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Georgetown Football: 2008 Recruit Profiles

It's not often that Georgetown can outflank Harvard for a recruit, but quarterback John Darby may be just the kind of "steal" that will revitalize the struggling Hoya program.

Darby's stats were understated for a St. John's team which missed a share of the conference championship for the first time in five seasons in 2007. While Darby threw for 939 yards and 10 TDs for the Eagles in 2006, he threw for seven TD's and rushed for five others. As St. John's lost most of its team following 2006, the Eagles went to a spread formation not unlike Georgetown's offensive game plan, where the quarterback has relatively few pass plays. Against Malden Catholic, for example, Darby was 3 of 5 for 49 yards, but two of those were touchdowns.

An all-conference selection in 2007, Darby caught the interest of Harvard and Brown, but when two Harvard junior QB's opted to return for their senior season, Darby became a priority for the Georgetown list.

"The opportunity to play early was appealing," Darby told the Salem News. "Their biggest need is quarterback, and they are taking in three recruits. There is a very good chance one of us will start, because (last year's) starter graduated and they moved two others to receiver."

"They spread the field wide open, use the option and go out of the shotgun," Darby commented on the Georgetown system. "Any quarterback loves the fact they like to throw the ball around."

Darby, the third St. John's signee in as many years for the Hoyas, is ready for the opportunity.

"I think having played for St. John's is going to give me an advantage. Once basketball season is over, I intend to train vigorously. I believe I am up to the challenge."