From the first day I could walk, my parents had me in ice skates, learning the art of the hockey stop. Before college and two jobs took over my life, I played travel hockey for over a decade and competed on my high school team for four years.
If there was one thing I was taught from day one, it was to always be a good teammate. I learned to never put myself before the team. I think Herb Brooks said it best when he told the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to play for the name on the front of the jersey, not for the one on the back.
Zach Maynard must not have been a Herb Brooks fan.
On Thursday afternoon, the university's head football coach Jeff Quinn announced that Maynard has left Buffalo's football program. Five weeks after Turner Gill hit the road for Kansas, Maynard hit his teammates and fans with another unexpected jab to the jaw.
With one year under his belt as the Bulls' starter, Maynard had a bright future ahead of himself. Though the team didn't meet expectations this season after a 5-7 finish, Maynard had a respectable season in his first year.
He completed 218 of 379 passes for 2,694 yards with 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He also rushed 87 times for 455 yards and a touchdown. His potential was undeniable.
What might have convinced Maynard to turn his back on his teammates and the university?
Did the loss of graduating seniors Naaman Roosevelt, Brett Hamlin and Jesse Rack make Maynard question the potential for success next year?
Maynard lost his three top targets from this season. The trio combined for 164 catches and 18 touchdowns, and their departures may have made it difficult for Maynard to top his numbers next season.
But Buffalo returns receivers Terrell Jackson, Marcus Rivers and Ed Young. The explosive backfield trio of Ike Nduka, Jeffvon Gill and Brandon Thermilus gave Maynard enough weapons at his disposal to have a successful season.
Verdict: myth.
Was Maynard concerned he could lose his position as the team's starting quarterback under the new coaching staff?
Quinn knows how to get the most out of his quarterback.
Last year with Cincinnati, Quinn produced two 1,000-yard passers in Tony Pike and Zach Collaros as the team went 12-0 in the regular season. Pike led the Bearcats to the Sugar Bowl after completing 211 passes for 2,520 yards, 29 touchdowns and just six interceptions. In four starts Collaros went 93 of 124 for 1,434 yards, 10 touchdowns and two picks. He also rushed 57 times for 344 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Sound familiar?
Collaros and Maynard are quarterbacks of the same mold. Both possess unique athleticism for a quarterback and have the ability to use their legs to scramble outside the pocket. It's an added dimension to an offense that can give defensive coordinators headaches.
Quinn is familiar with Maynard's style of play and would've built the offense around him. Maynard was the leader of the team and Quinn recognized that. Under no circumstance should Maynard have felt threatened to lose his job.
Verdict: myth.
Did the departure of Turner Gill influence Maynard to follow suit?
Gill's decision to leave for Kansas was a major blow to his players. Gill was not only their head coach, but a friend and father figure. He was their teacher and their mentor.
Losing Gill couldn't have been easy for Maynard to cope with. Maynard was Gill's prized possession as a top national recruit out of high school. Gill and his staff were the major factors in Maynard's decision to attend Buffalo, who was also being pursued by Oregon, LSU, Kentucky and West Virginia. Gill had planned to groom Maynard to be the top quarterback in the MAC, and losing Gill was likely a blow to Maynard's confidence.
Verdict: fact.
Is Maynard planning to play alongside his brother?
Maynard's brother, Keenan Allen, is the No. 1 safety prospect in the country. The Greensborough native was sought after by multiple schools, including Clemson, Penn State and Oregon, before verbally committing to Alabama.
Allen can influence a coaching staff to add Maynard in a package deal to whichever school he joins on national signing day. If the rumors are true, Clemson looks to be in line to land the brothers come next fall.
Verdict: fact.
I can't argue against Maynard for feeling neglected after Gill left. I also can't blame him for wanting to play college football with his brother. That's a unique opportunity that few players would pass up.
Regardless, I can't agree with his decision.
As an offensive-minded guy, Quinn would've made Maynard his main attraction. Why pass up the chance to reach your fullest potential?
You've played your last game as a starting quarterback at the collegiate level. Convert to wide receiver, but you'll still be buried on the depth chart. You had the tools to be successful, but your decision makes you a wasted talent. Worst of all, you turned your back on your teammates.
Bon voyage, Zach. Don't let the door hit you in the a** on the way out.
E-mail: joe.paterno@ubspectrum.com
