Sam Keller? But do we still have room under the cap?

Sam Keller who started seven games at quarterback for ASU last season before suffering a thumb injury, is apparently transferring to Nebraska for his final year of eligibility. Keep in mind this move has yet to be confirmed. However, the ever-present "sources" are saying it is most definitely in the works. Keller would have to use his redshirt year to sit out 2006 before becoming eligible to join the quarterback fray in 2007. Keller was named the starting QB for the Sun Devils by coach Dirk Koetter on Friday night. In a peculiar twist, however, on Sunday Koetter said that he had changed his mind and given Rudy Carpenter the job. Keller was then given the option of either returning to ASU or exploring his options elsewhere.

Keller would join a group in 2007 that would include juniors Joe Ganz, Brian Hildebrand, and Beau Davis as well as true freshman Patrick Witt. Keller would certainly be the most experienced QB of this group. He played in 19 games at ASU including 8 starts. In 2005 he completed 155-of-264 passes (58.7 pct.) for 2,165 yards with 20 touchdowns and nine interceptions on the season. In addition, despite missing nearly half the season, he led the team in passing attempts and touchdown passes, and finished tied for 28th nationally and ranked fourth in the Pac-10 in scoring passes.

Keller also had two of his biggest games in 2005 against elite competition. Against LSU he went 35/56 for 461 yards and 4 touchdowns. Versus top-ranked USC Keller was 26/45 for 347 yards and five touchdowns. Although the Sun Devils lost both games it was not due to the efforts of Keller.

The bottom line is that Nebraska would be getting a quarterback who is fiery and emotional, as well as big game-tested. Many fans worried that not having a quarterback that fit that description would be a hindrance in 2007. The next questions then become how quickly does he pick up Callahan’s offense and how does our current stable of QBs respond to the news.

These late pick-ups via free-agency are the main benefits of hiring an ex-NFL guy. We just didn’t know what we were missing out on. I mean for all the running around they did on the field, our option quarterbacks were rather immobile off it.