I thought the only QB of the three that Kiffin had anything to do with was Leinart. You all are partially missing the point of this guys' article. He is saying they needed more playing time to develop.
This article isn't a crack on or praise of a coach. It's an insightful perspective on what is going on in the NFL with all of these quarterbacks that have not had enough time to develop in College... particularly at USC. USC is only selling partial information to kids like Scroggins... making kids like him believe that it is OK to forgo many years of experience with a program like The University of Tennessee or any other program for that matter to maybe only see one or two at USC.
As for the cracking on Ainge here. He broke Peyton Mannings Freshman record of most touchdowns and his total yardage was second behind Peyton Manning. This was all done while splitting time with Brent Schaeffer. Then the next year he has to learn a new offense under Randy Sanders as we SUCKED. Umm... anything sound familiar here (Crompton? Learning multiple offenses? Screwing up players with great potentials?). He was then pretty darn good his Junior year before he got hurt after leading us to 7-1. When he returned, he won the last two games. His senior year was very respectable. Certainly nothing to laugh at. Yes, he choked in the SEC championship game... but I believe had he been given a more consistent ride, he would have broken many records of Manning's. I remember people cracking on Manning too when he was at Florida because he had happy feet and he couldn't beat Florida. Now the guy's one of the best quarterbacks ever in the NFL. So seriously, if you are going to knock Ainge... I want to hear a response based on fact.
Sure, Kiffin developed Leinart, but not just him. He worked with a lot of other players. But he wasn't head coach and he didn't have full control. I also believe he understands the art of only being as good as the people you surround yourself with pretty well. I think if Crompton does well this year, he will not need to refer to USC any longer. It will be all Kiffin and his staff and of course his players. I also think had he had the same role at USC... these QBs would have been better.
I will say, however, if Kiffin does get us to where we are similar to USC... how will he ensure these players' performances in the NFL as opposed to just getting them in there.
Last, who says you have to be an acclaimed writer or anything at all to make a valid point? At least a lot of his was based on fact and did ANY of you see his performance with the Jets? I certainly think he has made more in that one article than almost all of what I have read in response. I'm beginning to wonder about some people on here.
