but they were all top 5 picks…I have not even seen a prediction on where Colt would go. I have heard here in OKC that Bradford is the top QB prospect and he has not shown any leanings. Let’s focus on the season and see where everything lands in late Janurary. If he does go, then things went very well this season (just like 2005).

Peace

… just thought I would share the news is all. I know we have a long season, but hearing this makes the season even better because Colt sounds like he has a definitive plan for his college career and it is refreshing to hear this, just my thoughts

I really like the way he handles everything. Mack may not be the best X and Os coach but he sure is a great College Football Head Coach for these reasons. He is on top of everything and is so organized in the way he approaches everything.

This season just shows what happens when you get some great football minds together, Major, Mushchamp and dare i say it….Greg Davis. You put those 3 with Mack and you have the best overall coaching staff in America…who is better right now?

I’ve thought about that myself this year. What would we be doing right now with J. Finley and J. Charles. We all know they are incredibly talented on the football field. However, I’ve been wondering if their “team” spirit was lacking and thus contributed to some of last year’s struggles. Before you jump on me, I’m not saying they were intentionally devisive. I would have no way of knowing that. I don’t assume that either. And we couldn’t question their onfield contributions last year either.

But I do think the reference to Mack’s comments above point out the need for the team to be cohesive. I believe that’s part of what is making this year’s “team” so good….they are a team. They are playing as good as any “team” for Mack Brown has ever played. It’s been stated publicly many times that there are no “superstars” on this team (Although I wonder how Colt is not a “superstar” if he’s the front runner for the Heisman and has been on the cover of SI).

All that to say Longhorns84, I agree with you. I think we have and are benefiting from their departure. At the very least, are we missing them? NO.

Perhaps think BEFORE you type?

I don’t think Colt is stupid like J. Charles and J. Finley. He seems like he’s smart and wants a degree. I can’t see Colt leaving early. I don’t blame VY for leaving early. I still have no idea what J. Charles and J. Finley were thinking leavinf\g early. I think UT has benefited so far from their early departure!

I’m not sure where your rationale takes you to consider it “stupid” for Charles and Finley to leave early. Yes, it’s entirely possible that they both had strong senior seasons which would’ve sent them rocketing to the first round, a la Michael Huff or Aaron Ross. But on the other hand, it’s also entirely possible that they had ineffective or partially injured senior seasons that would’ve sent their draft stock spiraling, a la Rod Wright, Frank Okam or Limas Sweed.

The draft is a crapshoot; both players saw an opportunity to start making maximizing on their earning potential, so they took it. In Charles’ case, I say it was absolutely the right move. First, he’s a small-ish running back, and last I checked, those don’t often get drafted with first round dollars. Second, a running back’s shelf life is shorter than your average NFL player; you’re often ineffective once you hit 30. So it makes sense to come out as early as possible, in order to maximize your lifetime earnings. Third, he had an absolutely amazing junior year, one that may have been hard to replicate. His two biggest problems were 1) his size, and 2) his penchant for fumbles, neither of which he could have “improved on,” at least in scouts’ eyes.

Finley’s departure was a little more questionable. Most Longhorn fans would point out that he never really maximized his potential and that he was capable of so much more. Many others were on Greg Davis’ case for not properly utilizing him. Both were probably, to some degrees, true. What is definitely true is that Finley had a family to support, so he made a grown-up decision to leave college and make some money. Could he have stayed and gone higher in the draft? Absolutely. Could he also have stayed and watched as Greg Davis marginalize his role in favor of Blaine Irby (who’s pretty damn good himself)? Absolutely as well.

It may strike you as odd, but some college football players play college football not to get a degree, but to make it to the NFL. And if that’s the case, then how can you not consider Charles and Finley success stories? If they do want that degree eventually, they can always go back and get it, Vince Young-style. For now, though, they’re both learning on the job they really wanted. I’m sure if you could have landed your dream job, making $400,000+ (sorry, I’m not sure of their exact salaries), but had to leave school early, you’d jump at the opportunity.

As for whether UT has benefited from their early departures…well, you may be correct. However, I do know that our two biggest complaints about the offense this year thus far have been, 1) our complete lack of a running game early on in the season, and 2) what the f*$! we were going to do about our TE position after we lost Blaine Irby. So make of that what you will.