N.C. State sophomore quarterback Justin Burke did not show up for the team picture Saturday, and coach Tom O’Brien declined to comment on his status.
O’Brien said he would address Burke’s situation Sunday.
Along with junior Harrison Beck, Burke was left behind earlier in the week in what’s become a three-player quarterback race. Efforts to reach Burke and his family by telephone at their home in Kentucky on Saturday afternoon were unsuccessful.
・Bowens’ career not jeopardized. Wide receiver Donald Bowens said the spinal injury that will cause him to miss the season is not career threatening. He expects to redshirt and return as a junior in 2009.
“It hurts pretty bad (to miss the season), but it’s just something you’ve got to move on with,” Bowens said.
Losing Bowens affects a kick return game that already was missing 2007 senior standout Darrell Blackman. Tailback Jamelle Eugene and wide receiver T.J. Graham, a Wakefield High graduate, are handling punt and kickoff return duties.
・Baker eyes quick return. Running back Toney Baker said he hopes to return to the field in two to three weeks.
Baker recently had surgery to remove extra cartilage that had developed in his knee following his previous surgery to repair a torn knee ligament suffered in last season’s opener.
Another back, Andre Brown, has been held out of the last two scrimmages as a precaution because the foot he broke during the spring has been sore. O’Brien expects him to scrimmage Wednesday.
Comments
I agree
Sun, 08/17/2008 - 18:54 — JPDOhioAny program that wants to be a consistent championship contender has to be at least 2 deep with potential starters. That means competition for playing time that makes everyone better. It also means guys keep their egos in check for the betterment of the team.
If Burke has left the team, I wish him well where ever he ends up. Although he had a good spring game, he apparently did not consistently outplay his competition in the many practices that he participated in over two years.
Tom O'Brien's job is to play the guys that give the Pack the best chance to win. Each player's job is to show that he is one of those guys. I believe that is the approach O'Brien is taking and it will work in time. The players better get on the bus with their coach, or they will be left behind.
Fair... i really don't think so...
Mon, 08/18/2008 - 10:34 — Wize (not verified)Be assured Burke is one of "those guys". Wait and Watch... I think you will see this young man do what he has always been capable of doing. Sorry for all the fans and team at NC State... amazing what good coaching will do for maturing athletes.
You make it sound so fair! What a joke!
Don't agree
Tue, 08/19/2008 - 09:32 — JPDOhioTime will tell whether Burke pans out or not. Coach O'Brien's track record is good enough to deserve the benefit of the doubt when it comes to judging talent and potential. My guess is that Glennon and Wilson showed enough progress that he was comfortable sticking with them along with Evans, who has only one year of eligibility left.
As far as fairness goes, let's look at what happened. Both Burke and Beck find out their status early enough to make a decision and act on it. If Burke is, in fact, "one of those guys", Louisville is great opportunity for him. Beck could have transferred as well, but he will end up with a degree from a great university and eligibility to play one more year. I assume he can choose a 1-AA school and play immediately.
Would it have better for TOB to lead them on instead of being honest and giving them a chance to move on? I don't think so.
Too Many QB's
Sat, 08/16/2008 - 18:03 — Jax Packer (not verified)It looks like Justin Burke is PO'ed about his playing situation and is choosing to stay away from picture day and practice. I guess there is a line between arrogance and self-confidence that coaches want all players to have. But at some point players have to accept that they may not be the #1 guy yet. Don't give up though, you got to keep working because the whole deal can change tomorrow. Why can't he see that? Just keep working. He may have his day in the sun yet. Oh well, he is making the job a little easier for the coaches I guess, since they had too many QB's anyway. Although I don't know what they thoght about him for the future.
I don't know how the modern day coaches do it in today's society where instant gratification is the expectation. It is a tribute to all the coaches that are able to teach the rewards of hard work.
Phillip in Jacksonville, FL