SoCalBronco
01-03-2005, 10:47 PM
NFL Prospect News and Notes
By TFY Draft Preview
Date: Jan 3, 2005
Two of top underclassmen signal callers have declared and the third should throw his hat into the ring by weeks end. Another pair of running backs entered the draft today. And there is expected to be a lot more movement from more juniors and eligible sophomores. Here's an updated look on the word swirling around.
As we come to post time Ryan Moats of Louisiana Tech has declared after a sensational junior campaign. The smallish back figures somewhere in the fourth round area.
Immediately after Louisville's razor close win in the Liberty Bowl, scouts and Cardinal coaches alike thought big back Eric Shelton would declare for the draft as his post game interview sounded like a goodbye statement. But with head coach Bobby Petrino returning Shelton is somewhat hedging. Yet those we spoke with feel the program is preparing for life without Shelton and feel he will make the jump.
Down in Coral Gables is seems Frank Gore is struggling with his decision. While family members are encouraging him to enter the draft Gore would like to stick around one more season and help Miami win a national title. The final decision could rest on Gore attaining an insurance policy to protect against future injury. The father of Antrel Rolle suggested this to Gore and the school is looking into the possibility of acquiring one. Obviously the policy would protect Gore financially should he return and suffer another injury but just as obvious is the difficulty the Miami back will have in obtaining one. This based on his history of knee surgeries or "pre-existing conditions" as it is known in insurance jargon.
The only other Hurricane underclassmen giving serious consideration to leaving for the NFL at present time is Roscoe Parrish.
DeAngelo Williams of Memphis is giving mixed signals. People familiar with the program were sure he was going to leave even after suffering an injury in the Mobile Bowl. The broken bone in his leg is expected to take five weeks to heal and Williams will have plenty of time to rehabilitate the injury then workout prior to the draft. Yet someone we spoke with this afternoon who is close to Williams feels he recently had a change of heart and maybe reversing course.
There is a feeling in Tallahassee Leon Washington is considering entering the draft especially after his sterling performance in the Gator Bowl. Those we spoke with feel he is more complete and tougher then former first round selection Warrick Dunn.
Many in Notre Dame feel that defensive end Justin Tuck will enter the draft if he grades out as a late first round choice, even coming off a mediocre junior campaign.
In Virginia officials expect middle linebacker Ahmad Brooks to return but the gut feeling is outside defender Darrly Blackstock is probably on his way out.
People in Iowa are confident linebackers Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge will return for their senior seasons. That sentiment is even greater in Austin for Longhorn linemen Rodrique Wright and Jon Scott.
By TFY Draft Preview
Date: Jan 3, 2005
Two of top underclassmen signal callers have declared and the third should throw his hat into the ring by weeks end. Another pair of running backs entered the draft today. And there is expected to be a lot more movement from more juniors and eligible sophomores. Here's an updated look on the word swirling around.
As we come to post time Ryan Moats of Louisiana Tech has declared after a sensational junior campaign. The smallish back figures somewhere in the fourth round area.
Immediately after Louisville's razor close win in the Liberty Bowl, scouts and Cardinal coaches alike thought big back Eric Shelton would declare for the draft as his post game interview sounded like a goodbye statement. But with head coach Bobby Petrino returning Shelton is somewhat hedging. Yet those we spoke with feel the program is preparing for life without Shelton and feel he will make the jump.
Down in Coral Gables is seems Frank Gore is struggling with his decision. While family members are encouraging him to enter the draft Gore would like to stick around one more season and help Miami win a national title. The final decision could rest on Gore attaining an insurance policy to protect against future injury. The father of Antrel Rolle suggested this to Gore and the school is looking into the possibility of acquiring one. Obviously the policy would protect Gore financially should he return and suffer another injury but just as obvious is the difficulty the Miami back will have in obtaining one. This based on his history of knee surgeries or "pre-existing conditions" as it is known in insurance jargon.
The only other Hurricane underclassmen giving serious consideration to leaving for the NFL at present time is Roscoe Parrish.
DeAngelo Williams of Memphis is giving mixed signals. People familiar with the program were sure he was going to leave even after suffering an injury in the Mobile Bowl. The broken bone in his leg is expected to take five weeks to heal and Williams will have plenty of time to rehabilitate the injury then workout prior to the draft. Yet someone we spoke with this afternoon who is close to Williams feels he recently had a change of heart and maybe reversing course.
There is a feeling in Tallahassee Leon Washington is considering entering the draft especially after his sterling performance in the Gator Bowl. Those we spoke with feel he is more complete and tougher then former first round selection Warrick Dunn.
Many in Notre Dame feel that defensive end Justin Tuck will enter the draft if he grades out as a late first round choice, even coming off a mediocre junior campaign.
In Virginia officials expect middle linebacker Ahmad Brooks to return but the gut feeling is outside defender Darrly Blackstock is probably on his way out.
People in Iowa are confident linebackers Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge will return for their senior seasons. That sentiment is even greater in Austin for Longhorn linemen Rodrique Wright and Jon Scott.