The Long Snapper (5/6/10)
It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.
Tim Tebow
is at
the top of the list in terms of NFL jersey sales
. More Tebow jerseys sold during April than that of any other player. Impressive considering the draft didn’t occur until April 22, but not surprising. Tebow also claimed the title of best-selling rookie since the NFL started tracking rookies four years ago. In reporting the news, the Associated Press got in a jab of their own:
“Tebow is, at best, third on Denver’s depth chart at QB.”
It’s the
“at best”
that makes you look twice. None of us have any idea if Tebow will be a successful NFL quarterback. There’s a slim chance he could become a starter during his rookie season (I’ll admit I believe that’s highly unlikely, but it’s not like the
Denver Broncos
have the league’s best QB depth at the moment). There’s probably a fairly decent chance he could claim the backup role at sometime. And there’s a 100% he will be the third QB. The Broncos didn’t invest a first-round pick in a guy they plan to put on the practice squad. I’d say, at worst, Tebow is the third QB. But why not take as many jabs at the guy whenever you can? All he’s trying to do is live out his dream.
Oh look. A post-spring top 25. Andy Staples’ crack at it puts Alabama firmly at the top where – and this is coming from a Florida fan – they should be. At number two is the little team that could, Boise State. Everyone seems to believe this is the year the Broncos could end up playing for a national championship if they can get through the regular season undefeated. I’m starting to think all this hype may lead to an upset somewhere along the way. The Gators sneak into the top ten, which is probably exactly where they should be. Florida returns a ton of talent, but also lost some great ones. Miami and FSU also made it in at 12 and 22 respectively. You won’t find USF though. The Bulls may be a year away from returning to the top 25.
Visit every high school in the state of Florida. Every single one. All 548 of them. Sounds ambitious and it is, but it’s what Skip Holtz has planned for his assistants to do. Holtz himself isn’t allowed to visit schools during this time, but his nine assistants will be getting to every school in the state during the spring evaluation period. At first it seems impressive, but then it seems somewhat crazy. There are some very small programs out there that may not produce the talent USF is looking for. But I don’t think that’s necessarily the point. This is about building relationships and keeping the Bulls in the mind of every school across Florida. There have been great athletes at weak programs in the past. And there have been strong programs that have produced upwards of 10 FBS signees in one year. Holtz’s plan puts USF out there for all to see and remember. The Bulls are entering a whole new world when it comes to recruiting.
LSU has announced its punishment for center T-Bob Herbert after the offensive lineman was arrested for DWI. Herbert has been suspended indefinitely and cannot participate in anything football-related until he fills certain obligations. I always loved the indefinite suspension. Realistically, it means absolutely nothing. Go ahead and look up the word indefinite. You’ll get back unclear, uncertain, undecided. So basically LSU is saying “we have no idea what to do with Herbert so we’ll throw out the word ‘suspension’ to make you all believe we are laying down the law.” Man up Les Miles (and any coach in a similar situation for that matter). Give the kid at least a game to realize for at least one moment he was an idiot. We’ve all made stupid decisions, but no one learns if there aren’t consequences. And that has been your public service announcement from TBG. The more you know.
The List: Let’s go random today shall we?
1. Wilber Marshall
2. Honey Moon
3. Dustin Byfulgien
4. Does this guy have any reason to be upset?
5. Charlie Bradley
The Sixth Man: You might have to read this sentence twice. Kentucky’s John Calipari doesn’t want a raise. Huh? The Wildcats’ head coach recently said he’s interested in an extension, but doesn’t want a raise. Makes perfect sense! Just go for the extension John. After all, you’re only one year into an eight year deal. Why not add more years to the end of it without more money? Everyone believes 100% you’ll still be at Kentucky in 2017 anyway. No really, they do.