News and Notes

Players to Watch

Jared Zabransky

Position: QB
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 219
College: Boise State

As the 2008 NFL Draft approaches, many Steeler fans are busy debating how will the Steelers fare in the coming year or who will they take in the draft. The Rooney family has never been inclined to wildly throw money at unrestricted free agents during the off season. Compared to many teams, they generally only make a few off-season team additions. Although, this year in the off season, the Steelers did make one peculiar off season addition to their roster, which perhaps could pay dividends. I am talking about the addition of quarterback Jared Zabransky. With some doubt lingering about the status of Pittsburgh's back up quarterbacks, especially Charlie Batch, they offered Zabransky a contract. Many Steeler fans are probably wondering exactly who is Jared Zabransky, and why did they sign him?

Some may remember him from the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, in which he had an outstanding performance. Yet the Fiesta Bowl was only the frosting which topped off a great career as Boise StateÕs signal caller for 3 years. Zabransky started under center in his sophomore year and led Boise State to not only 3 consecutive WAC championships, but also three consecutive bowl appearances. After losing to Louisville in the Liberty Bowl and Boston College in the Humanitarian Bowl, they humiliated Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, when they cracked the bcs in 2006. The Houston Texans came calling in 2007, as they signed Zabransky as a free agent, and then cut him later in the 2007 pre season. Zabransky was not signed by anyone until Pittsburgh signed him early in 2008. Living in Boise for many years, I have had the luxury of following ZabranskyÕs career at Boise State closely, and watched many games. Pittsburgh is getting a quality player who has some excellent qualities which could land him a backup role this season.

What can Steeler fans expect from Zabransky? Zabransky is no Ben Roethlisberger; Steeler fans need to be entirely clear about that. To be honest, if Zabransky does land a back up role I am quite sure it will be as the number three quarterback. Also, if it came down to Zabransky having to start more than five games, I might actually start worrying about whether playoff chances might go out the window. Running a college team is one thing; running an NFL team is something else entirely. This was made painfully clear during the 2007 combine when scouts were suggesting Zabransky be tested as a defensive back not a quarterback. Of course, I think Zabransky would excel if in the position of only having to fill in for only on or two games. That I think he could handle perfectly.

During his career at Boise State, if one actually analyzes he performances, he made bad reads in many situations and made some bad throws. The prime example is their 2005 season, when Boise got blown out by Georgia. Zabransky took most of the blame for that loss, and for the problems they had for the remainder of the season, some of which were his fault and some which were not. Thus if Pittsburgh keeps him it will be more for his versatility rather than his quarterbacking skills. Frankly, watching Zabransky play reminds you a little of Michael Vick, a decent quarterback who has quick feet. The reason for his success at Boise state was primarily because schools not only had to play the pass, they had to worry about ZabranskyÕs scrambling abilities, and he burned many teams by deciding to rush the ball, and racked up as many rushing yards as the running backs had in one game. This is what I believe prompted Pittsburgh to sign him.

I would bet my bottom dollar they see Zabransky as the next "slash". I know the word slash conjures up horrid reminders of the failures of Kordell Stewart. Yet you need not be troubled by that fact. Ben Roethlisberger is the number one guy in Pittsburgh. Rather, you need to think of Zabransky filling the gap caused when the Steelers lost Antwan Randel-el. I really feel that with Zabransky's speed he is a real threat for the gadget plays Steelers have become accustomed to. He is a threat to throw the ball, he can run the ball, almost as well as any running back, hence and with proper coaching can probably catch the ball as well, and I could him quite easily causing some opposing teams distress coming in for a 2nd and short or a 3rd and short, not knowing what to expect.

In short, the Steelers have a diamond in the rough. If they take the time to cut and polish it, well he can become quite valuable to the Steelers offense. Of course recognizing talent is what made Coach Cowher seem like a genius at times. Whether Coach Tomlin has the same ability, well, on that jury is still out!

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