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Once you're done drooling over LaDainian Tomlinson, take note: There's more than one star in TCU's backfield.
19-year-old Printers is no handoff-lackey for his Heisman hopeful -- he's more of a campaign manager.
As opposing defenses focus on Tomlinson, Printers' ability to handle the reins of a hard-hitting option offense could be the biggest key to an undefeated season at TCU. 'Frogs' coach Dennis Franchione doesn't seem the least bit worried about how Printers will fare at the helm.
"All this would be hard for a normal sophomore, but he's not normal," Franchione said in the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram. "In 28 years, he's the best freshman I've ever coached at quarterback."
Printers posted an 8-2 record as a freshman starter in 1999, passing for 1,213 yards and eight touchdowns. He kept on rolling in the postseason, taking Mobile Bowl MVP honors after passing for 173 yards in a 28-14 win over East Carolina. The Sporting News named him a third-team freshman All-American at QB, behind Virginia Tech's Michael Vick and Wisconsin's Brooks Bollinger -- both of whom were redshirts.
Third-team aside, Franchione doesn't want anyone other than Printers behind center in the fall.
"I wouldn't trade him for anyone right now," Franchione said. "I think he relishes the part of being a leader."
-- Luke Winn
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In 1999, Printers was named one of college football's Top 10 true freshmen by Sports Illustrated. TCU sports information
