Colt Brennan, 2008 NFL Draft

Quarterback 6' 2" 195 lbs. Speed: NA Hawaii Senior Drafted: 6th round Washington Redskins

One of the most prolific passers in NCAA History after only his junior season. Colt Brennan has become a legitimate NFL Draft Prospect. Brennan, now a graduated senior, still hasn't proven to all the doubting NFL Scouts that he is more than just a product of June Jones' pass happy system. NFL Draft Scout Mel Kiper, for example, thinks he is nothing more than a system quarterback. Walt over at Walters Football doesn't think he has a strong enough arm.

NFL Draft Dog, however, thinks he is much more than that. I have scouted him extensively and have seen him make all the throws, his arm strength is fine and I love his Tony Romo-ish quick release. There is plenty of zip on his balls. Yes he will probably slip a little in the draft, but if the team that drafts him is patient, down the road he might be considered one of the steals of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Brennan had a difficult time getting his football career going. Without getting into all the details, Brennan pled guilty to "burglary and trespassing" for an incident that occurred on 28 January 2004. He had a few too many drinks and entered a female students room uninvited.  Brennan served seven days in jail and was put on four years of probation.

When asked about the incident Brennan said, "I don't think I touched the girl,  the only thing I know is that night I acted inappropriately and didn't leave when I should have."

His scholarship offer to Colorado was pulled off the table and in 2004 he enrolled at Saddleback Community College in California. He got back on the football field, put his past behind him and excelled.  Brennan led Saddleback to a conference championship.  His stellar performance resulted in him being offered a walk-on invitation to attend Hawaii, Syracuse, and San Jose State. He chose Hawaii and has been on a positive roll, on and off the field ever since.

He suited up for the Rainbows in 2005 and immediately lined up as the starting quarterback.  It didn’t take long for Brennan to pick up Coach Jones’ pass happy system and he performed brilliantly.  He led the nation in total offense with 4,455 yards and 35 touchdowns. Brennan is barely 6’ 2” tall but he stands tall in the pocket and has a quick, accurate delivery.

In 2006 though, Brennan took the step to elite status, the pre-season WAC offensive player of the year threw for an amazing 53 touchdowns, which was one shy of the NCAA record of 54.  He ended up leading the nation in scoring and passing efficiency with a 182.8 rating, and completing 72% of his passes. He finished sixth in the 2006 Heisman Trophy voting and was a front runner in 2007.

Check out this NFL Draft Site blog article on the Hawaii Rainbows Football program highlighting coach June Jones.

Statistics wise Brennan has no equals, and unlike former record setting Hawaii quarterback and NFL bust Timmy Chang, Colt Brennan actually has excellent NFL potential. With the NFL’s new emphasis on character, Brennan will have to ensure he stays out of trouble, another incident, even minor, could destroy his future in the National Football League.

Here is what Michael Abromowitz from the The Football Expert had to say when asked about Brennan's NFL potential,  "My biggest fear in Colt Brennan is he is a system quarterback.  In June Jone's system, even Timmy Chang excelled.  Hawaii's pass happy system really helps inflate Brennan's stats.  The best thing for Brennan to do is face some serious competition his senior year, but that is not to be the case.  Only Boise St. brings a quality defense.  Brennan's thin frame of around 190 lbs is of question, but he should be able to bulk up.  Brennan does have a nice quick release and good size at 6-3.  I think Brennan has the skills to play in the NFL, but I don't think he is an elite franchise quarterback.  Look for Brennan to battle for the third quarterback spot after Brohm and Henne.  Is Brennan a system quarterback?  Yes, but in the correct NFL system he could still have success".

Except for the crushing 41-10 loss to Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, Colt had a fantastic 2007 season. Hawaii won 22 of its last 24 games. Colt Brennan broke Tye Detmer's TD record of 122 touchdowns and has broken 33 other NCAA records. This season he has a nice 71.40 completion percentage and has thrown for 4,174 yards and 38 touchdowns with 14 interceptions.  Brennan has that gunslinger mentality, similar to Tony Romo, he has a super quick release and good pocket presence, very accurate and very competitive mentally.

Back back to the Sugar Bowl, Brennan and the Rainbows looked over matched. Yes Brennan threw too many interceptions, and I am sure his draft stock will be downgraded because of that, but I mostly blame his offensive line, especially his two offensive tackles. Georgia was able to get severe pressure on Brennan all night long, sometimes only rushing 3 or 4, and then they were able to drop 7 or 8 back into coverage.

After his mediocre performance at the 2008 Senior Bowl, Brennan's stock is at an all time low. However I wouldn't be surprised to see him drafted in the 3rd or 4th round by a team like the 49ers. Mike Martz is the new offensive coordinator there and he obviously liked him at the Senior Bowl. Brennan will need a couple years of seasoning in the NFL. He throws too many interceptions, needs to develop more patience and improve his footwork, and he will have a lot to learn transitioning from the run and shoot offense to a traditional NFL offense, but if he stays out of trouble and if his NFL team is very patient with him, he could develop into a Pro Bowl NFL quarterback. Remember, the Colts and the Patriots run a similar offensive system to Hawaii's at times.

  Colt Brennan was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the 6th round (186th over all). He will start out as the 3rd string quarterback behind starter Jason Campbell and back-up Todd Collins. It will be an excellent environment for him to sit back and learn under new first year head coach Jim Zorn.