Is Case Keenum A Future Starter?

There are plenty of people out there who like former University of Houston quarterback Case Keenum. During the draft process there was a steady stream of support for him primarily from fans after a stellar 2011 college season. Draft commentators however recognised that Keenum’s skill set, size and experience would make teams wary of him and indeed it was so as Keenum was undrafted.

There is at least one person who truly believes Case Keenum can make it in the NFL and that is Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak whose team acquired Keenum after the draft. Speaking at the team’s OTAs, Kubiak showed confidence in his young signal caller:

"“It’s interesting because for him to go play under center — he’d never done it — that hasn’t been a problem at all. Now, it’s just kind of getting used to playing under there from a standpoint off seeing things and verbiage. There’s a lot of verbiage in our offense and I don’t think there was much at Houston, if I’m right, so he’s having to adjust to that.He’s very smart. He’s a diligent worker, and that’s all you can ask for. He’s well on his way to learning what he’s doing, so I’m very pleased. I’m excited to work with him. I think he’s got a future. We just got to take it a day at a time.”"

The Texans quarterback situation is rather crowded at the moment. Matt Schaub is the clear starter although he is currently out of commission due to the lisfranc fracture in his foot he sustained last season. Matt Leinart has departed and been replaced by former Washington Redskins quarterback John Beck and the surprising talent of T.J. Yates also remains with the team so Keenum’s road to stardom is paved with obstacles.

If Case Keenum is going to have a future in this business, now is the time he has to put the work in. He will get some reps while Schaub recovers and he has to make these count in order to continue to impress. Even if he makes a mark it is doubtful Keenum makes the Texans opening day roster but he should at least make Houston’s practice squad.

It is rare for a 6 foot 1 quarterback weighing just over 200 pounds to make it in the NFL and especially one with hands as small as Keenum. The kid’s got talent though so with hard work you never know what may happen.

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