QB Chase Rettig (6'3-205) got his second offer today, and it was one that had been a long time coming. For weeks now Rettig's stock has been on the rise after competing in numerous summer camps around the nation. And although he showed a strong arm and mobility at every camp, he kept hearing the same thing from the nation's top schools: Wait until Scroggins commits (nation's top uncommitted QB prospect).
Rettig had been wanting a UT offer for awhile and even named the VOLS his favorite early on in his recruitment. But despite finally getting that big offer, Rettig still didn't commit on the spot. Hopefully he will soon, but you never know with football recruiting.
For the last couple days, word had begun to spread that QB Jesse Scroggins was leaning towards committing with the hometown USC Trojans. And although Scroggins won't decide until July 25, UT offering Rettig may be a sign that those rumors were true. Just this morning another one of UT's QB prospects committed to Notre Dame and another QB committed to Syracuse. With a domino effect of QB commits, it's no surprise that UT pulled the trigger when it did despite Scroggins future decision.
It's hard to tell how good Rettig is after playing on such a terrible team as a Junior. This year he will be transferring to another school in hopes of developing his skills and earning the respect that many think he deserves. As a sophomore, Rettig did pass for 2,500 yds and 25 TDs and led his team to a divisional title. What is even more impressive is that this was his inaugural season as La Salle's starting QB.
Prior to that season, Rettig attended Steve Clarkson's regional QB camps in both San Jose and San Fransisco. Clarkson is known for his ability to spot talent at the QB position and renowned for mentoring QB's such as Joe Montana, Ben Rothlesberger, Matt Leinart, and J.P. Losman. Just this past weekend, Clarkson held a camp in Maui that featured Joe Montana and hosted many of the nation's top QB's.
Rettig is a QB with an incredibly live arm and an uncanny ability to rifle the ball into tight windows. Additionally, Rettig is equipped with the intelligent decision making skills and a work ethic that is committed to success. With these qualities, it is evident that Rettig possesses a very high ceiling in terms of development.
UT is expected to sign two QB's in the 2010 class and most people think the other one will be Nick Lamaison, a JUCO QB from Mt. San Antonio C.C in California. Despite being only 6'1, Lamaison is a polished passer, makes great decisions, and led his team to a California JUCO championship. Offensive Coor. Jim Chaney is believed to have taken a liking to Lamaison and reminds him of Drew Brees, another short QB Chaney developed while OC at Purdue.
Yesterday I was beginning to hear some new names being mentioned as possible UT QB's. Now that Rettig has been offered, I don't know how legitimate these names are and don't feel comfortable mentioning them until Rettig makes a decision. All I will say is that I had never heard of them until yesterday and none of them are rated higher than Rettig.
Hopefully Rettig will commit to UT soon and it will trigger commitments from offensive playmakers. Thus far, UT has only 3 of 11 commitments on the offensive side of the ball, two OL and 1 FB. I will update you on Rettig's decision as more is released.
