Link: Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron will not play in Senior Bowl

[rickvox79]

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2014/01/alabama_quarterback_aj_mccarro_7.html

That's really too bad. He is from that area, I wonder if there are other underlying issues that are keeping him from going.

 

[colbysullivan]

That really surprises me. I would think an event like the Senior Bowl would be perfect for AJ, especially with it being in his hometown.

 

[BigEasyTider]

Seems to be a really potentially damaging decision, given that he has a good bit to prove to NFL scouts. He's not exactly Andrew Luck resting on his laurels, to put it mildly...

 

[colbysullivan]

I'm thinking it might be the fact that most scouts have a good indication of what he can do. He has played in some really big games and everyone pretty much knows his ability at this point. Maybe he thinks one more game won't really make his stock go up. Still, every year there is always one QB whose stock skyrockets during Senior Bowl week, mostly because of how he interviews and handles the media. I respect his decision, but I also think he might be making a mistake.

 

[Padreruf]

These games are difficult on QB's who rely on their intelligence as much as their ability. His body of work is much greater than any "all-star" game. Too bad -- I grew up in Mobile and enjoyed the games...but I think this is the right decision for him.

 

[tusks_n_raider]

I don't blame him really. The game use to feature the best players in the country and now it's more lower tier guys who are trying to elevate their stock by showing out in the game. The QB's rarely look good in these all star games though and he would just risk getting hurt. He really has nothing to gain but making contacts and impressing scouts in the practices but he can accomplish all that anyway by doing well at the combine. I'm in the minority I guess but I think he's making the right call here.

 

[Displaced Bama Fan]

In addition, if his shoulder is bothering him, why not rest it and heal up before the combines?

 

[AV8N]

IMO it will hurt the Senior Bowl more than it will hurt AJ. He would be a huge draw for local Bama fans. Maybe he could at least show up as a spectator to cheer his teammates like CJ on.

 

[Alasippi]

I wish they'd invite Norwood. He'd eat up the opportunity and a bunch of Biloxi folks would travel to the game because he was in it.
I think AJ should have taken the invite. Like it or not he has quite a bit to prove and it would have been a good showcase for him.
sip

 

[RTR91]

I wish they'd invite Norwood. He'd eat up the opportunity and a bunch of Biloxi folks would travel to the game because he was in it.
I think AJ should have taken the invite. Like it or not he has quite a bit to prove and it would have been a good showcase for him.
sip

Norwood accepted his invitation IIRC. I do know he was invited, though.

 

[Alasippi]

Norwood accepted his invitation IIRC. I do know he was invited, though.

Very cool indeed. I'll be in Mobile for sure then.

 

[BAMA1979]

Norwood accepted his invitation IIRC. I do know he was invited, though.

This is correct.


FWIW, McShay seems to think McCarron is doing the right thing by not playing.

 

[TideMom2Boys]

I don't blame him really. The game use to feature the best players in the country and now it's more lower tier guys who are trying to elevate their stock by showing out in the game. The QB's rarely look good in these all star games though and he would just risk getting hurt. He really has nothing to gain but making contacts and impressing scouts in the practices but he can accomplish all that anyway by doing well at the combine. I'm in the minority I guess but I think he's making the right call here.

Yeah, it is almost like the Spring games. The communication is not always there, so it could hurt the QB's.

 

[rickvox79]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap20...es-senior-bowl-invite?campaign=Twitter_nfl_cb

AJ's dad commented to NFL.com about it in the above link:
That's what his father, Tony, essentially said in describing what was a very tough call for his son.
"His agent thought that was best," Tony McCarron told College Football 24/7. "The reason AJ didn't say anything for sure before the bowl game is because he had already decided to put that decision in his agent's hands, but he didn't know who that was going to be yet. But that's the advice he got, and if you're going to pay those people, you've got to trust them. All I can say is, the people who criticize it don't have a thing to lose."

 

[twofbyc]

Seems to be a really potentially damaging decision, given that he has a good bit to prove to NFL scouts. He's not exactly Andrew Luck resting on his laurels, to put it mildly...

This times 100. Being from here, there are many folks kinda miffed about this. I don't buy the "possible injury" line or "nothing to prove" line; first one is bogus (over the years of the SB, there haven't been a lot of major injuries), and the second one is a joke. It's almost like he figures he will prove it at the combines (will he even go?) and doesn't owe his hometown fans (who never had the chance to see him play live in college) anything.
I'm gonna get roasted for this, but I swear, the way he played against OU and this decision...well, let's put it like this: I have seen this happen to athletes in my lifetime more than once, and the reason was the same each time.

Wow, I just saw the post above mine...if that's the reason, he needs a new agent.

 

[rgw]

I don't know why AJ backed out of this event. For a QB of his ability - who will not wow people with his 40-yard or pure arm strength at the combine - the best way he could improve his stock was by showing some film study and practice habits to NFL scouts at the Senior Bowl. I think he's getting poorly advised by his agent.

There is very little he could demonstrate in the combine setting that will enhance his scouting report with franchises whereas the Senior Bowl was an opportunity to show some of the intangibles that the combine can't capture.

 

[edwd58]

It's almost like he figures he ... doesn't owe his hometown fans (who never had the chance to see him play live in college) anything.

I don't think AJ owes anyone, anything - hometown fans included. Sure, I think we'd all like to see him play but this is his (along with his agent) decision and he'll have to live with the results. I'm okay with him not playing if he doesn't want to. Good luck to AJ going forward.

 

[JustNeedMe81]

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2014/01/readers_react_to_aj_mccarron_n.html#incart_flyout_sports Everyone is miffed at his decision. Man, He may have injury we may not know about, and I respect his decision.

 

[BamaBuff24]

I don't think AJ owes anyone, anything - hometown fans included. Sure, I think we'd all like to see him play but this is his (along with his agent) decision and he'll have to live with the results. I'm okay with him not playing if he doesn't want to. Good luck to AJ going forward.

I don't think this will break or make him. It is not like the networks have not analysis him during his career. I don't think going in the 2nd or 3rd round would make a big difference for him. Most of the experts have him going into the 2nd or 3rd round. If you don't get in the first round, then the money is not that much of difference. The Nfl has changed that. Now you have to go prove yourself before you get the big check. His agent is like in the top 5 when comes to good agents. I rather see him go into the lower rounds and possibly land into a good system or good team. Maybe the steelers for example. And why take a chance of getting hurt in an all-star game even if it is in his hometown. He has to think about his future. You only get one shot in the NFL. After that you have to go get a real job. RTR!!

 

[jenk56]

I believe AJ is making the correct call here: I hate it for the fans and it could have been another great AJ story but the fact is he has much more to loose playing than he would have gained. Games like this are designed to find he diamonds in the rough; not the AJs of the game who have been critiqued since he became a starter.

If AJ works on his footwork and throws he will be fine.

Good Luck AJ!! RTR!!!