Author: Rob Staton (Page 391 of 422)

Happier times for Terrelle Pryor and Jim Tressell

Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor has parted ways with the Buckeye’s, reports Doug Lesmerises of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

It follows an off season of drama in Columbus with a NCAA investigation, the resignation of Jim Tressell and chaos surrounding the organisation. Pryor was due to miss the first five games of the 2011 season along with several other teammates as a sanction for selling memorabilia. Most recently, it was revealed he’ll be investigated for driving multiple vehicles on a suspended license.

Off the field issues have made a mockery of gradual progression on the field. Following a standout Rose Bowl performance in early 2010, he enjoyed a largely successful junior campaign where he considerably improved his completion percentage from 57% in 2009 to 65%. He also scored nine more passing touchdowns (27 in 2010 compared to 18 in 2009) and helped the Buckeye’s defeat Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl.

His career now ends in disgrace at Ohio State, after an off-season where he was especially indecisive about declaring for the NFL Draft and having opted not to turn pro (almost certainly because his stock was incredibly low) he consistently toyed with the idea of entering the supplemental draft as the disaster zone erupted around the programme and his own personal future.

While Pryor’s 2010 numbers suggest real improvement on the field and he has got unlimited athletic talent, it’s a major stretch to expect any team to invest any kind of faith in his potential. The off-field stuff will be a major killer and while he may think that someone will pay a modest mid-round price in the supplemental draft, I doubt any team will bite because there’s just too much baggage. We’re not even sure if a supplemental draft will even take place due to the lockout, but at least there’s some encouraging signs today that players and owners are back round the table.

ESPN’s Joe Schad is reporting that Pryor’s preference is the supplimental draft or the Canadian Football League. Personally, I think his best option may be to transfer to a FCS school where he won’t be required to sit for a year, he can dominate on the field and prove to NFL teams that his troubles are in the past. Right now it’s hard to imagine how his stock could get any lower from a pro-perspective and a year of positive story-lines wouldn’t do any harm. If he’s a 7th round flier in 2012, that’s probably more than he can expect to achieve right now via the supplemental draft if it ever takes place.

Here’s highlights of Pryor in the Sugar Bowl, courtesy of John Pasquariello.

We’re still many weeks away from any kind of positive conclusion to the current litigation situation in the NFL (and by positive, I mean any amount of football in 2011). Many people discuss the impact the lockout will have on the rookie class, but undoubtedly those hurt the most are the undrafted free agents. These guys need camp to fight for roster spots and prove their worth. Taking away precious practise time and possibly pre-season games could make them redundant and perhaps even a lost group.

There are several big names who went undrafted and it remains to be seen whether they’ll ever get their opportunity. DeAndre McDaniel (S, Clemson) started the year being touted as a high draft pick after an eight-pick, two-sack 2009 season. He added four more interceptions in 2010 taking his total to 15 for his college career, yet he wasn’t picked in April. Several people were surprised fellow safety Joe Lefeged (S, Rutgers) went undrafted – some graded him in the middle round region. Will Hill (S, Florida) and Deunta Williams (S, North Carolina) were other big name safeties expected to fill out a disappointing overall class at the position. None found a home.

I know the Seahawks have shown interest in several players, including Texas offensive lineman Michael Huey and Iowa linebacker Jeff Tarpinian. John Schneider has suggested the team will target an UDFA quarterback to compete for a roster spot or run the scout team, but there’s no obvious player for me that jumps out. Adam Weber (QB, Minnesota) and Adam Froman (QB, Louisville) have been touted, while Mike Coughlin (QB, Boise State) received some attention from several NFL teams before the draft.

A lack of beef on the defensive line may make 6-1, 319lbs defensive tackle Ian Williams (DT, Notre Dame) a worthy candidate to compete for a roster spot. Cedric Thornton (DT, Southern Arkansas) is another player graded as a space eater with limited pass rush qualities.

Ricardo Lockette (WR, Fort Valley State) has hinted at interest from Seattle while several relatively unknown receivers visited with the Seahawks before the draft. Terrance Toliver (WR, LSU), Dane Sanzenbacher (WR, Ohio State) and Armon Binns (WR, Cincinnati) should get the opportunity to impress, if not necessarily in Seattle. Major character issues dogged South Carolina tight end Wesyle Saunders – will he get a shot at redemption? The talent is there.

But my top ranked UDFA, based on talent if not necessarily positional importance, is Iowa punter Ryan Donahue. He stuck out as college football’s top punter the last two years and should have the chance to come in and dislodge a veteran.

Of course, those opportunities to make final cuts will be severely limited unless the lockout ends soon.