--It was announced yesterday that former WV high school football legend and the nation's all time leading passer at the high school level...JR House....is giving up his baseball career and enrolling at WVU this summer and according the the radio report I heard as been medically cleared to play....this certainly adds some spice to WVUs QB battle in the fall.

-- Here is an article written about House a few weeks ago before the announcment


Jackson


Is House
getting football bug?

Mike Cherry
Daily Mail sportswriter

Tuesday March 29, 2005

MORGANTOWN -- This is an upcoming season for West Virginia University where even a stranger in the house can cause a ripple at the quarterback position.

Even if that stranger is a House.

Record-setting former Nitro High quarterback J.R. House attended WVU's football workout Monday at the Caperton Indoor Center. House was accompanied by his father, Rodger, and his high school coach, Scott Tinsley. WVU moved its practice indoors because of day-long rain.

"I'm just hanging out," J.R. House said when asked why he was at practice. "Watching practice."

Yet, House's presence is at least a curiosity this spring because WVU, for the first time since the spring of 2002, is looking to replace its starting quarterback. Rasheed Marshall started the last three seasons and his top backup, Charles Hales, was also a senior in 2004.

House was recruited by WVU for the 1999 class, but later signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates after he was drafted in the fifth round. He eventually played in five Major League games with Pittsburgh, but was released this winter after undergoing shoulder surgery on his throwing (right) arm. House, 25, is in his sixth week of rehabilitation from the operation.

Winter ball is House's next baseball option. Yet, he said he is considering pursuing an education. That means he would be eligible to play football if he enrolls at a school.

"Every now and then, I get that bug," House said of college football.

WVU Coach Rich Rodriguez spoke with the Houses on several occasions after Monday's practice. J.R. House said he has known Rodriguez since 1999. At that time, Rodriguez was an assistant coach at Clemson.

Reports this month from the Palmetto State have said that House has been in touch with University of South Carolina football coaches about possibly playing there. New Gamecock Coach Steve Spurrier recently said his school is not "actively pursuing him." House said several other schools have contacted him about playing football.

"I'm a free agent," House said. "I can do whatever."

House's rehabilitation likely means he would not be available to do much throwing before August.

Recovery from his type of surgery is a six or seven-month process, House said.

House's name previously has popped up in news around WVU's program, particularly during Rodriguez's first years of operating WVU's team. Yet, House never has enrolled at WVU or any other school.

Best of luck WVU. Question: What is his long term prognosis on his arm? Will it be the same?

That's interesting. He was a Tulane commit at one point, either out of HS or as a transfer, but it was pending the baseball decision, which at the time was obviously made to go with baseball.

Quote:That's interesting. He was a Tulane commit at one point, either out of HS or as a transfer, but it was pending the baseball decision, which at the time was obviously made to go with baseball.

-- I had forgotten about that....and Tulane's OC at that point was our very own RichRod....again should be interesting to see how this plays out

Quote:What is his long term prognosis on his arm? Will it be the same?

-- That is the question every one is asking in WV....I doubt even the coaches know...but the nice thing about is that part of his baseball contract was that the Pirates have to pay for his college tution...so basically he can play football without WVU waisting a scholorship....when he was in HS he was a pretty fair LB too..so maybe that would be an option as well


Jackson

Jackson1011 Wrote:--It was announced yesterday that former WV high school football legend and the nation's all time leading passer at the high school level...JR House....is giving up his baseball career and enrolling at WVU this summer and according the the radio report I heard as been medically cleared to play....this certainly adds some spice to WVUs QB battle in the fall.

-- Here is an article written about House a few weeks ago before the announcment


Jackson


Is House
getting football bug?

Mike Cherry
Daily Mail sportswriter

Tuesday March 29, 2005

MORGANTOWN -- This is an upcoming season for West Virginia University where even a stranger in the house can cause a ripple at the quarterback position.

Even if that stranger is a House.

Record-setting former Nitro High quarterback J.R. House attended WVU's football workout Monday at the Caperton Indoor Center. House was accompanied by his father, Rodger, and his high school coach, Scott Tinsley. WVU moved its practice indoors because of day-long rain.

"I'm just hanging out," J.R. House said when asked why he was at practice. "Watching practice."

Yet, House's presence is at least a curiosity this spring because WVU, for the first time since the spring of 2002, is looking to replace its starting quarterback. Rasheed Marshall started the last three seasons and his top backup, Charles Hales, was also a senior in 2004.

House was recruited by WVU for the 1999 class, but later signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates after he was drafted in the fifth round. He eventually played in five Major League games with Pittsburgh, but was released this winter after undergoing shoulder surgery on his throwing (right) arm. House, 25, is in his sixth week of rehabilitation from the operation.

Winter ball is House's next baseball option. Yet, he said he is considering pursuing an education. That means he would be eligible to play football if he enrolls at a school.

"Every now and then, I get that bug," House said of college football.

WVU Coach Rich Rodriguez spoke with the Houses on several occasions after Monday's practice. J.R. House said he has known Rodriguez since 1999. At that time, Rodriguez was an assistant coach at Clemson.

Reports this month from the Palmetto State have said that House has been in touch with University of South Carolina football coaches about possibly playing there. New Gamecock Coach Steve Spurrier recently said his school is not "actively pursuing him." House said several other schools have contacted him about playing football.

"I'm a free agent," House said. "I can do whatever."

House's rehabilitation likely means he would not be available to do much throwing before August.

Recovery from his type of surgery is a six or seven-month process, House said.

House's name previously has popped up in news around WVU's program, particularly during Rodriguez's first years of operating WVU's team. Yet, House never has enrolled at WVU or any other school.

I'd steer clear of JR and especially his crazy dad. Remember the arrogance they displayed waiting for FSU to call them? Maybe things have changed with him and his dad. I just wouldn't get too excited about it.

Quote:I just wouldn't get too excited about it.

-- Agreed...but is a win/win situation for us....WVU doesn't have to waist a scholli but we can still see what House can do....In my view House won't even be the best QB from West Virginia on the roster this fall...with that honor going to Nate Sowers of Martinsburg


Jackson