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August 25, 2007 - 7:59AM
Remarks by Keller’s dad don’t faze Carpenter
Dan Zeiger, Tribune
Rudy Carpenter on Friday night expressed indifference about an Internet story in which the Arizona State quarterback was criticized by the father of ex-Sun Devil QB Sam Keller.
Mike Keller told ESPN.com that Carpenter “wasn’t prepared to be ‘the guy’ ” a year ago this month, when he was named ASU’s starter after Sam Keller had the job for less than 24 hours. Then-coach Dirk Koetter changed his mind, for reasons that have never been explained publicly.
“I swear to God, I couldn’t care less what (Keller) or his dad or anybody else is doing,” Carpenter, a junior, said as he signed autographs and took pictures during a fan-appreciation function at Sun Devil Stadium.
Keller enrolled at Nebraska after losing the ASU job and sat out a season, per NCAA transfer rules. The senior has been chosen the Cornhuskers’ starting QB for this season.
Last season, Carpenter threw for 2,523 yards in 13 starts but did not match his 2005 success, when he started the last five games in place of an injured Keller (thumb) and led the nation in pass efficiency. The Sun Devils went 7-6, and Koetter was fired.
“The thing Dirk didn’t take into account was Rudy wasn’t prepared to be ‘the guy,’ ” Mike Keller said. “There are certain guys in college football and in the NFL who aren’t prepared to take on that leadership role and learn to forget what’s happened in the past, whether it was throwing an interception or having a bad play. I think (Carpenter) still has to learn that.”
The autographs and pictures took place following ASU’s mock game at the stadium, a somewhat official end to camp. Next week, the Sun Devils go into their normal game-week practice schedule for the Sept. 1 opener against San Jose State.
Carpenter said that he feels his camp goals were achieved and synergy on offense — an issue during camp scrimmages — is improving. That, he reiterated, is the extent of his concerns.
“I worry about my football team and ASU,” Carpenter said. “I’m not worried about Nebraska. I hope Sam does well this year, and he and his dad get whatever they want to get accomplished. But I don’t care about them.”
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