Memphis'
Barry Brunetti will not leave anyone with an appreciation for good quarterback play singing the blues.
Brunetti is one of the fastest-rising signal callers in the nation and has the attention of multiple major programs after a stellar junior season and a solid spring showing.
The 6-foot, 205-pounder had nearly 2,000 yards of total offense last season at University School (1,251 passing and 704 rushing) and 36 total touchdowns (18 rushing and 18 passing), which along with impressive film got him on the radar of several programs, including Mississippi State and new head coach Dan Mullen, who knows a little something about top QBs. Mullen coached a No. 1 draft pick and quarterback of an undefeated team (Alex Smith of Utah), a Heisman Trophy winner (Tim Tebow at Florida) and two national championship quarterbacks (Tebow and Chris Leak at Florida).
Then Brunetti was one of the top quarterbacks at the Elite 11 regional workout in Athens on April 24 and was the top quarterback at the Athens Nike Football Training Camp the following day.
"As far as this class of quarterbacks is concerned, (Brunetti) would be receiving a lot more attention if he were a few inches taller," said Scouts Inc.'s Tom Luginbill. "Nevertheless, this smooth, athletic passer possesses a live arm, quick release and just enough athleticism to beat you with his legs. Of all the kids we have seen this spring, he possesses some of the best RPMs of any passer in this class."
Though he does not have the lengthy offer list that many quarterbacks possess, he has gotten more attention since that weekend in Georgia. That, along with schools coming to the River City to check him out, has made for more offers, including ones from Penn State and West Virginia.
"I was very excited about getting the offer from Penn State and Joe Paterno," Brunetti said. "I haven't decided when I am going to go up there and visit, but he's one of the best coaches in the history of college football.
"With West Virginia, I like what they did with Pat White. I also like their coaches. I am looking forward to getting up there for a visit. They came by my school recently."
The lone Southeastern Conference program to offer has Brunetti's attention. "Mississippi State has had an offer on the table for me for a while," Brunetti said. "I love coach Mullen and I talk to him all the time. I think what he is doing there is exciting."
He added that he believes Oregon and Ole Miss are close to offering. The Rebels' proximity to Memphis and Houston Nutt's success at the school during his first year would make them an attractive choice, he said. But right now, Brunetti said he's focused on Penn State, Mississippi State and West Virginia.
