I still don't think he's a bad QB.. Just unlucky. Like terribly, unbelievably, mind-bogglingly, stuck by lightning 3 times on the way to check the mail unlucky.
From what I can remember, he was a highly sought-after recruit in high school. I seem to remember Texas being upset that they missed out on him. Agreed, a two quarterback system does affect leadership and rhythm. At the same time though, if neither quarterback can lead the team on his own, it's not helping much either. I agree with this 100%. When Crowton came on board, we had the luxury of a quarterback who'd spent four years waiting in the wings behind Jamarcus Russell (who, despite his troubles in the pros, was a damn good college quarterback) in Matt Flynn. I'll give you that both Lee and Jefferson were thrust into situations too early, but at the same time, it happens and it's on the coaches to make sure they are prepared for that. Think of past college quarterbacks who were thrust into the game early in their careers and handled it well: Peyton Manning and Tim Tebow are two notable ones that come to mind. Hell, even Garrett Gilbert, playing for the first time ever in the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP game, came in and almost won the game for Texas back in January. He'll never be on a bigger stage than he was that night.
I like this. I also believe continuing to blame RP for all ills is beginning to sound too far in the past for a school that year in, year out has top 5 recruiting classes, normally with multi-5* players signing. Sure, RP acted the fool and he was humbled early in his career. Too late for him and too late for us, unfortunately. Lets move on. There is a thread here titled something like "2011 Louisiana Quarterbacks". I live in Texas and try keeping up but I can't say, right now, that I've heard of any La. 5* QB coming out or from another state that seems interested, or talked about for us, but it would be a beautiful year and put the cherry on top what looks like is going to be an all-time recruiting class, led by Louisiana products. Anyway, about RP, he's not talked much about going in to the pros. He wasn't the only problem we had...and just to show you...I'll take a vote of hands of fans who believe there were legitimate reasons for our dismal offensive performance the last 2 years. To be ranked so low (I believe 112 out of 120 nationally???) but have so many 4*-5* recruits is embarrassing and criminal. That's a coaching problem. Good coaching have players over achieving, bad coaching the opposite. Oh yea, the title of this thread is so wrong!
Texas did not even offer him a scholarship. Nor did any other SEC school. Jarrett Lee - Yahoo! Sports
I think I remember that Jarrett Lee only played High School Ball for a couple of years. Maybe that's why Texas didn't offer him...too much unknown. Lee was phenomenal in High School though. I think the problems with Lee, the season before last, were exaggerated by his teammates play on the field. The defense flat out quit that year and I'm beginning to think that some of the offensive players quit also...Byrd just about admitted that in an NFL interview. I don't know how true that was because he may have been making excuses for lack of productivity or something...I don't really know. I knew Lee threw a lot of interceptions but they all may not have been pick sixes if the team would have been more aggressive. Mentally, QBs (and DBs for that matter) are able to pick up the pieces and start over after bad plays, but a team losing confidence in you must have a more devastating and lingering effect on your confidence than the pick sixes. The whole team had severe mental problems in the locker room that year...that culminated in the loss to Arkansas.
They also had Colt McCoy (sophomore) and Jevan Snead (freshman) from the two prior classes so another pocket passer was not a high priority for them that year.
So the title is "Jefferson taking ownership, did he? He started spring training by barking at the defense and got some press for his efforts. It seems the consensus from some of you who watched closely, there was no great significant improvement. Jefferson or Lee or both, I don't think too many in the SEC fear the choice right now. The physical nature of this team changing, plus talent level will have the greatest impact in the long run to me. But Lee is the enigma.Talent and big arm makes you wonder. After watching Crompton of Tennessee just reminds me "never say never." Kiffin figured it out, he rolled him out, threw short and made sure he got into rhythm. After a year and a half, bingo. At that point even when he dropped back into the pocket he was reading better and throwing on time. If Lee was given only what he does best and things started simple, including the power run, would his confidence and natural ability take over? Crompton was a senior and looked like the proverbial head case through the first half of this past season. Lee, just looks worth the effort.
Then again, the same could be said for JJ. All LSU needs is a running game along with a QB who can manage the game and keep the ball in LSU hands and at this point, JJ does just that.
