NFL Draftees...Good/Bad choice to leave before senior year?

According to ESPN and The Salt Lake Tribune, Alex Smith (Utah) will enter the 2005 draft.

Smith, a junior QB, had a tremendous season (12-0) and led his Utes to a bowl win against Pittsburgh 35-7. His efforts in that game were phenomenal, executing 4 TD passes and administering a difficult hook-and-ladder play for a score. No matter what is asked of him as a QB, either under center, from the shotgun, quick handoffs, or rushing for a first down, he's got it done. His accolades are numerous and include several from this year: Heisman Finalist (finished fourth), Sports Illustrated Player of the Year, The Sporting News Player of the Year, Davey O'Brien Finalist, Walter Camp Player of the Year Finalist, Cingular Wireless/ABC Sports All-American, SI.com All-American (first team), Pro Football Weekly All-American (first team), A.P. All-American (second team), CoSIDA Football Academic All-American of the Year--source: http://utahutes.collegesports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/122104aad.html.

No doubt that he SEEMS ready, but is he ready to go to the NFL now? I understand that he has a lot of potential as a young athlete, but can he compete with the big boys in the NFL? And where would he be most useful? (Big hint to Chicago: Let's see if we can pick ONE quarterback this season and stick with him!! We have the fourth pick in the draft, so take advantage accordingly.) Anyway...

As a college junior myself, preparing to enter the "real" world, I understand the thrill of going pro. It's every high school/collegiate athlete's dream. At the same time, however, how wise of a decision is it to give up your last year of eligibility, when in essence, you can only get better? For Smith to remain at Utah for one more year can only help him improve his game. On the other hand, I do understand the fact that the loss of coach Urban Meyer will be tough on the squad, and a new coaching philosophy could be even more difficult on the QB. Maybe that had something to do with his decision.

Another question: Will Smith be a first-rounder? According to espn.com, Meyer was quoted saying, "If he's going to be a first-rounder, he should go. If he's not a first-rounder for sure, he should stay." Either way, Meyer says he will support Smith.

A great Fiesta Bowl game, a strong arm, and a confident QB swagger--that, plus the ability to read other defenses and then to put that into play for his own offense is what makes Alex Smith a good NFL pick. I'm just not sure how smart his decision is (that is entering so soon) and how it will affect the rest of his young career.

On a side note: I love the Ultimate Highlight on ESPN's Sportscenter (especially the song to accompany it). I wonder what a woman's sports network would do to replace the "...and twins..." lines in the song. I'm just observing. Hmmmm...a woman's sports network...I'm not talking focusing on women's sports, I'm talking women reporting on all sorts of pro sports events. It would never happen in this society, but if this kind of thing could be successful, that would be awesome.

Nokia Sugar Bowl...ABC 7pm Central Time...Auburn vs. Virginia Tech...Watch it!!

New year = Time for a change

Welcome to 2005...Officially, it's the second day of the year, and I just returned from a relaxing two-week Christmas break. Each day was filled with many athletic events, and by that, I mean that I watched just about every Collegiate Bowl game--which was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. The purity of college football is so refreshing; the talent is impeccable, and I can already tell that the NFL draft is going to be chock-full of awesome prospects from respected programs around the country.

From Vince Young (Texas QB who rushed for 3 TDs vs Michigan in the Rose Bowl) to Drew Henne (Mich.) to Alex Smith (who led the Utah Utes to a perfect season) to Drew Tate (who threw a game-ending 56-yard Hail Mary pass to a fifth-year senior for a win against LSU) to Josh Haldi (QB for Northern Illinois) to Timmy Chang (who set a HUGE record for all collegiate QBs in passing yards) to Stephen LeFors (who led Louisville to a 44-40 win vs Boise State) to David Greene (whose Georgia Bulldogs were forceful vs Wisconsin) to Chris Rix (he overcame a rollercoaster career, but led his FSU Seminoles to a 30-18 win vs West Virginia). And it's not done yet--the Sugar Bowl (Auburn and Virginia Tech) will be played tomorrow and Tuesday, the Orange Bowl will feature two of the best quarterbacks in the NCAA. Jason White from Oklahoma will take the snaps for the Sooners, while 2004 Heisman winner Matt Leinart will be under center for the USC Trojans. It should be an awesome game.

But those are just the QBs...there are awesome players on all of the teams. Erasmus James (OSU)-David Pollack (Georgia)-Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma)-Reggie Bush (USC)-Garrett Wolfe (NIU)-Braylon Edwards and Michael Hart (Mich.)-and so many more.

Collegiate basketball continues to cruise. Our Crusaders have been on the receiving end of several butt-whoopin matches this year (including Duke, UofI-Champaign/Urbana--AKA the #1 team in the nation, Cincinatti), but conference play hasn't started yet, and it's expected that they will dominate in Mid-Continent play. The opener is scheduled for Tuesday against Western Illinois and fans should get a feel of the rest of the season from that game.

On the scholastic end of my life, a new semester starts on Wednesday, so I have two days to get myself back in the groove of the school year. I expect things to run smoothly, with a relaxed schedule and classes that I hope to enjoy. I will have to balance a few jobs and some activities but I don't think it will be too hard.

As far as my career pursuits are concerned, the one thing I have to look forward to are (hopefully) a position as my campus newspaper's Sports Editor for 2005-2006 and as a writer in the summer for my town's paper. Last summer, I did my internship there and had a great time--I worked for a 24-year-old female sports editor. How cool is that? I hope I can work there again, so I can continue to get in the practice I need for my career hopes.

A quick "by the way", I am going to attempt to cut down on the self-pity entries that I seem to include. I don't mean to, even though they are true, but I can't help but let my thoughts out sometimes. If I choose to include them, I will try to make them a little less sad.

Don't forget, sports fans--Sugar Bowl and Orange Bowl. Watch them ;)...

March 30, 2005--My 21st Birthday...in case you were curious...