There’s no telling where versatile Ronald Curryr might end up

There’s no telling where versatile Ronald Curryr might end up|
KRT SOUTH
By Steve Corkran
Knight Ridder Newspapers
(KRT)
NAPA, Calif. — The Raiders drafted Ronald Curry in the seventh round in April ostensibly as a long-term project at quarterback.
He looks the part, wearing one of the red jerseys required of quarterbacks during training camp and taking a few reps every now and then. Heck, he might even play quarterback against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday night.
Then again, he might be too tired to play anymore by the time his turn comes around in the fourth quarter, long after Rich Gannon, Marques Tuiasosopo and Rick Mirer are through taking their snaps. Such is the price for being so versatile.
‘‘He looks like he can do everything, doesn’t he?’’ coach Bill Callahan said.
The Raiders are in the process of finding out just how much Curry can do. The list grows almost daily.
It’s conceivable Curry could return a punt at one point Thursday, then find himself quarterbacking a drive that culminates with him punting or holding for kicker Sebastian Janikowski on an extra-point or field goal attempt. He might, then, return a kickoff.
An injury to regular punter Shane Lechler’s right quadriceps might necessitate Curry’s being called on to punt. An MRI on Lechler revealed a strain. He did not practice Tuesday and his status for Thursday’s game is uncertain, Callahan said.
When in doubt, turn to Curry.
‘‘He is a capable punter and a good athlete,’’ Callahan said. ‘‘He reminds me of Randall Cunningham when I was in Philadelphia. He did all the punting, the throwing, and he could run. (Curry) is that type of athlete.’’
Curry’s versatility is legendary from his days as the national high school football player of the year his senior season at Hampton High in Virginia. He returned 22 kickoffs and punts for touchdown combined in high school and also starred on the basketball team. He also played quarterback and point guard at North Carolina.
He’s still trying to carve out a niche in the pros. Gannon is listed as Lechler’s primary backup, but there’s no way the Raiders would risk using Gannon in such a role in an exhibition game, Callahan said. Janikowski did or didn’t offer to punt, depending upon which coach and player you ask.
‘‘I’m hoping they’re going to bring somebody in,’’ Janikowski said. ‘‘If not, I’ll be glad to do it.’’
Callahan didn’t rule out signing another punter.
‘‘There’s always that possibility,’’ Callahan said. ‘‘We’ll keep looking.’’
Until then, the spotlight shines on Curry whenever the Raiders find themselves in a pinch.
He punted after practice Monday upon learning that Lechler’s injury might be more serious than a cramp or a pull. Several of his punts traveled 45 yards or farther.
He also spends time returning punts and honing his skills as a holder for Janikowski.
‘‘I love to play the game of football,’’ Curry said. ‘‘You grow up as a kid playing all these things. Then they limit your abilities as you grow up.’’
Curry didn’t get limited until he reached high school and college. He punted occasionally in high school and handled some of the holding duties, as well. He practiced those same roles at North Carolina but never got called upon to perform them in games, he said.
Oakland’s tinkering with Curry likely is only in its infancy. Keep in mind that Davis is fond of converting players from one position to another once they reach the pros.
Safety Calvin Branch and linebacker Mike Jones played running back in college, linebacker Eric Johnson played safety and cornerback the past two seasons, respectively, and defensive tackle Rod Coleman played end and linebacker in college and his first season with the Raiders.
Also, former Raiders tight ends Dave Casper, Todd Christensen and Ethan Horton played other positions in college, former linebacker Matt Millen played defensive tackle at Penn State and former cornerback Lester Hayes played linebacker in college. The aforementioned quintet combined for 16 Pro Bowl and 13 All-Pro selections.
So, precedence suggests Davis would move Curry to receiver or defensive back at some point, especially considering that Gannon is a three-time Pro Bowler and Tuiasosopo and Bobby Hoying are earmarked as Gannon’s successors.
Don’t bet against him.
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(c) 2002, Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek, Calif.).
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It would be nice if Ronald Curry ends up having at least a decent (or better) 10-12 year NFL career. Considering how bad UNC never really used him properly when he was there, it would be great if he ended up winning a Super Bowl ring and/or some MVP awards down the road . . .

 

The kid is a heck of an athlete - and as a Duke fan, I was glad he played football too. He wasn't used correctly at UNC (no surprise), and while I wish him the best, I don't believe the odds are in his favor.

I thought some of the responses by now would be "McDonalds" or "Wendy's".

Or the next candidate to replace Doh...

 

How should he have been used at UNC?

 

As a basketball player only.

 

He had a TON of Basketball potential, but because of Football was never able to obtain that. Had he devoted ALL his time to basketball he would have been in the NBA this year rather than the NFL.

 

wherever he plays, he will be another in a LONG line of Carolina athletes that have substantial careers in professional sports

 

I hope Curry does great things for the Raiders. I doubt it will be a QB tho. H is a great athlete and has a great arm but his inability to read NCAA defenses and his poor decision making will limit his effectiveness as a NFL QB.

But I call BULLSHIT on all you Carolina haters that say UNC misused him.

They started him at PG on the basketball team.

They started him at QB on the football team.

If they had moved the national HS player of the year as a QB to receiver or special teams then they would have been laughed out of the NCAA.

The two real killers to Curry's career was the Achilles tendon injury and the oppressive expectations placed on him to be a super hero.

 

I agree Wossa...thats why I asked HOW did UNC misuse him. I would say injuries, changing OC's more times than he changes socks and lack of talent around him was his problem.

 

Nope, no way there. Anyone with have a brain can see Curry was a better pro prospect in football than in basketball. He had NO JUMP shot to speak of. He was descent at running the show, but he had it all in football. Speed, arm, size. He just couldn't consistently hit the WR. However, give him reps and watch out. He could be another Kordell Stewart in time.