In what is starting to look like a bit of a soap opera, former Rutgers Scarlet Knights QB Tom Savage has been granted permission to speak with the Arizona Wildcats, among other teams, regarding possibly transferring to the old pueblo. If Savage did decide to transfer to Arizona, he would be required to red-shirt the 2011 season, but would add much needed depth to the 2012 season.
Best case scenario, Arizona will have one QB on hand in 2012 with starting experience. Matt Scott and the Arizona coaching staff have stated that if he doesn't win the starting job before week 1, it is possible that Scott will red-shirt the 2011 season to keep him around for the 2012 season. I, would much prefer to see Scott start this coming season, but having him start in 2012 is better than not having him start at all. That being said, there is the possibility that there will not be a single QB on the roster in 2012 that has started even one game.
There is some hope for recruit Daxx Garman, who recently arrived after enrolling early. Other than him? There is the reportedly under-whelming Cam Allerheiligen, and Ohio St. Buckeyes transfer Ross Oltorik. So let's be clear, the more options that stud QB coach Frank Scelfo has to work with, the better.
More on Rutgers' strange restrictions on Savage, and some stats after the jump.
Overall, I like Savage as an option at QB for Arizona in 2012-13. Lets take a look at his carrer stats after 1 1/2 seasons.
| CMP | ATT | YDS | CMP% | SACK | LNG | TD | INT | QB RAT- Fr./So. |
| 192 | 368 | 2,732 | 52.2% | 49 | 81 | 16 | 10 | 128.75 / 105.26 |
Not overwhelmingly impressive, but there are two factors to take into consideration. First, Savage only played for a year and a half, before losing his starting job due to injury. Second, and no disrespect to Rutgers fans is intended here, look at the sacks stat. By 2012, Arizona will certainly be better prepared to protect Savage, and stud WR Dan Buckner will likely be available as a target for Savage, should he win the starting job.
As far as why Savage would transfer to Arizona, that's where the story gets a bit murky. Rutgers has forbidden the Miami Hurricanes, Florida Gators, Florida St. Seminoles, and Michigan Wolverines from talking to Savage. Rutgers has, so far, refused to say why. Savage's father has appealed this decision, and an announcement on the result of that appeal should come in a week or so. All reports are indicating that Miami is where Savage wants to be, as this quote from his father illustrated in the Miami Herald. "Miami called his high school coach and said they really like Tom and he would fit well in their offense and they are really interested," Tom Savage Sr. stated. "Tom is interested. He has always loved Miami."
Well, if Savage does wind up playing for Arizona, I think that the 'Cats will be better for it. But what do you think?