since you have to sign up, I'll just copy/paste because it's a great read.
www.montereyherald.com/ci_6183603?nclick_check=1Reader takes risk to be a Razorback
Former Palma QB headed to Arkansas but without scholarship
By JOHN DEVINE
Herald Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 06/20/2007 01:27:21 AM PDT
Call it a hunch.
Because when Palma football coach Jeff Carnazzo heard the University of Arkansas had lost a highly touted quarterback prospect, he picked up the phone.
And all it took was a phone call for Brian Reader to find a home.
After putting up arguably the greatest single-season quarterback performance in Palma history last season, Reader is headed to the University of Arkansas to play football.
The risk is there's no scholarship, at least not yet. The reward is a chance to prove he can play for one of the best college football teams in the nation.
"If he goes in there and impresses people, it's not out of the realm of possibility that he could make some noise immediately,'' Carnazzo said. "He's the best kept secret."
When Carnazzo heard Mitch Mustain was transferring to USC, he called Arkansas and left a message, asking if they might be interested in a quarterback who threw for more than 2,400 yards last year and is familiar with their offense.
Interest surfaced at Arkansas after coaches there reviewed video of the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Reader, who went to Fayetteville for a visit earlier this month.
On his visit, Reader met offensive coordinator David Lee and watched film of his game against Mitty in the playoffs.
Lee, who worked with the quarterbacks last season for the Dallas Cowboys, quizzed Reader on his options, testing his knowledge about the offense.
"He would stop the film and critique my reads,'' Reader said. "He took time out of his day to talk to me. He asked a lot of questions. I think I made a good impression."
Carnazzo has no doubt Reader left an impression with his arm strength and understanding of the game.
"I know Brian did,'' Carnazzo said. "I've spoken to the coordinator four times since. He called me back and thanked me for referring Brian."
Reader set numerous single season records last fall at Palma, throwing for 2,411 yards and 19 touchdowns, while completing more than 64 percent of his passes.
The only quarterback in Monterey County to throw for more yards was Brian Kirkpatrick of King City, who threw for 2,694 yards in 1994.
A three-sport athlete at Palma, Reader didn't start until his senior year.
"What hurt Brian is he didn't have any junior film,'' Carnazzo said. "Being from where we are, we haven't had a bunch of quarterbacks play Division I football.''
Former Palma quarterback Chad Bozzo is on scholarship at San Jose State, although talk has surfaced about moving him to another position.
Palma changed its offense last season to accommodate Reader's passing skills, going with a pro-set package. Arkansas runs a version of the same offense.
"The way it was explained to me, they run a lot of single-back, zone stuff,'' Reader said. "A lot of it is the same stuff we did at Palma. It's an offense I can pick up quickly."
Reader had planned to attend City College of San Francisco, considered the premier junior college football program in the state, before taking a visit to Arkansas.
"I was supposed to report Monday,'' Reader said. "I called them and apologized. I said I could not pass up this opportunity. They said they understood and said 'you're always welcome.'"
Last season Arkansas was ranked 15th in the nation. It ran off 10 straight wins before falling in the SEC title game to eventual national champion Florida.
With Reader, five quarterbacks would be on the 105-man roster, including incumbent Casey Dick. Only one other incoming freshman was recruited to be a quarterback.
Arkansas, which opens its season Sept. 1 against Troy, also showcases tailback and Heisman Trophy candidate Darren McFadden.
Reader realizes there are no promises that he will even set foot on the field, although he has had constant contact with Lee.
"They sound excited to have me,'' Reader said. "I'm excited about it. They are trying to get me in line for a scholarship. I left with talk of being a recruited walk-on."
For all the records Reader established as a quarterback at Palma, he was also the long-snapper on punts last year.
"Hey, if it can get on the field, I'll snap,'' Reader said.
