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Clements' Agent Tollner understands---Patience is the key!
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Clement/Rice Sports Information
Former Chicago Bears Quarterback Rex Grossman is in Texans camp. Michael Vick, just released from his incarceration is looking for an NFL team to call home and then there's Chase Clement, the record breaking quarterback from Rice University who is still waiting for a call from an NFL team. Clement remains unsigned.
Bruce Tollner, Partner of Rep 1 Sports Group, and the agent for Chase Clement, well understands the difficulties in getting the attention of NFL teams for clients---especially quarterbacks right out of college. In addition, the current mindset of most NFL teams isn't helping. The opportunities, for now, are slim to none.
"A lot of teams are trying to, and not really injection to him, (Chase), and I talked to a couple of teams, (recently), they're looking to trim---they're over what they need to and as they sign draft picks, they're actually looking to reduce rather than add on."
However, Tollner still thinks there is a chance that Chase could get a call 'in the 11th hour'. "I think there is a chance. Obviously, he's prepared and ready for it. But, it may take an injury or somebody not performing at the level the team expects them to perform at---because the rosters are full at this point."
But, according to Tollner, there are other factors that NFL teams consider before drafting a player or extending a tryout to an undrafted rookie no matter the reputation of the player or the numbers the player produced in college.
"First of all, Chase is a tremendous athlete, extremely productive on the field, a great leader, just a real winner as a player and a young man. However, when we do work with players coming out of college, I understand that the draft in the NFL is not a reward for how productive you are in college football. It is a projection of what they believe you can do at the next level."
"I believe each team puts a different emphasis on what they're looking for in the quarterback position. Some may prioritize big strong-armed quarterbacks and some may put more emphasis on their athletic ability or decision making ability. But, either way, all of the factors are considered when evaluating a quarterback coming out of college."
It's well documented that Clement is not the GIANT quarterback that most NFL teams seem to like. But his numbers were big! In 2008-09, Chase Clement was ranked 5th in the nation in total passing yards with 4,119 behind Graham Harrell, formerly of Texas Tech, Case Keenum of UH, Sam Bradford of Oklahoma, and Chase Daniel, formerly of Missouri. Clement's passer efficiency rating was 164.6 right behind such notables as Bradford, David Johnson of Tulsa, Colt McCoy of Texas, Tim Tebow of Florida, Zac Robinson of Oklahoma State, and Mark Sanchez, formerly of USC taken with the 5th pick in the first round of this year's draft by the New York Jets.
Clement, in 2008, ranked 3rd in the nation in total offense with 4,812 yards. He shattered all career passing records at Rice by throwing for 9,785 yards. Clement has the Rice career total touchdown mark of 99. Total touchdowns for Chase---125. Finally, he holds the NCAA career record for most touchdown passes between the same passer and receiver, (Jarett Dillard), with 51. Numbers like that lead one to believe that Clement should have at least been in the conversation.
"I definitely thought he had a chance because of his athleticism, toughness, decision making, all the things he brings to the table as a player and a man. But, at the same time, I understand it's extremely competitive going to the next level and you see guys like, (Joe), Flacco, (Baltimore), or Matt Cassel, (Kansas City), that may have not had huge college careers but they are the big strong armed guys that they might be looking for at the next level get the opportunity as opposed to Graham Harrell or Chase Daniel, or even Chris Leak---Brad Banks, Eric Crouch, different players that were extremely productive at the quarterback position but it didn't necessarily translate to being a top draft pick in the NFL."
So, with that, Clement waits and works to stay in shape hoping that, soon, some NFL team will call his number. Meanwhile, Tollner waits by the phone.
Follow me on twitter for the latest updates. Also, follow along on our blog for other sports related topics, etc., at www.nateatwork.blogspot.com.
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