| 05 October 2009
Just when you think we have enough quarterbacks, Gary Pinkel shows up to Tyler Gabbert's game in a helicopter. Of course, you don't blow this opportunity on one recruit, so let's GET TO DA CHOPPA.
It cuts through the clouds east of the stadium, circles clockwise over the field once, then twice, just in case anybody missed it.
As the first half expires, the PA announcer says: “Don't forget ladies and gentlemen, a great halftime show ahead.”
On a vacant green space over the hill, the chopper lands.
Out walks Gary Pinkel.
Oh, don't worry. When you show up in a damn helicopter, there's more to the story.
Pinkel's first helicopter barnstorming tour is part of the full-court press.
A friend owns a chopper and Pinkel rode it Friday to recruit prospects in the Bootheel, then Illinois. He returned to Columbia for football practice, then flew to St. Louis, where he planned to stop at four games.
“Little too much Hollywood for me,” Pinkel said. “My mom (who is deceased) would come down and smack me in the head.”
Pinkel makes the grand entrance, but Yost spends more time close to the Gabberts.
On the concourse, where the Gabbert crew stands to watch the game, Mizzou's shaggy-blond coordinator keeps an eye on his phone — the Cardinals are winning — as he hobnobs with Blaine and family friends.
At one point, Yost stands immediately to the left of Blaine; Chuck Gabbert immediately to the right.
Yost is careful not to say too much to Mom or Dad. NCAA recruiting rules dictate that a coach this time of year can evaluate a prospect, but “cannot have any in-person conversations” with a prospect or his parents.
Pinkel also acts with caution. He greets Bev Gabbert at halftime not as Tyler's mom, but as “my starting quarterback's mom.”
“It's kind of weird,” Chuck said.
As for big brother, he tries to stay out of the recruiting process, Tyler said. Blaine's advice: Do what's best for you.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
