January 4, 2011

Blaine Gabbert described his decision to enter the NFL Draft as “bittersweet.” When I heard yesterday of the junior quarterback’s intentions, I couldn’t help but think of the same adjective.

While it was the clear choice for Gabbert to declare and start profiting from his skills on the field, many Missouri fans believe he’s leaving some unfinished business behind in Columbia.

How is it that a quarterback that threw for 6,822 yards (fourth-best in school history) and 40 touchdowns (third) in two seasons for the Tigers, one that led the school to its fourth 10-win season ever this year, be viewed questionably?

The top answer in a Maneater poll released yesterday asking about Gabbert’s lasting legacy at MU was “Solid quarterback but one who choked under pressure, failing to deliver in big games.”

I disagree with this assessment. When Gabbert arrived at Missouri in 2008 as one of the top-rated quarterback recruits in the country, expectations were high, hopes even higher, that he could take over from Chase Daniel and lead the Tigers to heights they had never reached previously.

That’s a tall order.

Today, following the Insight Bowl loss, it’s easy to see where this statement came from. But the real source of frustration stems from no appearances in the Big 12 Championship game and no bowl wins under Gabbert’s watch, unlike his predecessor. One bad play, especially in a game in which he threw for 434 yards, should hardly define a career. Gabbert showed up in both bowl games—it was the lack of a running game and a defense that cost Missouri its postseason victories. Was Gabbert perfect? No, but he gave the team a chance to win.

Gabbert made the right decision in leaving. Ultimately, football players enroll in college to improve their chances of being drafted high into the NFL, just as regular students head to college to improve their job offers. Had Gabbert stayed, it was doubtful he would have improved his draft position for next year. He will have more success in the NFL than in college.

Why?

Because Gabbert never gelled in coach Gary Pinkel’s spread offense. A prototypical professional quarterback, he is tall enough (6 feet 5 inches) and possesses enough arm strength to throw deep routes. He is undoubtedly a pass-first quarterback, and one that’s better in the pocket, which is critical in the NFL. This is why he’s projected over other players such as Cam Newton who have shown better returns to date. In college, where a lot of teams like to spread the field, having a duel-threat quarterback that can run the ball is more valuable.

Gabbert’s success in the NFL won’t come immediately, however. His decision-making, including his propensity to leave the pocket early, still needs work, a big no-no in the pros and why I question his high draft status (potentially No. 2 QB and top 5 overall, according to ESPN’s Todd McShay). But he will have an extra year to adjust to pro-style offenses by joining the NFL early rather than staying at Missouri.

There is no question Gabbert was one of the top quarterbacks in Missouri history statistically, just as he would have been the best quarterback to potentially lead the Tigers to unprecedented success in the trophy case next year. But by declaring early, Gabbert again leaves many fans wondering what could have been.

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