Terrelle Pryor
Encyclopedia
Terrelle Pryor is an American football
quarterback
for the Oakland Raiders
of the National Football League
. He was the starting quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes
from 2008−2010. Considered the most recruited high school football-basketball athlete in southwestern Pennsylvania
since Tom Clements, Pryor was widely regarded as the nation's top football prospect of 2008, and was named "Junior of the Year" by Rivals.com
. Pryor originally hoped to be a two-sport athlete as he was also one of the nation's most heralded high school basketball players, but later chose to focus on football.
standout Vince Young
. Pryor also lived up to his recruiting ranking as a basketball player by leading the Jeannette Jayhawks to win their first WPIAL
Championship in over 20 years, and then on to win the Pennsylvania PIAA
state basketball championship game as a senior. During his junior year, he led the Jayhawks to their first Pennsylvania PIAA
Class "AA" state football championship game where they lost to the Warriors of Wilson Area High School
.
During the 2007 football season, Pryor and the Jayhawks repeated as champions of the WPIAL. In the Pennsylvania state semi-finals against Wilmington, Terrelle became the first player in Pennsylvania history to run for 4,000 yards and also throw for 4,000 yards. The following week, Pryor led the Jayhawks to their first-ever Pennsylvania state championship by defeating the Dunmore Bucks, 49-21. At the conclusion of the season, Pryor had quarterbacked the Jayhawks to a Pennsylvania state season record of 860 points. Pryor's high school accomplishments include being the two-time Pennsylvania Player of the Year, the offensive Player of the Year and the MVP of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl
.
to play basketball under coach Jamie Dixon
. However, by his senior year his top interests were Ohio State
, Penn State, Michigan
, and Oregon
. Sports Illustrated
called Pryor's announcement "the most anticipated signing day announcement in history."
Pryor originally intended to announce his decision on February 6, National Signing Day
, but later changed his mind, stating he still had not decided among Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, and Penn State. Following the Jeannette basketball team's state championship victory on March 15, Pryor stated he would make his college decision within one week. On March 19, 2008 Pryor announced at a press conference that he would attend The Ohio State University.
On September 20, 2008, Pryor threw for four touchdowns (an Ohio State record for a freshman) and one interception in his first career start for Ohio State. Ohio State beat Troy 28-10. On October 4, 2008, Pryor ran for the winning touchdown against Wisconsin on an option play with running back Chris "Beanie" Wells
. On October 25, 2008 against Penn State
Pryor threw for a career high 226 yards, connecting on 16 of 25 passes. Against Illinois on November 15, 2008, Pryor had his first career 100 yard rushing day running for 110 yards and a touchdown. In the Fiesta Bowl he lined up at receiver and caught his first touchdown pass in college. Pryor led Ohio State to a 8-1 record as a starter in his freshman year; his only loss as a starter was against Penn State. (Todd Boeckman
made the start in the Fiesta Bowl against Texas.) Following the 2008 Big Ten Conference football season
, he was an honorable mention All-Big Ten Conference selection by the media and Big Ten Freshman of the Year by the coaches.
Before his sophomore year began he ran a 4.33 forty in a race against Ray Small and many others. He was the fastest Buckeye in 2009.
In his sophomore year Pryor led the Buckeyes to another Big Ten Championship. After starting the season slow he eventually developed into a better passer, and went on to earn the 2010 Rose Bowl
MVP trophy after leading Ohio State to a 26-17 victory over Oregon. Pryor had the best passing game of his career, and also rushed for 72 yards. Following the 2009 Big Ten Conference football season
, he was an honorable mention All-Big Ten Conference selection by the media.
Ohio State began second in most polls and Pryor began the season as a favorite for numerous awards. On September 25, 2010, Pryor had a break-out game in a 73-20 win over Eastern Michigan. He had 6 total touchdowns, including one rushing and one receiving. Following the 2010 Big Ten Conference football season
, he was an honorable mention All-Big Ten Conference selection by both the coaches and the media. He was edged out by Denard Robinson
as the 2010 Big Ten Conference MVP
as voted by the Big Ten coaches. They had the same number of first place votes.
On December 23, 2010, the NCAA ruled that Pryor and four of his teammates would be suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season, as a sanction for selling memorabilia.
resigned following the reports of players receiving improper benefits. The Columbus Dispatch reported that the NCAA and Ohio State are investigating more than 50 vehicle purchases by Buckeyes players, family members and friends over the past. Sports Illustrated
reported that Pryor drove up to eight cars in his three years at Ohio State.
Multiple media outlets also reported that Pryor had been driving on a license that was suspended by the State of Ohio. He drove a Nissan 350Z
to a team meeting and workout. ESPN reported that his suspension was to expire on August 18, 2011.
In a subsequent report, ESPN also alleged that Pryor made thousands of dollars autographing memorabilia for a local booster, a charge denied by Pryor's attorney.
On June 26, 2011, Pryor was banned from all contact with the university's athletic program and new incoming recruits. This caused him to become eligible for the NFL's Supplemental Draft.
selected Pryor in the third round of the 2011 Supplemental Draft on August 22, 2011. Three days later, Pryor and the Raiders agreed to a 4-year contract. Pryor served an NFL-mandated 5-game suspension at the beginning of the 2011 NFL season, but was still able to work out with the club. Pryor was reinstated the day following the team's win over Houston. He took his first career snap on October 23 against the Kansas City Chiefs
and ran for a first down but was penalized for a false start, nullifying the play.
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
quarterback
Quarterback
Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
for the Oakland Raiders
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
of the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. He was the starting quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State Buckeyes are the intercollegiate sports teams and players of The Ohio State University, named after the state tree, the Buckeye. The Buckeyes participate in the NCAA's Division I in all sports and the Big Ten Conference in most sports...
from 2008−2010. Considered the most recruited high school football-basketball athlete in southwestern Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
since Tom Clements, Pryor was widely regarded as the nation's top football prospect of 2008, and was named "Junior of the Year" by Rivals.com
Rivals.com
Rivals.com is a network of websites that focus mainly on college football and basketball recruiting. The network was started in 1996 and currently employs more than 300 personnel.-Schools:The individual collegiate sites can be found...
. Pryor originally hoped to be a two-sport athlete as he was also one of the nation's most heralded high school basketball players, but later chose to focus on football.
High school career
In high school, Pryor was clocked at 4.2 seconds in the 40-yard dash, and because of his athleticism and 6 inch frame, he drew comparisons to former TexasTexas Longhorns football
The Texas Longhorns football program is the intercollegiate football team representing The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas. The team currently competes in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Big 12 Conference which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National...
standout Vince Young
Vince Young
Vincent Paul Young, Jr. , nicknamed "VY", is an American football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He spent the first five seasons of his career with the Tennessee Titans. Young was the third overall draft pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college...
. Pryor also lived up to his recruiting ranking as a basketball player by leading the Jeannette Jayhawks to win their first WPIAL
Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League
The Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League is an interscholastic athletic association in Western Pennsylvania. It is District 7 of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association. The league is colloquially known as "WIP-ee-al"...
Championship in over 20 years, and then on to win the Pennsylvania PIAA
Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc. is one of the governing bodies of high school and junior high school sports for the state of Pennsylvania, United States....
state basketball championship game as a senior. During his junior year, he led the Jayhawks to their first Pennsylvania PIAA
Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc. is one of the governing bodies of high school and junior high school sports for the state of Pennsylvania, United States....
Class "AA" state football championship game where they lost to the Warriors of Wilson Area High School
Wilson Area High School
Wilson Area High School is a four-year public high school located in Wilson, Pennsylvania, in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania, in the United States...
.
During the 2007 football season, Pryor and the Jayhawks repeated as champions of the WPIAL. In the Pennsylvania state semi-finals against Wilmington, Terrelle became the first player in Pennsylvania history to run for 4,000 yards and also throw for 4,000 yards. The following week, Pryor led the Jayhawks to their first-ever Pennsylvania state championship by defeating the Dunmore Bucks, 49-21. At the conclusion of the season, Pryor had quarterbacked the Jayhawks to a Pennsylvania state season record of 860 points. Pryor's high school accomplishments include being the two-time Pennsylvania Player of the Year, the offensive Player of the Year and the MVP of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl
U.S. Army All-American Bowl
The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is a high school football all-star game held in early January in San Antonio, Texas. Currently played in the Alamodome, the game brings 90 of the nation's top high school football players in an East versus West matchup. In addition to the Bowl game, there is the U.S...
.
College recruiting
Pryor was widely considered the top football recruit in the Class of 2008. He was ranked number four in the ESPNU 150 and the number one quarterback. Throughout his high school career, Pryor acquired numerous scholarship offers, initially committing to the hometown University of PittsburghUniversity of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh, commonly referred to as Pitt, is a state-related research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded as Pittsburgh Academy in 1787 on what was then the American frontier, Pitt is one of the oldest continuously chartered institutions of...
to play basketball under coach Jamie Dixon
Jamie Dixon
Jamie Dixon is an American basketball head coach. He has served as the head coach of the University of Pittsburgh men's basketball team since 2003. In 2009 he was the head coach for the FIBA Under-19 2009 gold-medal winning United States national basketball team for which he was named the 2009 USA...
. However, by his senior year his top interests were Ohio State
Ohio State University
The Ohio State University, commonly referred to as Ohio State, is a public research university located in Columbus, Ohio. It was originally founded in 1870 as a land-grant university and is currently the third largest university campus in the United States...
, Penn State, Michigan
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...
, and Oregon
University of Oregon
-Colleges and schools:The University of Oregon is organized into eight schools and colleges—six professional schools and colleges, an Arts and Sciences College and an Honors College.- School of Architecture and Allied Arts :...
. Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated is an American sports media company owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. Its self titled magazine has over 3.5 million subscribers and is read by 23 million adults each week, including over 18 million men. It was the first magazine with circulation over one million to win the...
called Pryor's announcement "the most anticipated signing day announcement in history."
Pryor originally intended to announce his decision on February 6, National Signing Day
National Signing Day
National Signing Day most commonly refers to a day in February, usually on the first Wednesday of that month, which is the first day that a high school senior can sign a binding National Letter of Intent for college football with a school that is a member of the NCAA, the main governing body for...
, but later changed his mind, stating he still had not decided among Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, and Penn State. Following the Jeannette basketball team's state championship victory on March 15, Pryor stated he would make his college decision within one week. On March 19, 2008 Pryor announced at a press conference that he would attend The Ohio State University.
College career
Pryor saw limited action in the Buckeye's season opener against Youngstown State. He took more snaps against USC on September 13, 2008, completing 7 of 9 passes for 59 yards, as well as rushing for 40 yards on 11 carries.On September 20, 2008, Pryor threw for four touchdowns (an Ohio State record for a freshman) and one interception in his first career start for Ohio State. Ohio State beat Troy 28-10. On October 4, 2008, Pryor ran for the winning touchdown against Wisconsin on an option play with running back Chris "Beanie" Wells
Chris Wells (American football)
Chris "Beanie" Michael Wells is an American football running back for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League...
. On October 25, 2008 against Penn State
Penn State Nittany Lions football
The Penn State Nittany Lions football team represents the Pennsylvania State University in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Big Ten Conference. It is one of the most tradition-rich and storied college football programs in the...
Pryor threw for a career high 226 yards, connecting on 16 of 25 passes. Against Illinois on November 15, 2008, Pryor had his first career 100 yard rushing day running for 110 yards and a touchdown. In the Fiesta Bowl he lined up at receiver and caught his first touchdown pass in college. Pryor led Ohio State to a 8-1 record as a starter in his freshman year; his only loss as a starter was against Penn State. (Todd Boeckman
Todd Boeckman
Todd Boeckman is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was signed by the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent on June 17, 2009...
made the start in the Fiesta Bowl against Texas.) Following the 2008 Big Ten Conference football season
2008 Big Ten Conference football season
The 2008 Big Ten Conference football season is the 113th season for the Big Ten.-Preseason:Ohio State was selected as the preseason favorite to win the conference with Wisconsin and Illinois second and third, respectively by the Media...
, he was an honorable mention All-Big Ten Conference selection by the media and Big Ten Freshman of the Year by the coaches.
In his sophomore year Pryor led the Buckeyes to another Big Ten Championship. After starting the season slow he eventually developed into a better passer, and went on to earn the 2010 Rose Bowl
2010 Rose Bowl
The 2010 Rose Bowl, the 96th edition of the annual game, was a college football bowl game played on Friday, January 1, 2010 at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. It featured the Ohio State Buckeyes against the Oregon Ducks...
MVP trophy after leading Ohio State to a 26-17 victory over Oregon. Pryor had the best passing game of his career, and also rushed for 72 yards. Following the 2009 Big Ten Conference football season
2009 Big Ten Conference football season
The 2009 Big Ten Conference football season was the 114th for the conference, and saw Ohio State conclude the regular season as Big Ten Conference champion for the 5th consecutive time, their 34th Big Ten title. This earned them the conference's automatic selection to a Bowl Championship Series...
, he was an honorable mention All-Big Ten Conference selection by the media.
Ohio State began second in most polls and Pryor began the season as a favorite for numerous awards. On September 25, 2010, Pryor had a break-out game in a 73-20 win over Eastern Michigan. He had 6 total touchdowns, including one rushing and one receiving. Following the 2010 Big Ten Conference football season
2010 Big Ten Conference football season
The 2010 Big Ten Conference football season was the 115th season for the Big Ten. The conference started its season on Thursday, September 2, as conference member Minnesota traveled to Murfreesboro, Tennessee to face Middle Tennessee, and Ohio State hosted the Thundering Herd of Marshall...
, he was an honorable mention All-Big Ten Conference selection by both the coaches and the media. He was edged out by Denard Robinson
Denard Robinson
Denard Xavier Robinson , nicknamed Shoelace, is an American football player who is playing his junior season for the 2011 Michigan Wolverines football team. He started at quarterback in all 13 games for the Michigan Wolverines football team in 2010...
as the 2010 Big Ten Conference MVP
Chicago Tribune Silver Football
The Chicago Tribune Silver Football is awarded by the Chicago Tribune to the college football player determined to be the best player from the Big Ten Conference. The award has been presented annually since 1924, when Red Grange of Illinois was the award's first recipient.The winner of the Silver...
as voted by the Big Ten coaches. They had the same number of first place votes.
On December 23, 2010, the NCAA ruled that Pryor and four of his teammates would be suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season, as a sanction for selling memorabilia.
Awards and honors
- 2007 Hall TrophyHall TrophyThe Hall Trophy has been awarded annually since 2000 to the most outstanding high school football player in the United States, comparable to the Heisman Trophy for collegiate football players. The award is named after Ken “Sugarland Express” Hall, the all-time leading rusher in high school...
(U.S. Army Player of the Year) - 2007 PARADEParade (magazine)Parade is an American nationwide Sunday newspaper magazine, distributed in more than 500 newspapers in the United States. It was founded in 1941 and is owned by Advance Publications. The most widely read magazine in the U.S., Parade has a circulation of 32.2 million and a readership of nearly 70...
National Player of the Year and All-American - 2008 Pete Dawkins TrophyPete Dawkins TrophyThe Pete Dawkins Trophy is awarded to most valuable player of the annual U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The trophy is named for Pete Dawkins, a former Army halfback who won the 1958 Heisman Trophy.-Past winners:...
(U.S. Army All-American Bowl MVP) - 2008 U.S. Army All-American MVPU.S. Army All-American BowlThe U.S. Army All-American Bowl is a high school football all-star game held in early January in San Antonio, Texas. Currently played in the Alamodome, the game brings 90 of the nation's top high school football players in an East versus West matchup. In addition to the Bowl game, there is the U.S...
- 2008 Big Ten Freshman of the Year (coaches)
- 2008 All-Big Ten Honorable Mention (media)
- 2009 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Sportsmanship Award
- 2009 Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year
- 2009 All-Big Ten Honorable Mention (media)
- 2010 Rose Bowl MVP
- 2010 All-Big Ten Honorable Mention (coaches and media)
- 2010 Big Ten MVPChicago Tribune Silver FootballThe Chicago Tribune Silver Football is awarded by the Chicago Tribune to the college football player determined to be the best player from the Big Ten Conference. The award has been presented annually since 1924, when Red Grange of Illinois was the award's first recipient.The winner of the Silver...
runner-up - 2011 Miller-Digby Award
NCAA investigation
On May 31, 2011, head coach Jim TresselJim Tressel
James Patrick Tressel is a gameday consultant for the Indianapolis Colts, and former collegiate football head coach at both The Ohio State University from 2001 to 2011 and at Youngstown State University from 1986 to 2000. Tressel is most notable for his time at Ohio State. He was hired by the...
resigned following the reports of players receiving improper benefits. The Columbus Dispatch reported that the NCAA and Ohio State are investigating more than 50 vehicle purchases by Buckeyes players, family members and friends over the past. Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated is an American sports media company owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. Its self titled magazine has over 3.5 million subscribers and is read by 23 million adults each week, including over 18 million men. It was the first magazine with circulation over one million to win the...
reported that Pryor drove up to eight cars in his three years at Ohio State.
Multiple media outlets also reported that Pryor had been driving on a license that was suspended by the State of Ohio. He drove a Nissan 350Z
Nissan 350Z
The Nissan 350Z is a two seat sports car that was manufactured by Nissan from 2002 to 2009 and marks the fifth generation of Nissan's Z-car line. The 350Z entered production in late 2002 and was sold and marketed as a 2003 model. The first year there was only a coupe, as the roadster did not debut...
to a team meeting and workout. ESPN reported that his suspension was to expire on August 18, 2011.
In a subsequent report, ESPN also alleged that Pryor made thousands of dollars autographing memorabilia for a local booster, a charge denied by Pryor's attorney.
Departure
On June 7, 2011, it was announced that Pryor had chosen to withdraw from the university.On June 26, 2011, Pryor was banned from all contact with the university's athletic program and new incoming recruits. This caused him to become eligible for the NFL's Supplemental Draft.
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland RaidersOakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
selected Pryor in the third round of the 2011 Supplemental Draft on August 22, 2011. Three days later, Pryor and the Raiders agreed to a 4-year contract. Pryor served an NFL-mandated 5-game suspension at the beginning of the 2011 NFL season, but was still able to work out with the club. Pryor was reinstated the day following the team's win over Houston. He took his first career snap on October 23 against the Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
and ran for a first down but was penalized for a false start, nullifying the play.