How odd is it that headlines were a buzz yesterday when word got out that former Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier apparently contacted the University of Hawaii about the possibilities of transferring for the upcoming fall season. Forcier broke into the national spotlight 2 seasons ago as the freshman starter for the Wolverines but then lost the job last season. In January he decided to leave the Michigan football program and transfer.
Forcier was a highly recruited quarterback coming out of high school. Then again, who isn’t if you are at Michigan. But since the end of that freshman season it has been downhill for him. He lost the starters job, became academically ineligible, and then was hanging out his apartment window which prompted a woman to call 911. He initially wanted to transfer to Miami, then changed his mind. Next thing it was USC, Kansas State, Auburn. Then the information came out that he wanted to be closer to his home in San Diego. So he was looking at San Diego St., or the University of San Diego.
Red flag. Red flag. Red flag.
It is understandable to want to transfer. And Hawaii has had a history of accepting transfers and offering second chances (think Colt Brennan from Colorado). But Hawaii has quarterbacks for next season (Forcier would have to sit out 2012). Hawaii has a ton of them, all recruited by Hawaii, and all wanting to be here.
Are we any closer to San Diego than Miami? What does it say if the other higher profile schools did not want him? And does the UH academic support staff need another unmotivated student-athlete who has been used to being praised and coddled for his athletic skills. By the way, there are no car dealers willing to offer “gifts” in Honolulu (think Ohio St), no six-figure cash bonus to parents (think Auburn), and no free homes and travel packages (think USC).
Is he a talent? Yes. Could he fit into the Hawaii offense? Yes. Could he bring some attention to the program? Yes.
Red flag. Red flag. Red flag. And I’m not asking for a replay.
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