Football News – Saskatchewan Signs Texas Tech Stud QB

Graham Harrell Signs Up North…Way North

A resume as impressive as Graham Harrell’s should surely have caught the eyes of some NFL teams. The Texas born quarterback came out during last year’s college betting season with all his canons firing. After leading the Texas Tech Red Raiders to an 11-5 SU season, with a 5,111 passing yards and 45 touchdowns. Yes, forty-five touchdowns. Though the Red Raiders finished just 5-5-1 ATS record and a loss in the Cotton Bowl to Ole Mississippi, Harrell became a rightful Heisman finalist.

But the NFL Draft came and went and Harrell found himself without a phone call, nor an NFL team. A brief stint with the Browns brought him no NFL fortune and no NFL contract. This coming after the guy tosses for more yards than anyone in college and ranked third in total touchdowns. Harrell finished the 2008 NFL betting season with a 160.04 quarterback rating.

So what’s the issue with Harrell? At 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds he’s considered “small” by quarterbacking standards. His size isn’t the main issue, though. The main issue stands that he’s the product of a “pass heavy system” from Texas Tech. NFL scouts doubted his ability to handle the complexities of the NFL’s offensive systems, and also criticized the strength of his arm.

Now I’ve been a big fan of Graham Harrell ever since he and Crabtree burst on to the scene in 2007 to take the league touchdown after touchdown after touchdown. In 2006, Harrell assumed the reigns of the vaunted Texas Tech passing attack, gunning up the field for 4,555 passing yards and 38 touchdowns. Not only did he lead the nation in completions that year, he ranked second in total passing yards.

He matched that feat in 2007, throwing for 5,705 passing yards and winning Gator Bowl MVP honors with a win over Virginia. In the Gator Bowl, Harrell amassed 407 passing yards and three touchdowns. It boggles my mind that this guy couldn’t even get a look in the NFL.

Yet Harrell has found a way to play professional football by signing on with the Saskatchewan…in the CFL, which plays its season during the summer months. Saskatchewan is 2-1 SU, but has a -19 point differential after getting thrashed by the B.C. Lions. Now, the CFL may not be the “dream” of many Americans growing up, but for Harrell it may be a blessing.

The CFL is notorious for its open passing game. The touchdown zone is twenty-yards long, and most offenses boast a four receiver set. For Harrell, it will be a lot like playing in the high-flying Texas Tech Red Raiders once again, but with less pass-rushing.

Now I’m not going to bore you to death with all the rule adjustments of the CFL, but I will say this – if you loved watching Harrell dominate Colt McCoy, throw to Crabtree or lead the league in passing yards for the last two seasons, then his career isn’t dead yet. And the best part? You can bet on it! Our sportsbook offers CFL lines every weekend. So whether you’re a CFL junkie, or a Harrell fan, we’ve got you covered.