Houston Texans Positional Breakdown: Quarterback
By Randy Gurzi
Nov 30, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) before a game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Tom Savage – 6’4″, 228 Pounds, 25 Years Old
The Houston Texans had a shot to draft several young players in the draft in 2014, but they passed on them all, over and over again. That was until round four when they took Tom Savage, who played for Rutgers and Pittsburgh in college.
Some Background Info;
Savage was a journeyman in college as he originally started with Rutgers in 2009, but then transferred to Arizona after two seasons. He never played for Arizona, and after having to sit out the 2011 season due to NCAA rules on transferring, he then moved on to Pittsburgh and had to sit out the 2012 season as well.
Granted, there were extenuating circumstances, like Arizona switching coaches and then the NCAA denying Savage’s request to return to Rutgers and be allowed to play on a hardship waiver.
Still, Savage managed a good season in 2013 where he had just under 3,000 yards with 21 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He managed to get into two games for the Texans in 2014 and was 10 of 19 passing for 127 yards and an interception.
He did not look ready to be on the field and struggled to hand the ball off at times.
What To Expect This Year;
While some liked Savage as a sleeper, I would have loved to see Houston bring in another young guy at quarterback to groom. Especially when considering that Savage is already 25 years-old, only one year younger than Mallett.
Texans fans need to hope that Savage is only seen in preseason games this season, and not on the field while everyone else is hurt again like last year.