QB Gabbert opts for NFL despite sourness of Missouri Tigers' loss to Iowa

January 03, 2011|by Chris Replogle, KY3 News | creplogle@ky3.com

COLUMBIA, Mo. - His draft report card was just too good to say no. University of Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert decided to forgo his final collegiate season to enter the National Football League draft. The deadline for underclassmen to officially declare is Jan. 18.

"This is definitely a bittersweet day for me. I was really looking forward to having a chance to do some special things next season with my teammates but, in the end, this is the right decision to make for myself and my family,” said Gabbert. "These last three years have been an unbelievable experience for me, and I’ll miss being at Mizzou, but I’m definitely looking forward to this next stage of my life."

Gabbert shined for the pro scouts in the Insight Bowl against a talented Iowa Hawkeyes defense. The junior threw for a bowl record 434 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for another touchdown.

The Ballwin native's numbers dropped off in 2010 compared to his breakout sophomore season. The junior threw for 3,186 yards and 16 touchdowns against nine interceptions. Most NFL mock drafts agree Gabbert is likely a first-round selection. Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel that should be the deciding factor.

“We’re very proud of Blaine, and how hard he’s worked to put himself in position for this opportunity,” said Pinkel. “Blaine is excited to take on a new set of challenges at the next level, and I’m confident he’ll be a great representative of Mizzou Football going forward,” Pinkel said.

Gabbert too said he's thankful of the opportunity to play at Missouri.

"I’m so grateful to have been part of such a great program and all of the people who have helped me get to this point, and now I have to take what I’ve learned, and build on that for the next level," said Gabbert. "I’ll always be a Tiger, and I look forward to watching the guys do big things in the future."

Call the Tigers on Facebook @KYTV TigerTalk or on Twitter @KY3TigerTalk.

|

|

|