John David Booty: A Surprise Still Sitting on the Vikings' Bench?

Not many Vikings fans know, or even care about the oft-mentioned third string quarterback.

What they do know is usually limited to John David Booty's funny last name, and that he was a USC quarterback. A school that has brought us good quarterbacks like Carson Palmer and Matt Cassel. As well as forgettable ones such as Matt Leinart and Rodney Peete.

But with all Vikings fans up in arms over the current QB situation in Minnesota, I am surprised Booty's name is not brought up.

Personally I ask, why not?

He has spent a year under the Vikings current system, so he at the very least has a grasp on what the Vikings expect.

Is Booty an NFL quarterback?

Well, he is extremely accurate, and is a graduate of a pro-style offense at USC. However, he does not have the rocket arm like many quarterbacks have. But is that really necessary?

Booty could easily be a Chad Pennington type player, who does not have to rely on the long ball to thrive. At the same time, Pennington has struggled more than he has flourished in the NFL.

So would a pseudo-Pennington really help the Vikings?

Many pundits crowned Booty as the most pro-ready quarterback in the lower end of the draft. Like I mentioned, sitting on the bench for a year could have done nothing but good for him.

I am not saying Booty will be the next Tom Brady, or will be the Vikings' savior. But after the Vikings went 8-3 with Gus Frerotte, a game manager at best, under center.

Would they benefit even more from an accurate pocket passer?

All these are very pressing questions, but I think most importantly, the Vikings should at least keep Booty as an option.

Fans see a bleak quarterback picture when they look at this on paper. Sage Rosenfels, Tarvaris Jackson, or John David Booty? We have all seen what Rosenfels and Jackson can do, but Booty has yet to see any action thus far in the NFL.

Who knows? We could very well see the starting quarterback be none other than John David Booty under center on week one.

Training camp is likely where all these questions will finally be answered. The beauty of this league is the never ending surprises.