Questions Follow Brennan to Redskins

Written by Liz Chun - echun@kgmb9.com

April 27, 2008 07:34 PM

It was never a question of if, but when and where Hawaii's most winningest college quarterback gets picked to go pro.

Colt Brennan finally got his call in the final hours of today's NFL draft. He was selected in the sixth round by the Redskins. And while it was a relief to Colt, it also opened up a heated discussion on national tv.

Colt Brennan's NFL career begins just as he left it at the University of Hawaii, with critics questioning his ability. Today the Washington Redskins made him the 186th pick overall. And as soon as they did, Colt became the topic of debate for more than 10 minutes.

UH's first Heisman finalist is now a Washington Redskin. While he was a sixth round pick, he is one of only 13 quarterbacks taken in this year's draft.

“As the day progressed...stressful but…in the end really glad that Washington stepped up. Looking back now it's a great fit for me,” reflected former Warrior quarterback Colt Brennan.

Brennan joins a team that passes a lot while running a version of the west coast offense.

“Do we think in the next 2 years we'll see Colt starting in an NFL game? No I don't believe so, no.”

But turns out Colt's selection wasn't quickly passed over by ESPN's panel of experts.

“To me it's the delivery. When you have a quirky motion like Colt Brennan does coming side arm it's very difficult to be consistent with your throwing. I've studied him on tape. Yes, he can be accurate, but what bothers me about that accuracy is that he doesn't get the ball out quick enough. He waits for a receiver to come open. He'll watch, watch and wait.”

After being criticized for poor showings at the Sugar Bowl and Senior Bowl and having hip surgery, Brennan is used to being an underdog. But believes his delivery isn't a weak point.

“People talk about my side arm delivery yet Vince Young, Tony Romo, Rich Gannon… these are all guys who have much lower deliveries than I do. Everyone says I have like a 3/4 of side arm delivery no one's ever seen it. It's not a side arm delivery but it's not over the top. Your talking about the most in 3 years no one's been as accurate as me in the history of college football and that's what's most important in drafting a quarterback.: said Brennan.

The Redskins admit Brennan was brought in as guy they want to develop and find him a worthwhile investment. Besides the former UH quarterback setting and tying 31 NCAA records, they like his winning attitude.
“I think it was a guy who Jim Zorn really like all the intangibles. How he was in the lockerroom. The leader he is on the field. Just the way he carries himself. So I think those were the…” said Vinny Cerrato, Redskins VP.

“All I have to do is wait for my opportunity. Whether my opportunity comes months from now or years from now. I really don't have control over that. But when I have my opportunity that when I can prove I belong,” said Brennan looking forward.

Colt was of 10 players that the Redskins drafted. He'll check in to mini camp this coming Friday.