Byron Leftwich

Strengths: Highly productive, Byron Leftwich has eaten alive his competition. In 2001, he tossed 38 touchdowns to only 7 interceptions. He also threw for 4,131 yards, breaking the school record held by current New York Jet Chad Pennington.

The dimensions Leftwich possesses draw considerable comparisons to the Vikings’ Daunte Culpepper (6’4" 260). Of those who know him, Leftwich is described as a good kid. He has a likeable, outgoing personality, perfect for NFL sound bites. His performance in Marshall’s double-OT 64-61 bowl win over East Carolina also showcased his moxie and flair for the spotlight.

Leftwich has possibly the strongest arm in college football, claiming before the 2001 season that he could launch a pass nearly 80 yards downfield. For as hard as he can throw, he can also drill it into tiny spaces, completing two of every three passes he attempted last year. Like Chris Simms of Texas, Leftwich has a trio of returning receivers to help him look good. All three of them caught passes from Leftwich for more than 1,000 yards apiece last year.

Areas for Concern: Leftwich was a medical redshirt in 1999 due to a high ankle sprain and tonsillitis, but he wasn’t the starter for Marshall that season. Pennington was enjoying a successful season as an eventual first round pick. That Pennington hasn’t had a chance to prove the worth of his lofty pick doesn’t help Leftwich’s cause, but then again, Akili Smith’s lack of NFL production did nothing to harm the stock of fellow Duck Joey Harrington last April.

Had Pennington played for the Jets last season, it may have helped put to rest any concerns about the level of competition Marshall faces in the Mid-American Conference. Lest we forget, Randy Moss is a fellow alumnus of the same school, and everyone knows how good he is.

How Would He Look in Steel Blue? It’s not happening, but more than a few teams could be interested in Leftwich at the top of the draft. The Redskins were his favorite team growing up, and the numbers Leftwich might post in Spurrier’s fun ‘n’ gun system could be astounding.

The Texans have hitched their wagon to David Carr, so expect Leftwich to play in Reliant Stadium only as a visitor.

(profile written by Keith Weiland)

Byron Leftwich’s 2001 Stats G ATT CMP % YDS TD INT 12 470 314 66.8 4,122 37 7 Byron Leftwich Return to The War Room

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