Key Component
This story originally published on SuperPrep.com
Blaine Gabbert
National Recruiting Editor
Posted Mar 19, 2007
Allen Wallace, National Recruiting Director TheInsiders.com and SuperPrep.com


"Nebraska has the best facilities I've seen," said quarterback Blaine Gabbert. "They are top of the line and they're all brand new. It's the best that money can buy," he said. "Plus, the people at Nebraska are great. Coach (recruiting coordinator and tight ends) Shawn Watson and coach (linebackers and defensive coordinator) Kevin Cosgrove are both recruiting me and I get along well with them..."

Blaine Gabbert, the 6-foot-4, 225 pound quarterback from Parkway West High School in Ballwin (Mo.), received his first scholarship offer last summer from Miami (Oh) and they haven't stopped coming since. Gabbert already has 10 offers, with more on the way.

Although he denies a leader, he admits to favoring Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Alabama - and all four have offered. He also has offers from Kansas State, Clemson and Mississippi.

"I never grew up watching a certain school," said Gabbert, who claims to run a 4.6 forty. "But I have always liked the Big 12."

He attended the Missouri Junior Day. "Missouri is only about an hour and a half away," he said. "But that doesn't matter. I don't care if I stay close. I like their offense and that the quarterback is the key component. The offense revolves around him. They pass the ball a lot and the quarterback makes a lot of decision."

He has also already visited Iowa and Nebraska. "Iowa is an awesome place," Gabbert said. "I love their football tradition and the coaches there are really cool.

"Nebraska has the best facilities I've seen. They are top of the line and they're all brand new. It's the best that money can buy," he said. "Plus, the people at Nebraska are great. Coach (recruiting coordinator and tight ends) Shawn Watson and coach (linebackers and defensive coordinator) Kevin Cosgrove are both recruiting me and I get along well with them. Coach Watson is down-to-earth and very normal. I feel like I could approach him and talk with him about anything."

Although he hasn't been to Alabama yet, Gabbart says he's already developed a great relationship with their new coaching staff. "I really like head coach Nick Saban and their quarterback coach Major Applewhite," Gabbert said. "He's gonna instill an Indianapolis Colts-type offense there and I also really love their football tradition."

With ten offers already on the table, Gabbart says he's not planning on dragging out the recruiting process. "I'd rather commit sooner than later," he said. "I need to make sure I have a good relationship with all the coaches and players and find an offense that I'll be able to fit in with."

Gabbert finished his junior season with 1550 yards passing for 20 touchdowns and seven picks. On the ground he had approximately 600 rushing yards and nine scores. He benches 295 pounds, squats 285 and vertical jumps 33-inches.

"I have a strong and accurate arm," Gabbert said. "I have great speed and good escapability. I'm really aggressive and never second guess myself.

"I want to keep improving in everything and become a better overall quarterback," he said. "I'd like to read the plays better and learn to throw into all types of different coverages."

Gabbert reports a 4.1 core GPA (with honors classes) and a 25 ACT.


Related Stories
Gabbert Spends Time In Iowa City
 -by HawkeyeInsider.com  Mar 7, 2007
RedHawks Make Initial 27 Offers: Part Two
 -by RedHawkInsider.com  Mar 6, 2007
ScoutTV: Alabama Offers Blaine Gabbert
 -by BamaMag.com  Mar 5, 2007

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