Rudy Carpenter (QB)
Height: 6’2"
Weight: 218
College:Arizona State
Conference:Pac-12
Hometown: Westlake, CA
High School: Westlake
Choose QuarterbacksBomar, RhettFreeman, JoshSanchez, MarkStafford, MatthewWhite, Pat
OverviewThe best word to describe Carpenter is "gutty." He finished his career with 43 consecutive starts, which helped him become one of the most productive quarterbacks in Pac-10 history with 10,491 passing yards and 81 career touchdowns.
After leading the Sun Devils to a share of the Pac-10 championship in 2007 and emerging as one of the nation’s most consistent passers, Carpenter and the rest of his teammates struggled through a disappointing 2008 campaign. His own statistics weren’t as impressive as expected (2,493 yards, 16 TDs, nine INTs), nor was his team, a preseason top 15 pick that stumbled to a 5-7 record.
Carpenter lacks the monster arm every NFL team is looking for, but his toughness, mobility and accuracy in the short to medium range should make him an interesting second-day option for teams using the West Coast offense. Had an arm span of 31 3/4 inches and a hand span of 8 5/8 inches at the combine.
High SchoolA 2004 graduate of Westlake (Calif.) High School…the Los Angeles Daily News Offensive Player of the Year…a pre- and postseason All-America selection by Prepstar Magazine…listed as the No. 67 player in California by SuperPrep Magazine…listed as the No. 36 player in California and a preseason All-American by SuperPrep Magazine…rated as the No. 20 quarterback in the nation by rivals.com…played in the Cali-Florida High School All-Star game…statistics as a senior included 2,705 passing yards (163 completions on 262 attempts) and 36 touchdowns and only six interceptions…also rushed for 626 yards and seven scores…Led Westlake to a Division IV Championship and a 14-0 season…lists that season as his most exciting sports experience…as a junior, was all-state, all-league, all-county, All-C.I.F. and league Most Valuable Player…completed 295 passes on 408 pass attempts for 3,200 yards and 32 touchdowns as a junior…also had 800 yards rushing and six rushing touchdowns…also was the Most Valuable Player for Newbury Park’s baseball and basketball teams as well…played at Newbury Park High School before his senior season…coached by Jim Benkert (same as current Sun Devil Josh Golden).
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AnalysisPositives: Tough quarterback. Has played behind a leaky offensive line throughout his career and has absorbed a lot of punishment. Not a traditional running threat, but is a creative, alert scrambler who can buy some time escaping the rush to complete the pass. Keeps his eyes downfield despite heavy pressure. Acclimated quickly to new offense and has experience as a drop-back and shotgun passer. Scans the field efficiently. Gets good depth on his drop back and has a very quick set up and delivery. Good short- to medium-range accuracy — especially for the quick slants, outs and square-ins necessary for the West Coast Offense. Flashes the touch to place the ball between defenders. Throws a very catchable ball. Consistently places passes where only his receivers can get them. Extremely competitive. Added 15 pounds of muscle during the 2008 spring.
Negatives: Relies more on his accuracy and understanding of the offense, rather than a monster arm to complete passes. Lacks the arm for a traditional deep pass offense. Will telegraph his passes by locking onto a receiver, and lacks the arm strength to zip passes through tight windows. Won the respect of his teammates with his toughness, but has a ****y, gunslinger mentality that has drawn criticism from some.
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