CheramieIII

Go figure, it's about time we replace Boumann:

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Saints to add QB to competition
Former Texas Tech record-setter might sign deal today
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
By Brian Allee-Walsh
Staff writer
Kliff Kingsbury, who set numerous passing records at Texas Tech, arrived in New Orleans on Monday night and will join the Saints' practice squad today after signing a contract, his agent said.

Kingsbury, a sixth-round pick of the New England Patriots in 2003, missed all of last season with an unspecified arm injury. He went to training camp with the Patriots in July and was released Friday.

Green Bay and San Francisco, both teams in need of quarterback help, also showed interest in Kingsbury the past few days.

"This is where Kliff has wanted to be all along," said Kingsbury's agent, Vann McElroy. "We thought he was coming to New Orleans in the 2003 draft, because they wanted him, but New England traded up above them to get him in the sixth round.

"Kliff's excited. I'm excited. We're thrilled he's coming there to work with (Saints offensive coordinator) Mike McCarthy. We think this is a good fit."

Saints officials declined comment until Kingsbury signs a contract.

They did announce that six players have been signed to their practice squad. All went to training camp with the team and were released Sunday. They are fullback Nate Schurman, wide receiver Nathan Black (Northwestern State), tackle Ben Archibald, guard Chad Setterstrom, cornerback Fred Booker (LSU) and linebacker Billy Strother.

Saints officials are expected today to fill the last opening on the practice squad.

Kingsbury, 6 feet 3, 220 pounds, set 39 school, 13 Big 12 Conference and seven NCAA career passing records in 43 games at Texas Tech.

He completed 1,231 of 1,883 passes for 12,429 yards with 95 touchdowns and 40 interceptions. He is one of only three quarterbacks in NCAA history to compile at least 10,000 passing yards, 10,000 yards in total offense and complete more than 1,000 passes.

Patriots' officials had hoped to re-sign Kingsbury to their practice squad. He was running fourth on the depth chart, behind two-time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady, former LSU quarterback Rohan Davey and veteran Jim Miller.

Former Saints quarterback Billy Joe Tolliver, who also played at Texas Tech, helped recruit Kingsbury for New Orleans.


REDSHIRT YEAR? Barring an injury to wide receiver/return specialist Michael Lewis, don't expect to see former LSU wide receiver Devery Henderson on the field anytime soon. Although possessing a world of ability, Henderson is learning the playbook on the run after missing the first 10 practices in training camp. For every step forward, he appears to take two backward. But he has improved his receiving in camp, Haslett said. Talman Gardner and Lewis are well ahead of Henderson for the fourth wide receiver spot.


FYI: Saints coach Jim Haslett made it clear Monday that he's not pleased with the preseason performance of reserve quarterbacks Todd Bouman and J.T. O'Sullivan. That might explain why team officials pursued Kingsbury, who was sought after by several teams before deciding to sign with the Saints. Bouman, who was acquired from the Minnesota Vikings for a sixth-round pick in March 2003, enters the regular season No. 2 on the depth chart largely because he holds for extra points and field goals.


BY THE NUMBERS: Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks will carry the NFL's longest current streak for consecutive passes thrown without an interception -- 232 -- into Sunday's season opener against the Seahawks. His last interception came against Atlanta in Game 10 on Nov. 16, 2003. Quarterbacks Tom Brady (128), Vinny Testaverde (102), Todd Collins (93) and Mark Brunell (85) round out the top five, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

PERSONNEL MATTERS: Former LSU defensive tackle Kenderick Allen, who was released by the Saints on Sunday, was signed to the New York Giants' 53-man roster Monday.

Brian Allee-Walsh can be reached at ballee-walsh@timespicayune.com or (504) 826-3805.

Saintsin04

I wouldn\'t feel anymore comfortable with him in there than the other two........bottom line is if Brooks goes down we are screwed!