More info on Prenters
http://web.star-telegram.com/content/fortworth/2002/01/03/colleges/fw010901-0103-XD001-tcu.htm
QB hoping to catch eyes of NFL scouts
By TROY PHILLIPS
STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER
FORT WORTH - Citing his desire to be part of a more prolific passing offense, junior quarterback Casey Printers announced Wednesday that he plans to transfer from TCU to a Division I-AA school next season.
Printers said Wednesday he regretted not transferring from TCU after his sophomore season in 2000, the last under former coach Dennis Franchione. Printers cited TCU's offensive philosophy as the reason for his decision to leave.
In three seasons, Printers was 23-9 as a starter, helping lead TCU to three bowl appearances and a share of the 2000 Western Athletic Conference title. He threw for 4,621 yards and 37 touchdowns in three seasons, including 1,824 yards this season.
"It's been festering for over a year," Printers said. "I was told we'd be a 50-50 [pass-run] team and the whole nine yards, but the philosophy has not changed much. When it did, it was only because we had to throw."
Printers said he made his final decision after going to church Sunday, two days after he threw for 144 yards and four interceptions in TCU's 29-8 loss to Texas A&M in the galleryfurniture.com Bowl. He met with coach Gary Patterson Wednesday afternoon, at which time it was uncertain whether his release from TCU would be granted.
In a statement faxed to local media outlets by relatives, Printers listed Grambling State, Southern, Alabama State and Florida A&M as the schools he is considering.
Printers said his decision had nothing to do with Patterson, offensive coordinator Mike Schultz or any of his teammates. He said TCU's offense, which mixes the option with rollout passing schemes, is not suited to prepare him for the NFL.
"I'm looking for, I guess, a variety of passes to throw," he said. "A pro-style system in which I can grow and develop as if I were an actual pro quarterback. Their schemes are not suited for what I want to do."
The schools listed by Printers run wide-open offenses and will enable him to play this fall and not have to sit out a season, as would be the case if he were to transfer to a Division I-A school.
On Wednesday evening, Patterson said TCU "will have no problem releasing [Printers] to the four schools he's asking for, if he stays with that decision." TCU's policy is to not release athletes to transfer to schools in the WAC, Conference USA or Big 12, TCU athletic director Eric Hyman said.
Printers missed the equivalent of two games with a sore shoulder but relieved an injured Sean Stilley in the second half against East Carolina on Oct. 30. In that half, he threw 50 times to lead TCU on a furious second-half rally that fell short 37-30.
Printers threw for 1,159 yards in TCU's final four regular-season games (bowl statistics are not included in individual totals) but said Wednesday he believed that TCU wasn't fully committed to throw first and run second next season.
"I only judge things on wins and losses," Patterson said. "To me, he made progress and didn't even play in two ballgames. We want him to be happy. It's disappointing this type of thing comes up, but I have to close ranks and take care of those who are important to me. If Casey doesn't want to be a part of it, what do you do?"
Printers' pass attempts have increased each season, from 150 in 1999, to 176 in 2000, to 252 this season. TCU threw for more than 2,300 yards this season and ran for a little over 1,300. Printers said he saw progress but had something more in mind.
"I want to have the type of senior season I want," Printers said. "I want to have a chance to throw for 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns like David Carr at Fresno State. I don't feel like that opportunity will be at TCU."
TCU offensive coordinator Mike Schultz would only say the situation was "extremely sensitive."
"It's too early in the game for me to say anything," Schultz said.
Junior receiver Adrian Madise transferred to TCU this season from a junior college in Georgia after Printers convinced TCU coaches to sign Madise.
"Casey is doing what he feels is best for him to accomplish his goals of becoming a more prolific passer," Madise said. "He believes he'll have more of a steady coach in Doug Williams [at Grambling State] and learn under one of the best. I think they're the first school on his list."
Madise, who led TCU with 57 catches for 884 yards this season, said "life will go on. As far as another quarterback, whoever gets the nod will be working out with me all summer. I want us to have a really good relationship on the field. I know we will, because I'll light a fire under him."
Printers said he has questioned TCU's offensive philosophy long enough and now needs to "act on what I want to do."
"I can't question it anymore," he said. "Coach Schultz is a great person and great offensive coordinator, but I want an offense that has a passing-first philosophy. I feel like I'm ready for that. If I'm not, then I don't deserve to play the game of football."
This kid is talented and will be a GREAT asset to whoever he goes to. I don't think he has been happy since the coach that recruited him left after his first year. This says a lot about the kid at JSU. I know if that kids wasn't so good, he would also be looking to go there.
The truth of the matter is that it is a big story here in the Dallas area. 1) Because he was a highly recruited QB coming from a Metroplex high school and 2) because he attended a Metroplex college. It isn't just "Negroes" who are making a big deal out of this. The white folk in Fort Worth are pissed that Printers is leaving. And the local media is making a big deal about it. So please leave the "Negroes" out of this. We are simply having a discussion.