The Strahm Theory

[Keith]

Hey in case anyone is wondering what the deal is with all these W Va, Va Tech, E KY players, (not to mention our Va QB and others from the area), check out this update I just put on the front page (http://www.inthebullseye.com):

So when I said this would be remembered as a needs based draft, maybe I spoke too soon. Adibi is the third in four picks to hail from the Virginia's, and when adding Molden, the fourth of four to come from the southeastern U.S.

Surprised? Don't be. Dale Strahm, the team's director of college scouting, was once a regional scout for the Broncos. Any guesses as to which region? The southeast. As a coach, he collected paychecks from places like Western Carolina, Georgia, Duke, and Bowling Green.

[Keith]

Let's continue that Strahm Theory just a little further...

Players acquired since he was hired in late June 2006:

2008 Draft (Southeastern U.S.? Y/N)
Rd 1 Duane Brown, Virginia Tech (Y)
Rd 3 Antwaun Molden, E. Kentucky (Y)
Rd 3 Steve Slaton, W. Virginia (Y)
Rd 4 Xavier Adibi, Virginia Tech (Y)

2007 Draft
Rd 1 Amobi Okoye, Louisville (Y)
Rd 3 Jacoby Jones, Lane College (Y)
Rd 4 Fred Bennett, S. Carolina (Y)
Rd 5 Brandon Harrison, Stanford (N)
Rd 5 Brandon Frye, Virginia Tech (Y)
Rd 6 Kasey Studdard, Texas (N)

Other Notables (not sure what input Strahm had in these)
QB Matt Schaub, Virginia (Y)
QB Shane Boyd, Kentucky (Y)
WR Andre Davis, Virginia Tech (Y)

[HPF Bob]

Particularly from the "Near South" (as opposed to the "Deep South" - not Florida, LSU, Georgia, etc.), states along the Mason-Dixon line down into the Carolinas. I'm sure there are some fine football players in those parts but it never is good to be locked into one area of the country, even Texas.

It's not really so much of a gripe as it is a curiosity, sort of like their fascination with Nigerian d-linemen.

[jppaul]

That last pick is not particulary consistent with this theory but the rest are right in line.

[Keith]

Yeah, Dale is the director, so I imagine this would hold more true for the earlier picks, the ones he might personally have more say in making/evaluating.

[Arky]

Ah, so that's it. I was thinking it might have had something to do with:

Owner Bob McNair, South Carolina (Y)

[Keith]

hahaha

Actually, the other connection here not mentioned much is the East-West Shrine Bowl. First with Jacoby and now with Duane, the Texans have plucked one of the standout players from this week of practices.

And, as most of you probably know, the Shrine game has been played in Houston the last two years.

[Warren]

Interesting. Similar to the Titans loading up on players from the Texas area because of legendary scout C.O. Brocato.

[KJ3]

at least the fans are from here!!!!!

yeah!!!

[NBT]

I'm not too worried about where we got 'em from as long as they work out OK. Of course it doesn't hurt that they are from very good conferences like the ACC & the SEC.