If the quarterback position is the most important in football then LSU’s JaMarcus Russell is the best player in college football, and should be the first pick in the upcoming 2007 NFL Draft, that is, if the junior LSU quarterback enters the Draft.
Russell thoroughly outplayed quarterback Brady Quinn in the 2006 Sugar Bowl as LSU destroyed Notre Dame 41-14. Russell completed 21-of-34 passes for 332 yards, two passing and one rushing touchdown and one meaningless interception on his way to being unanimously named the game’s Most Outstanding Player.
“I’ve said it before, I think I have the best quarterback in the country,” LSU Coach Miles said. Russell said he appreciated the accolades he received after the game and the comparisons to Quinn and his abilities but he wanted to spread the credit around to as many Tiger players as possible.
“My main thing is playing for my teammates and my coaches,” Russell said. “Everyone has their opinion about who they think is the best and you can’t change that. I don’t know why I wasn’t considered for the Heisman. But, I really do think I’m one of the best in college football.”
LSU destroyed the over-rated Notre Dame offense 577-291 after trailing the Irish in total yardage 261-244 at halftime. The yardage total was the highest of the season for the prolific LSU offense that compiled 31 first downs, 19 of them in the second half. Notre Dame managed only 17 first downs.
After a brilliant junior season, Russell hasn't officially decided if he will turn pro or will return to LSU (11-2) for his senior year. However, I don’t see him passing up the opportunity to become an instant millionaire, and in my opinion will almost certainly turn pro and should be the first pick in the 2007 NFL Draft.
Before the game, Brady Quinn was thought of as a lock to be the number one pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, not anymore. Yes he throws the ball hard, but Quinn looked very erratic with his throws, he doesn’t have a quick throwing motion, shows poor touch and was wild all night. He had the “deer in the headlights” look all night. With probably every NFL scout, owner and coach on earth watching the game, you have to play big in big games, and Quinn didn’t
As for JaMarcus Russell, all I can say is WOW. He is not just a one game wonder, this kid is for real. With a quick flip of his wrist he can launch the ball 60 yards accurately downfield. Russell was hitting his receivers in stride all night. He is 6-6 260 pounds, stands tall in the pocket and has very good power and speed when he takes off running. Similar quarterback prospect to Tennessee’s Vince Young, a better passer, but not as dangerous of a runner.
On another note, there are a couple of other prospects from LSU to keep an eye on for the 2008 and 2009 NFL Drafts. The best offensive guard that I have seen this year is LSU sophomore Herman Johnson, at 6-7 351 pounds he is a man mountain. The way he gets out and pulls on sweeps reminds me of the NFL future Hall of famer Larry Allen. The other young star is on the defensive line, keep an eye on Defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francisco. This freshman is 6-3 281 pounds but is very strong and quick. He was just tossing the Notre Dame offensive line around and hounding Brady Quinn all night long.
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