Raiders tap rookie Derek Carr as starting QB; Valley fans react

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- It is officially time to start the Carr if you're the Oakland Raiders. The team announced Monday that former Fresno State great Derek car will be the starting quarterback for the upcoming season.

Hardcore Raider fans wanted this since the day Carr was drafted by Oakland. Team management has held off on making such a move because it's hard to win with a rookie quarterback. But after seeing how well Carr performed and how well former starter Matt Schaub didn't perform, this decision comes as little surprise to the silver and black.

Carr has been spectacular this preseason and in training camp. Fresno State's all-time leading passer did miss one preseason game due to a rib injury. But when he's been in, he's been really good.

The Raiders selected Carr with their second round pick to be their quarterback of the future. But apparently the future is now.

Head coach Dennis Allen is in his third season with the team and has yet to have a winning record leading the team. So after Carr's three touchdown performance against the Seahawks last week, Allen is deciding to start the Carr and go with the rookie week one. And he's made it clear that Carr will be the starter for the entire year -- barring injury or any unforeseen situation that would take No. 4 out of the starting lineup.

"You know we've seen signs of Derek Carr's development from the day he stepped onto campus here until where he's at right now," said Allen. "And we've seen him grow by leaps and bounds, and I think he's ready to accept the challenge."

Allen again made it clear that Carr will be their guy moving forward and that Schaub will be his backup. And that's an $8 million backup quarterback.

The Raider Nation here in the Valley is ready to see Carr in action as the official starting quarterback. Monday's announcement gives plenty of time for them to get all their gear for Sunday's game.

For years, Carr has been a top fan favorite here in the Valley, but now he's taking a top spot on a national stage for the Raider Nation.

"We're going to be in New York to see him play so that's going to be pretty exciting for us," said Albert DeLuna, president of the Knights of Shield -- the local Raiders booster club.

He can't wait to see Carr start Sunday. DeLuna will be on the field for the game in New York.

But for the fans still here in Central California, it seems they're turning to places like JR's Sports Collectibles in Northwest Fresno.

"As soon as the breaking news came about saying that he became the starter then yeah the phones started ringing, 'Do we have any jerseys and T-shirts available,'" said Noe Lopez with JR Sports Collectibles.

Lopez says in the first two hours after the big announcement he sold six Carr jerseys and six No. 4 T-shirts.

Of course, as the only rookie on the NFL starting lineup, many are concerned for the former Bulldog.

"I have the same concerns," said DeLuna. "I don't want to see what happened to his brother in Texas happen in Oakland, but I think he's more prepared than that situation."

And Mario Reyes, the Knights of the Shield vice president, says he'll spend the week driving around in his Raidered-out car, with high hopes for his team's Carr.

"At first I was kind of iffy. I didn't want him to start because he is a rookie," said Reyes. "But he impressed me last week. If he earned the job, give it to him. He's going to be the future anyways. If they think he's ready now, I'm not a coach, but I'm all for it."

JR Sports Collectibles says now that Carr is getting so much attention as a starter, the NFL will be putting out more Carr memorabilia. They're expecting to get Carr bobble heads, plaques and other items in stock over the next few weeks.