upside, and he's only going to get better. His future is so bright". Hinds' talent and ability has been compared to those of Donovan McNabb and Warren Moon, but the team is stocked at the quarterback position with heralded freshman Mark Sanchez also in the mix, so Hinds could thrive if he decides to follow through with the transfer to UNLV. His measurables are 6’04, 215-220 pounds and he has been timed at 4.42 to 4.45 in the 40 coming out of high school.

Tennessee Tells former QB/WR Banks Not Able to Return to University

Tennessee has confirmed that former Vols' QB/WR James Banks will not be allowed to rejoin the program. Banks, a former QB who switched to WR and led the Vols in receiving in 2003, was booted off the team after a series of transgressions. He spent the winter semester at a Division III school getting his grades in order and had asked the school to reinstate him. Banks transferred to Carson Newman for the 2005 season.

University of South Florida to Give Denson Chance

Backup Sophomore QB Courtney Denson, who transferred from Auburn will be given a chance to win the starting QB job in the fall. Denson made the switch from defensive back to quarterback after transferring. He will give Pat Julmiste competition and may be used as a change of pace QB. At 5-11 and 200 pounds, Denson is a mobile QB with tremendous speed.

Tennessee QB Schaeffer to Leave

Tennessee has confirmed that Vols' QB Brent Schaeffer is going to transfer. Schaeffer started several games in 2004 and was the first freshman in UT history to begin as the Game #1 starter. His season was up and down battling Erik Ainge for playing time and separating his shoulder at the end of the season. He recently arrested for an assault charge on the UT campus and plea bargained. After consulting with Coach Fulmer and his Father, Schaeffer wanted a “fresh” start. It is unknown where he will be transferring.

Redskins Select QB Campbell With 25^th Overall Pick

After trading up with Denver for the 25^th Pick overall, the Washington Redskins used the acquired pick to select Auburn University quarterback Jason Campbell. In return for Denver's 25th pick, the Redskins gave the Broncos' this year's third-round pick (76th overall) and the Redskins first- and fourth-round selections in the 2006 draft.

Campbell is a very athletic quarterback and is a quick learner, as was shown by his ability to learn from four different offensive coordinators during his four seasons with the Tigers. Campbell, 6-4 and 223 pounds, is a major reason why Auburn went undefeated in the 2004 season and contended for a national championship. Campbell is a very experienced quarterback playing in 46 games and starting 39 of them. He finished his career completing 64.6% of his passes for 7,299 yards, 45 touchdowns and only 24 interceptions. Campbell was also an effective runner from the quarterback positions, rushing for eight touchdowns during his time at Auburn.

In 2004, Campbell had his most productive season in leading the Tigers to the SEC Championship and a win in the Sugar Bowl. He finished the season with 2,700 yards passing, 20 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year by the league's coaches and Associated Press, and was a first team All-SEC selection.

New Orleans Saints Draft McPherson in 5^th Rd

The Saints, who had a large contingent at quarterback Adrian McPherson’s private workout, decided that he could be the QB of the future by drafting him in the fifth round. With his talent, we could see him challenging a struggling Aaron Brooks in the future. He will now battle Todd Bouman and Kliff Kingsburry for a roster spot in 2005. BQB_Site believes, McPherson will continue to comeback and succeed from his FSU struggles off the field by learning and putting his incredible athleticism to work.

Davey to be traded??

Rumors are floating that the New England Patriots could be shopping backup QB Rohan Davey. Davey is stuck behind franchise QB Tom Brady, after he excelled as a starter in NFL Europe, helping the Berlin Thunder capture the 2004 NFL Europe Championship. The Patriots also signed veteran favorite Doug Flutie for the 2005-2006 Season.

2005-2006 CFL Season Begins on July 3^rd and BQB’s will be Ready

The CFL once again has shown that BQB’s are appreciated and can be given a chance to flourish outside of the NFL. Here are the CFL BQB’s for 2005 and their teams.

BC Lions: Casey Printers - 1, Jarious Jackson - 18

Edmonton Eskimoes: Khari Jones - 7

Calgary Stampede: Henry Burris

Hamilton Tiger Cats: Marcus Brady - 8, Ben Sankey - 12

Toronto Argonauts: Michael Bishop, Damon Allen

Ottawa Renegades: Kerry Joseph - 4

Bishop returns to Argonauts

Quarterback Michael Bishop has returned to the Toronto Argonauts from the Arena Football League (Grand Rapids Rampage). Bishop now joins Damon Allen in helping to lead the Argo’s to another Grey Cup in 2005.

Bishop set an all-time AFL single-game rushing record of 100 yards this season as starting quarterback for the Grand Rapids Rampage. He also set an AFL single-season rushing record with 459 yards.

Bishop started eight games for the Argonauts and helped them win the Grey Cup in 2004-2005, completing 104 passes for 1,508 yards and six touchdowns. He also rushed 60 times for 408 yards and five touchdowns.

Florida State QB/WR to Leave
Sophomore QB/WR Lorne Sam, who was not expected to play this season due to post-spring foot surgery, has decided to transfer to UTEP.

Illinois Backup QB in “Hot Water”
Redshirt freshman backup QB Kisan Flakes has been suspended indefinitely after being charged with marijuana possession earlier this summer.

Philadelphia Tribune Writer Receives Award for Black Quarterback Articles

Donald Hunt of the Philadelphia Tribune won third place in the feature category at the National Newspaper Publishers Association Conference for his series on the History of the Black Quarterback. Congratulations Donald and keep up the good work!!!!

Potential BQB’s for the Upcoming 2006 - NFL Draft

Chris Leak, Florida
Has the size, arm strength and athletic ability but lacks the consistency, mechanics and toughness. Can new coach Urban Meyer refine him?

Omar Jacobs, Bowling Green
Exploded onto the national scene as a first-year starter in 2004, when he threw for 4,002 yards and rushed for 300 more. Is unpolished but possesses all the physical tools to make it in the NFL.

Others:
Reggie McNeal, Texas A&M; Brad Smith, Missouri; Darrel Hackney, UAB; Vince Young, Texas; Michael Robinson, Penn State.

McNabb leads Eagles to Super Bowl

Donovan McNabb led the Eagles to the Super Bowl after 3 straight failed attempts. The Eagles clinched the game with a convincing 27-10 victory. The game marked the end to a historic NFC Championship, where two African American QB’s (McNabb and Vick) led their team into the game. McNabb stated, "We know a lot of people turned their back on us and just didn't have the confidence that we would be able to do it”, "I think we answered a lot of questions. I think we answered a lot of critics."

McNabb gave a workmanlike performance, throwing for 180 yards and two touchdowns. McNabb now joins Doug Williams (Super Bowl XXII) and Steve McNair (Super Bowl XXXIV) as the only African American QB’s to start a Super Bowl. Williams led the Redskins to a rout of the Denver Broncos 42-10 and passed for a then-record 340 yards and earned Super Bowl MVP honors.

Eagles and McNabb can’t finish Magical Season

McNabb and the Eagles could not overtake the Patriots as the 3-time champions did “Just Enough” to take the championship. The New England Patriots won the Super Bowl by a score of 24-21. McNabb played an up and down game. He started with several erratic throws, but settled in midway through the game. He threw for three touchdowns and 357 yards, but also had three interceptions. Two other potential turnovers, one interception and a fumble that were called back. He had just one carry for zero yards, and was sacked four times.

McNabb will have to answer the nagging questions as to the last 2 minutes of the game and his conditioning. Three Eagles teammates of McNabb who were in the huddle with him said that late in the fourth quarter McNabb was unable to call a play because he appeared to be choking back vomit, or dry-heaving, and that wide receiver Freddie Mitchell had to complete the call of the play in the huddle. McNabb denied being ill or having any problems during the game.

McNabb to start Pro Bowl

Donovan McNabb led a NFC Quarterback group of Daunte Culpepper and Michael Vick into the Pro Bowl. It is the first time that all 3 QB’s elected for the NFC or AFC are African Americans. This proves that the game and players are evolving. "Now it's not being looked at as much as what color a guy is, but if a guy can help win football games," said Rohan Davey , Backup QB for the New England Patriots.

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