What's the story on this kid? Watching the Shrine Game, he definitely looks the part (though maybe a bit short). Comes from Eastern Illinois and has a quick release. I've heard his name tossed around as a guy that a lot of teams are interested in.
Jimmy Garoppolo is my pet cat. He would be perfect to groom behind Romo. Great to see a thread on him.
I first heard of him when Sean Payton spoke about him during the Cowboys media conference call before the Cowboys/Saints game and have been following him since.
Here are portions of some interesting articles I've had bookmarked since then...
"Roy, if you see this kid throw, it's Tony Romo 101," Christensen told Wittke.
Romo's name immediately grabbed Wittke's attention.
After all, it was Wittke who recruited Romo, now a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, to Eastern Illinois out of Burlington, Wis., more than a decade ago. Now in his 19th season on EIU's staff, Wittke also reached out to Christensen during Romo's recruitment. So when it came to evaluating quarterbacks, Wittke knew he could trust Christensen.
"I'm in the parking lot leaving," Christensen recalled Wittke saying after watching the second half of Garoppolo's game. "That's my guy. There's no comparison."
According to Wittke, Garoppolo stood out for the same reason Romo once stood out. He delivered the ball quickly, with very little "wasted movement."
"Jimmy just flat-out has a very quick release," Wittke said. "It's a short stroke, and he gets the ball out of his hand."
Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/co...mmy-garoppolo-eastern-illinois/#ixzz2qojxzaDi
Highly regarded draft guru Dane Brugler was highly complimentary in his assessment of Garoppolo's talents and potential at the next level.
Strengths: Good-sized, rhythm quarterback with excellent accuracy, timing and a quick release that really helps him be efficient from the pocket. Sets up quickly and shows good lower body movement skills to evade pressure and deliver from different platforms.
Weaknesses: Will get dinged by some teams for his "ordinary" arm strength and probably won't be a fit for every team, although he sure looks like he can make all the necessary throws in the NFL.
Read more: http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2014...d-round-qb-prospects-dallas-cowboys-tony-romo
Jimmy is being championed right now for the quickest release in the coming draft. I have seen two of his games so far, and I can attest to that quick release. His footwork has also greatly improved over his 4 year stint at Easter Illinois. Garoppolo can go under center or take the snap out of the shotgun. He is comfortable at either. Garoppolo has also shown great decision making with the ball. He knows when to tuck it and use his athleticism. He is Johnny Football, but he is quietly elusive. He feels pressure well, and knows when to get rid of the ball.
Read more: http://www.ganggreennation.com/2013...the-draft-jimmy-garoppolo-qb-eastern-illinois
Also, cowboyszone member "IamLegend" has a great post here on the zone he posted a few months back...
Cowboyszone post: http://cowboyszone.com/threads/qb-jimmy-garoppolo-eastern-illinois.271452/
