Case Keenum: 49ers QB of the Future?

Disclaimer: Sadly I had to move out of California, so I only get to watch nationally televised 49er games. Therefore my current thoughts on team needs (i.e., QB) are based mainly on the Thursday night offensive suck-fest against the Bears, the Alex couldn't hit the broad side of a barn MNF game against the Cardinals and the highlight (more like lowlight) reel after the other games.

So what do the 49ers need most to make them a playoff team or even have a winning record? The defense is up and down, but has had flashes of brilliance, especially lately. Our receivers look a whole lot better now that we have Crabs (I take it all back Mr. Crabtree, you were worth the wait. That TD catch you made on MNF where your arms had to grow a few inches to pull in another of Alex's way off passes, amazing.) Frank the tank is still the man as long as Jimmy Raye doesn't advertise to the opposing team when Frank is going to carry the rock. The O-line could use some help, but the number one need by far is a QB that can scare the defense. We haven't had one of those since Jeff (the antique road show) Garcia.

So who is going to be our QB? Alex seems like a great guy. He keep his nose clean, works very hard, does what he's told, gives to charity and signs LOTS of autographs. Sadly, he is not meant to be an NFL quarterback. As you can tell by screen name (ShaunhillQB1), I was for Shaun starting over Alex this year. It wasn't because Shaun was a great QB, it was because he was a good QB that could bridge the gap until we could find something better. Well the time has come for something better: Case Keenum.

Who the "site decorum" is Case Keenum? He is the QB for the Houston Cougars (yes they are division one). He threw for over 5,000 yards and over 40 touchdowns in his junior year. A fluke? He also threw for over 5,000 yards and over 40 touchdowns in his sophomore year. These numbers are ridiculous. Nobody else is even close. My head is still spinning just thinking about it. His freshman year he put up a more human 2250 yards and 14 TDs with a 68.5 completion percentage. The coaching staff changed between his freshman and sophomore year and he actually improved significantly even though he had to absorb a whole new system. Alex supports should think long and hard about that. We need a QB that thrives under pressure because, lets face it, the 49ers are all about adversity.

I admit that I just learned about this kid so there is still a lot I don't know. I don't follow college until draft time, which for the 49ers seems to already be here. Case Keenum runs the spread offense, which is supposed to be the kiss of death when trying to get drafted into the NFL. Because of this, he will likely slip down the draft boards allowing us to draft him relatively cheap after picking up other needs first (e.g., OT and CB). This is important because nobody wants to spend big money on drafting a QB and relive all the talk of  “potential” that we had and are STILL having with Alex Smith.

I don't have my heart set on this guy for QB (although I am leaning strongly his direction), so I am open to other suggestions. Hopefully some of the Niner's Nation are college fans and you guys can give some comments on who should be our future QB. The only thing that is out of the question is keeping the QBs we have. Alex and Shaun have had their chance and failed. However, if you want to give Nate Davis a shot, I'm open to that.

Final note: Watch the Armed Forces Bowl on New Years Eve to check out Case Kennum in action. I know I will.