Pitt's Romeus Is Not In A Rush

Quarterbacks and offensive linemen all around the Big East were collectively disappointed to find out that defensive end Greg Romeus will be returning for his senior season with the Pittsburgh Panthers. The Big East’s Co-Defensive Player of the Year received a third round draft grade from the NFL Advisory Committee, which he understands is a conservative projection.

“I knew it could be higher than that, so it didn’t matter,” Romeus said of the grade and where he ultimately could get drafted. “Coach (Dave Wannstedt) basically told me that. If that (third round grade) was a reason (for me coming back), it wasn’t a big reason.”

More importantly, Romeus believes that another year at the collegiate level will help his career. He told College Football Insiders Radio that it wasn’t just one reason or another, but rather many factors which led to his decision to return to Pittsburgh for his senior campaign.

“The pros outweighed the cons,” Romeus said of staying in school. Like most college football players who must decide whether or not they are ready to make the jump to the NFL, Romeus leaned heavily on his family and head coach.

“It was a long decision. I didn’t make my mind up actually until the last week, a few days before the deadline. I talked to Coach. He talked to me. Toward the last few games he just told me he would look things up for me and tell me what the best option would be,” Romeus said. “He and my family all sat down and came to the conclusion that the best decision for me would be to stay. Every year it seems I have improved, not just physically but mentally, which is a big part of the game that you need to haave when it comes to going to the next level. I just think another year of experience would benefit me a lot more. There’s really no rush.”

Who else encouraged him? None other than Pittsburgh alumnus and current New York Jet Darrelle Revis, who provided advice and shared his own experience; as a junior, he was presented with the same choice.

“He (Revis) told me to just trust Coach,” Romeus told College Football Insiders Radio. Adding, “I knew Coach wouldn’t lead me in the wrong direction.” Wannstedt appears to have earned the type of trust in his players that can be the core of a program on the rise.

A high school basketball star, Romeus was a bit behind in the learning curve but made a solid contribution as a red-shirt freshman in 2007, recording 41 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks. In 2008 those numbers leaped to 51 tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks. The 6’6”, 270-pound Romeus enjoyed a 2009 season in which he finished with eight sacks, 43 tackles, three forced fumbles, five passes defended and an interception on his way to Co-Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors, as well as an All-College Football Insiders third team selection.

So where does he need to improve? Romeus wants to lead the team and ensure they achieve all that they can in 2010.

“We have a lot of goals for next year and to come back and have a chance to win a championship would be something good. I’m happy with my decision and I don’t regret it.”

Next year, Pittsburgh returns some key pieces from a 10-3 team that nearly pulled off a conference championship. Something that will be vital is leadership, and Romeus is on it.

“Me, as a senior, I feel as if I have to get out there and lead the guys. I’m ready to take on that role, coming in there everyday and making sure we train as hard as we can.”

Romeus understands that next year could bring even greater opportunities for him, namely a college degree and a Big East Championship. He’s already gotten college football fans excited about the 2010 Panthers, admiring the program’s consistency.

“We’re just improving every day. Everybody understands that it starts in the off-season and it’s something that we’re all buying into. Every year that happens we see the results are getting better. We are looking forward to that.”

As for this coming weekend, if you think Romeus is rooting for Revis to win a championship of his own, think again. When asked if he would be rooting for the former Panther he answered in the negative.

“Living in my Miami, we learned not to like the Jets.”

Click Here To Listen To Entire College Football Insiders Interview With Greg Romeus

Photos Courtesy of Dennis Hubbard & University of Pittsburgh

Radio: Draft Digest - 1.17.09

Join NFL Draft Bible President Daniel Mogollon, Executive Editor Ralph Mancini and draft guru Justin VanFulpen as we talk...what else...NFL Draft. From the All-Star games, the NFL Scouting Combine and school pro days, every week we will bring you players to watch and the latest news from the leading authority on the NFL Draft.

When: Sunday January 17

Show Time: 10:00 AM Eastern

Length: 1 Hour

Call In Number: 1.347.945.6275

To Listen Live, Replay or Download - Click Here

Hot Topics:

* The Underclassman List
* Who Should Have Stayed?
* Who Should Have Come Out?
* Our Big Board Top 10
* East-West Shrine Player Watch

Photo Courtesy of Dennis Hubbard

Player Spotlight: Brian Babin

It’s been over 20 years since the last time a Southeastern Louisiana alumnus has played in the NFL.

Quarterback Brian Babin is looking to be the man to break that trend as he prepares for his upcoming pro day workout in March. Known as a film-junkie, Babin stands in at 6’5, possesses a rocket arm and has displayed great accuracy throughout his collegiate career. We unleash the beast in this one-on-on NFL Draft Bible Player Spotlight Show with host Bo Marchionte.

CLICK HERE

Photo Courtesy of Randy Bergeron, Southeastern Louisiana University

Player Spotlight: Joique Bell

As winner of the Harlon Hill Trophy this past season, little-known Wayne State running back Joique Bell made a name for himself.

He also earned himself a trip to Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine. The DII standout rushed for over 2,000 yards in 2009, to go along with 29 touchdowns. He plans to make sure scouts are very well aware of his talents at the NFL Scouting Combine as shares his journey to the NFL with NFL Draft Bible host Bo Marchionte.

CLICK HERE

Photo Courtesy of Wayne State University Athletics

Player Spotlight: Gerald Baptiste

The NFL Draft Bible takes great pride in bringing you the stars of tomorrow, today.

Meet Southern Miss wide receiver Gerald Baptiste. The New Orleans native was named Conference USA Honorable mention after playing a major role in the Golden Eagles' wide spread passing attack. Those who have followed his career have indicated to the NFL Draft Bible that Baptiste is a “coaches dream,” for his team-first attitude. Host Bo Marchionte goes one-on-one with the speedster.

CLICK HERE

Photo Courtesy of University of Southern Mississippi Media Relations

OU's Murray To Return To Norman For 2010

Oklahoma junior running DeMarco Murray has decided to hold off on starting his NFL career and return to Norman for his senior season as a Sooner. Oklahoma has already lost quarterback Sam Bradford, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and cornerback Dominique Franks as early entries for the 2010 NFL Draft.

"I felt I wasn't done here," Murray told ESPN. "I still had some more things I wanted to get accomplished with my teammates and become a better player as well."

Ironically, it was reported last season that Murray might have declared for the 2009 NFL Draft as a red-shirt sophomore had he been healthy. Durability has been the biggest hurdle for Murray during his college career. Murray was held out of one game and missed time in others in 2009 with a midseason ankle injury. He finished with career lows in rushing with 705 yards and eight touchdowns.

With senior Chris Brown off to the NFL, Murray will be counted on as a feature back and will likely be asked to carry a heavier load in 2010. This Boomer Sooner is powerful runner with breakaway speed and nose for the end zone, who could work himself into the first round of 2011 Draft with a big senior campaign. In three seasons, Murray has run for 2,471 yards and 35 touchdowns.

Photo Courtesy of OU Athletics Department

Player Spotlight: Dorin Dickersonq

The NFL Draft Bible Player Spotlight continues with Pittsburgh playmaking tight end Dorin Dickerson.

The former Panther nabbed 10 touchdowns this past season, on his way to being named a John Mackey Award finalist, as well as a third team All-College Football Insiders selection. His performance warranted an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine, where he hopes to improve his draft stock. Join host Bo Marchionte as they discuss his training preparation, strengths and goals leading up to April.

CLICK HERE

Photo Courtesy of University of Pittsburgh

Player Spotlight: Lucien Antoine

The NFL Draft Bible gets up close and personal with the “Punisher” aka Oklahoma State free safety Lucien Antoine.

Originally born in Caicos, this Cowboy journeyed to Haiti before coming to America in 2001. His first passion was basketball until he found out the physical nature of football and the rest is history. Fresh off a worthy performance in the AT&T Cotton Bowl which included an interception, Lucien now finds himself on the cusp of making it to the next level. Join host Bo Marchionte as he speaks with Antoine about Oklahoma State football and his own personal path to the NFL draft.

LISTEN HERE

Photo Courtesy of Dennis Hubbard

Q&A: Dace Richardson, Iowa

In our never-ending search to bring you information about the players you need to know, the NFL Draft Bible goes one-on-one with Iowa offensive lineman Dace Richardson, fresh off the Hawkeyes' Orange Bowl victory. The Big Ten All-Conference selection played three different positions this past year, displaying the type of versatility that has NFL scouts buzzing…

What are your official height and weight, and do you have a recent forty time?

Six-five, 305 pounds and I ran it in 5.45 seconds.

What do you consider your biggest strength?

I believe my biggest strength is my work ethic. I am always focusing on ways to get better.

What part of your game have you worked on improving?

I have been working on my leverage in pass protection. I watch film to make sure I get my hands inside of the defensive lineman, to get leverage instead of grabbing from the outside.

Where have you been training? How often do you workout to stay in shape?

I will start my training on Monday, January 11 at the University of Iowa and we will be training five days a week.

Who is the toughest opponent/teammate you have faced? How did you fare?

The toughest opponent I have gone against this year was Jared Odrick from Penn State. I held my own with him and played a good game.

Which coach has had the biggest impact on your playing career up to this point?

I believe that Coach Kirk Ferentz has had a big impact on my playing career. He is always hands-on with the offensive line at practice and he has tremendous knowledge of line play.

Are there any players that you would compare yourself to? Did you have a favorite player growing up?

I can’t think of anyone to compare myself to but my favorite player growing up was Emmitt Smith.

What do you like to do with your free time, do you have a hobby?

On my free time I like to fish and hang out with friends and also play Call of Duty.

What is something that people might not know about you?

That in college I took acting classes, and after I graduated last May I made theatre my second major this past fall.

If you could invite any three guests for dinner past or present, who would they be?

I would first invite President Obama because it would be an honor to meet our President and then I would also invite Jonathan Ogden to learn his work ethic he had in the NFL and how he found ways to be better than his competition. Lastly I would invite Jared Allen to learn things from a defensive perspective and learn how to not tip defensive linemen off.

What are your future goals outside of playing in the NFL?

When football is over I might try getting into acting. I have always been interested in that.

Why should a NFL team draft you?

I believe a NFL team should draft me because they will get a guy who is a hard worker and has come from a coach that knows how to train and develop good offensive linemen (Coach Ferentz).

Photos Courtesy of Iowa Sports Information

Draft Journal Entry #2: Martin Tevaseu

Martin Tevaseu describes what it’s like to prepare for the 2010 NFL Draft.

Dear Journal:

My time in California has concluded as I am now back in Las Vegas to continue taking classes and working towards my degree, and of course, to prepare for my Pro Timing Day.

Before I left California, my agent scheduled a meeting with my Performance Specialist/Sports Psychology Consultant, Will Lenzner. Mr. Lenzner has worked with several professional athletes to enhance cognitive/mental performance as it relates to output on the field, personal life, weight training, the classroom, etc. The general areas of focus include targeting self-confidence and efficacy, motivation, mental toughness, focus, and positive outcome expectancy. As all of these psychological factors have a relationship with each other, they directly affect athletic performance. Regarding football players specifically, we tend to work on core football-specific components such as performance routines (pre-game, pre-snap), trigger cues and visualization. Of those and other performance components, a wealth of additional football-specific areas are directly affected and have the ability to dramatically enhance athlete output on a given play, during combine testing and split-second decision making skills.

Preparing myself mentally, is equally important as preparing myself physically.

THIS JUST IN…Great news for all of you who have been following my journey, I just spoke with my agent and I have been invited to the East-West Shrine Game in Orlando, Florida. You heard it first right here on NFL Draft Bible! I am very grateful to the East-West Shrine Selection Committee for the opportunity and I look forward to exceeding your expectations.

I am so excited. I’m looking forward to spending time with the kids and competing with some of the best athletes in college football.
I apologize but I have to go for now. There’s work that needs to be done. I’ll check back in with you before I leave to Florida. Thanks for following my journey guys!
Sincerely,

#68 Martin Tevaseu, DT, UNLV

1.6.10 - Draft Journal Entry #1

Draft Watch: Fiesta Bowl

Here are the following players to keep your eye for the 2010 NFL Draft in the FIESTA BOWL.

TCU Horned Frogs:

DE Jerry Hughes (#98) – Hughes lacks the ideal size for a defensive end, so some believe he may end up as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. But when it is all said and done I think he will be a 4-3 defensive end in a Tampa Bay Two type defense. Right now has a 2nd round grade.

LB Daryl Washington (#41)– Washington is an athletic linebacker who is quick and is also fast. The issue with him is his size or lack thereof. In addition, there is a question mark regarding his position - is he an outside linebacker or an inside linebacker? Right now he has a 2nd round grade.

Senior Watch: RB Joseph Turner (#24), LT Marshall Newhouse (#70), CB Nick Sanders (#20)

Stars Of Tomorrow: QB Andy Dalton, JR (#14); RT Marcus Cannon, JR (#61); C Jake Kirkpatrick, JR (#76); MIKE Tank Carder, SO (#43); FS Tejay Johnson, JR (#3)

Medical Examiner: CB Rafael Priest (Out/Sprained Left Foot)

Boise State Broncos:

CB Kyle Wilson (#1) – Wilson is a good overall athlete at cornerback and also does a good job in the return game. He has smooth hips and has the ability to play man to man. The New Jersey native is an aggressive cornerback who can get beat with double moves. Right now he has a 3rd round grade.

Stars Of Tomorrow: WR Austin Pettis, JR (#2); LT Nate Potter, SO (#73); DE Ryan Winterswyk, JR (#98); DE Bryon Hout, SO (#94); DT Billy Winn, SO (#90); SS Jeron Johnson, JR (#23)

Medical Examiner: WR Austin Pettis (Questionable/Broken Leg)

For more NFL, NFL Draft news, you can follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jvanfulpen

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box

UFA's Joe Haden Declares

Junior cornerback Joe Haden is the first of many Gators who are contemplating making the jump the NFL to make it official. The Fort Washington, Maryland native announced earlier today that he will enter 2010 NFL Draft.

Haden became the first true freshman cornerback to start the season opener at Florida and has started all 40 games in his stellar career. After a somewhat rocky inagural campaign, Haden has been among the top cornerbacks in the nation and was a finalist for the Thorpe Award this season, which is given to the nation's top defensive back. He was a first team All-SEC performer and first team All-American as a junior.

Haden is a lock first round pick, who some believe could even crack the top five, in addition to being the favorite to be the first cornerback off the board come April. Not only is this Gator a lockdown cover man (4 interceptions, 10 pass break ups this season), he is an all-around defender–he’s very capable versus the run and an excellent blitzer (68 tackles, 3 sacks).

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box

Jahvid Best Discusses Decision To Turn Pro

By Ralph Mancini

In a Saturday teleconference call, University of California standout Jahvid Best described the process he went through in making the final decision to enter the upcoming 2010 NFL Draft.

While the running back consulted with head coach Jeff Tedford and former teammate Justin Forsett (now a member of the Seattle Seahawks) on the pros and cons of leaving college as a junior, it was a “gut feeling” that ultimately pointed him in the direction of the NFL.

“During the past couple of months, me and my family have been offered the opportunity to join the NFL…I plan to finish my education after football, but this is an opportunity I can’t pass up,” he reasoned.

Best had no doubts that he would be healthy enough to perform at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. But when asked what 40-time he would be targeting, he couldn’t come up with a specific number.

“I never ran a legit 40 [yard dash] before. I’ve only ran track,” he said while also adding that he himself is very curious to see how he measures up with his peers.

On the subject of the work he needs to accomplish to make himself 100-percent ready for pro ball, Best told the NFL Draft Bible that he’s determined to increase his overall physical strength to handle the more physical nature of the NFL.

The 5’10” playmaker further mentioned that he has yet to enlist the services of an agent and also communicated that no decision has been made on where he’ll be working out in preparation for the combine.

Coach Tedford joined in the question and answer session, and had no doubts about Best’s potential at the next level.

He described his player as an athlete who possesses great balance, excellent lateral movement, strength and the ability to catch the ball.

From a maturity level, Tedford lauded the junior phenom as a soft-spoken, level-headed individual who has always handled the attention surrounding him very well.

“He’s not a verbal leader, but he’s well respected in the locker room,” observed the head coach.

Regarding Best’s durability, Tedford focused on the way he recently bounced back from a dislocated elbow in a two-week time frame.

When the topic of the running back’s concussion was broached, however, the coach didn’t believe the future pro had any proneness to head injuries. In relation to the play in which he suffered the concussion versus Oregon State, he called it “a part of playing football.”

Tedford concluded the discussion by pointing out the similarities between Best and his successor Shane Vereen by commenting that they both have very similar characteristics.

Going forward, he continued, his Golden Bears offense will look to carry on with a two-man committee at the running back position.

Photo Courtesy of University of California

TCU's Hughes and Washington Headed to Senior Bowl

TCU defensive standouts Jerry Hughes and Daryl Washington have accepted invitations to the 2010 Under Armour Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

The game will be played Jan. 30 at 3 p.m. (CST) in Ladd-Peebles Stadium and be televised live on the NFL Network.

Jerry and Daryl are two very big reasons why the Horned Frogs lead the country in total defense, Senior Bowl President and CEO Steve Hale said. They are both excellent professional prospects and we look forward to watching them compete in front of the entire NFL here later this month.

Hughes is a two-time consensus All-American and the 2009 recipient of the Lott Trophy and Ted Hendricks Award. He has 15 tackles for loss, including 11 1/2 sacks, among a career-high 54 stops this season. Hughes topped the nation last year with 15 sacks and six forced fumbles.

Washington leads TCU with 99 tackles, the most stops by a Horned Frog since 2004 (Martin Patterson, 131). Washington was a Dick Butkus Award semifinalist. He has 7 1/2 tackles for loss and is tied for the TCU lead with three interceptions.

A signature play for Washington was catching Clemson's C.J. Spiller from behind to make a touchdown-saving tackle in TCU's 14-10 win in Death Valley.

Photo Courtesy of TCU Athletics Media Relations

Gator Bowl: NFL Draft Watch

Here are the following players to keep your eye for the 2010 NFL Draft in the GATOR BOWL.

Florida State Seminoles:

LB Dekoda Watson – Watson is a athletic outside linebacker who has shown the ability to make plays in both the running game, as well as covering tight ends and running backs alike. He is a weakside linebacker in a 4-3 defense and right now has a 3rd round grade.

CB Patrick Robinson – Robinson has all the physical skills to be a top notch cornerback, but this season hasn’t made the plays you would expect him to. He has a 2nd round grade right now and he has the ability to be a boom or bust type pick.

West Virginia Mountaineers:

QB Jarrett Brown – Brown has just started one season but has shown the ability to be a top notch quarterback prospect. He is a very good athlete with a strong arm and has the ability to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. Right now has a 3rd round pick.

WR Alric Arnett – Arnett has good size at 6'2" and 190 pounds. The Mountaineer is a good overall receiver who has shown that he has the ability to run good routes, to complement his good hands. Right now he has a 5th round grade.

OT Selvish Capers – Capers is a very good offensive tackle with quick feet. He's a very impressive athlete for an offensive tackle, and should be able to play on the left and protect the quarterback's backside in the NFL. Right now he has 2nd round grade.

ILB Reed Williams – Williams came back from double-shoulder surgery to be a big time player this season for the Mountaineers. He is a good run defender but lacks great skills in the passing game. Right now has 7th round grade.

For more NFL, NFL Draft news, you can follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jvanfulpen

Photo Courtesy of FSU Sports Information

Music City Bowl: Prospect Watch

By Justin Van Fulpen

Here are the following players to keep your eye for the 2010 NFL Draft in the MUSIC CITY BOWL.

Clemson Tigers:

RB C.J. Spiller – Spiller is all around offensive threat; running, receiving and returning. That versatility should make him a high 1st round pick.

WR Jacoby Ford – A small, quick receiver who should do very good working the slot in the NFL. Ford could go as high as the 2nd round but most observers believe he will go in the 3rd-4th round range. Could be the fastest wide out in the 2010 Class.

OG Thomas Austin – Austin has shown very good ability as a run blocker and is a decent athlete; he should end up being a 7th round pick.

DE/OLB Ricky Sapp – Sapp is the type of player that 3-4 defensive teams crave as an outside linebacker. The strength of his game is his ability to be a pass rusher, which bodes well for him because there is a high demand in the NFL for players that can get to the quarterback. He could go as high as the 1st round.

OLB Kavell Conner – Conner is an all around outside linebacker that can not only play the run but can also adapt to pass coverage, as he is an above average cover man. He currently holds a 6th round grade.

CB Chris Chancellor – Chancellor is a player who is moving up on many draft boards and could use this game, as well as an all-star game to help push his stock up higher. Right now he has a 6th round projection.

CB Crezdon Butler – Butler has shown flashes of ability but needs to be more consistent, right now he is considered to be a free-agent type.

Kentucky Wildcats:

DT Corey Peters – Peters has gotten better every year at Kentucky and is a true 4-3 defensive tackle who is a good athlete who can make plays up and down the line of scrimmage. Right now is likely a 3rd round pick.

ILB Micah Johnson – Johnson is a two-down linebacker who likes to play down hill and can make plays against the run but will have to come off the field in passing downs. Currently, he is a 4th round pick. With his size, he should fit in nicely in a 3-4 scheme.

CB Trevard Lindley – Lindley is an athletic cover cornerback, who will come up and tackle but needs to get bigger and stronger to be a complete corner in the NFL. However, he does posses a lot of skills and should be a 2nd round pick.

For more NFL, NFL Draft news, you can follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jvanfulpen.

Photos Courtesy of Dennis Hubbard & SEC Sports Media

MAACO Bowl Prospect Watch

By Justin Van Fulpen

Here are the following players to keep your eye for the 2010 NFL Draft in the MAACO Bowl.

Oregon State Beavers:

QB Sean Canfield – Canfield has really turned it on this season with a great performance in his first full year of starting exclusively. He is a pocket passer who can move around, but won't beat you with his feet. The southpaw has improved his draft stock this season-coming into the season Canfield had a free-agent grade and has moved up to the 4th-5th round range.

WR Damola Adeniji – Adeniji has good size at 6'3" and 213 pounds, with good hands. He needs to improve his route running and we need to see how fast he really is. Right now he is likely an undrafted free-agent.

DT Stephen Paea - Paea is a junior and might declare early. He has a rugby background from his youth in Tonga. The Beaver is very strong and a disruptive force on the defensive line. At 6'1" and 285 pounds Paea is slightly undersized for a defensive tackle but uses his athletic ability and strength to make plays in the backfield. Right now the junior looks like a late 2nd round pick if he does declare for the 2010 NFL Draft.

Brigham Young Cougars:

QB Max Hall – Hall is a good college quarterback, but doesn't wow you in any specific aspect of his game. He doesn’t have great size or a big arm required to be a starter at the next level, but may possess enough ability to be a back-up quarterback in the NFL, because in part he a very smart player. Right now looks to be a 7th round pick or an undrafted rookie free-agent.

TE Dennis Pitta – Pitta has good size and great hands, he is a pass catching tight end with the ability to block. The Cougar has decent speed, but needs to improve in the blocking aspect of playing along the line of scrimmage to be an all around tight end at the next level. Right now he deserves a 4th round grade.

RB Harvey Unga – Unga is only a junior but there is some thought that he will come out early. While, he is a big physical running back, the junior running back should probably go back to school. If he decides to declare, don't expect him to go higher than the 4th or 5th round pick.

For more NFL, NFL Draft news, you can follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jvanfulpen

Photos Courtesy of Ethan Erickson & College Press Box

HOF Spotlight: Pat Swilling, Georgia Tech

The Georgia Tech legend spoke to CFI Founder at the 2009 HOF Induction at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. Pay Swilling gave some interesting insight on the transition from defensive end to outside linebacker, as well as his thoughts on the state of the NFL (TOO SOFT!!). He also talked about being inducted to the HOF, his Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets winning the ACC, Jacket's defensive end Derrick Morgan and Clemson's C.J. Spiller.

Click to Listen Now

Photo Courtesy of the National Football Foundation

Inaugural OhioCollegeFootball.Com Senior Bowl Set For April 2010

COLUMBUS, Ohio - GameDay Management, Inc (GDM), in conjunction with OhioCollegeFootball.com, will host the Inaugural Senior Bowl featuring Ohio's top college football players, with the first game slated to be played Saturday, April 17, 2010, in Columbus, Ohio at Marv Moorehead Stadium.

The OhioCollegeFootball.Com Bowl will consist of the top players from the NCAA I-A, II, III and the NAIA.

"This is an exciting day for OCF and the State of Ohio, as we bring a quality college bowl game to Columbus," said GameDay Management President and Owner of OhioCollegeFootball.Com Todd Oliver. "A bowl like this has been a long time coming and I can't think of a better way to showcase the talent of so many great players who deserve to play one last time."

"Columbus is not only a great football city to host this event but it will allow participating players additional exposure and a chance to get noticed by scouts from the NFL, CFL and the new UFL."

Ninety senior football players, with no college eligibility remaining, will be selected at the end of the 2009 season by a selection committee. Teams will be divided up between North and South.

Coaching the two teams will be former Ohio State Assistant Coach Bill Conley (South Team) and former Ohio State quarterback Greg Frey (North Team).

"You couldn't ask for two better coaches to help us launch our Inaugural bowl game," said Oliver. "Coach Conley and Coach Frey have a tremendous amount of coaching success and experience which will allow our players to be coached by some of the best."

Coach Bill Conley: During his 17 years as an assistant football coach for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Coach Conley was consistently recognized as one of America's top recruiters.

Coach Conley had the honor of working for head coaches Earle Bruce, John Cooper and Jim Tressel while coaching several All-America and eventual NFL players he recruited and/or coached. Notable players are Cris Carter, Chris Spielman, Orlando Pace, Mike Vrabel, Eddie George, Terry Glenn, Chris Gamble and Mike Nugent, to name just a few.

Coach Conley has the distinction of being part of three national championship football teams at Ohio State, two as a player and one as a coach.

Coach Greg Frey: Coach Frey is the founder of QB Ohio and brings 10+ years of quarterback training, as well as five years of high school coaching, and 17 years of analysis from the broadcast booth. His quarterback's have excelled at every level, including high school, college, and pro. Thus far, his most famous student is Heisman Trophy finalist Brady Quinn, who currently plays for the Cleveland Browns of the NFL.

Coach Frey was a three-year starter and Captain at Ohio State from 1988-1990, where he led the Big Ten is passing efficiency and still ranks 4th all-time in passing yards as a Buckeye.

The Event: The OhioCollegeFootball.Com Bowl will kickoff at 1:00 p.m. from Marv Moorehead Stadium/10,000. A pregame concert will be held prior to the game and will feature 2009 American Idol contestant Brent Keith. Presale tickets will go on sale March 1, 2010 at OhioCollegeFootball.Com.

About OhioCollegeFootball.Com: OCF is a new website dedicated to bringing Ohio college football fans news, notes and information on every NCAA I, II, III and NAIA program in the state. Fans can register for FREE and get news, information and Zips Picks emailed directly to them while interacting with fans on the Fifth Quarter Forum message board.

Decision Time: Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas

Why Dezmon Briscoe made the right decision to turn pro and enter the 2010 NFL Draft.

1. Program in transition: New head coach Turner Gill has big shoes to fill. Say what you want about Mark Mangino being an insensitive brute; the man completely turned around a program in ruins. In fact, since coming to Kansas in 2002, the big man engineered a high-flying and prolific offense, which led throngs of fans to donate the necessary funds to bring KU’s facilities up to Big 12 standards. While Gill inherits a good player base to remain competitive in the early-going, the former quarterback’s resume at Buffalo saw him amass a 15-18 record in conference play in a rather weak Mid-American Conference. Even in his conference-winning season a year ago, Gill’s squad was barely a .500 team, which played its best game in the conference final. The Bulls went on to lose their bowl game despite being located only a stone’s throw away from the game’s site in Toronto. Also, the fact that Gill is a Nebraska guy may dissuade top recruits from committing to the Jayhawks due to the perception that he’ll immediately jump ship to coach his old team if given the opportunity. Briscoe didn't wait to find out who the new head coach would be, but Coach Mangino had more than one foot out the door when the wide out made his decision.

2. New quarterback takes over for Reesing: Kansas fans are bracing themselves for life after Todd Reesing, who was the ring leader of an electrifying passing game thanks to his intelligence, accuracy and consistent play. Briscoe’s return to Kansas would have had him adjusting to the growing pains of the athletic, but unproven Kale Pick at quarterback.

3. It doesn’t get any better than this: While completing a four-year college education is the right and honorable thing to do, all that goes at the window when a first- or second-round selection is in the offing. Briscoe is a long, physical receiver with the ability to break tackles and change directions after the catch. Despite an occasional bout of the dropsies, the 6’3” wide out is skilled enough to contribute right now at the next level and would only risk seeing his value drop by returning to a Kansas team in transition.

Mancini’s Take: Although he’s never been accused of being a speed merchant, Briscoe has the size, strength, body control, and leaping ability to be a difference-making weapon. In addition, the playmaker possesses key intangibles that pro teams covet, such as effectiveness as a blocker, amazing balance to remain in bounds at top speed, and on-field awareness. While Briscoe may still need to improve his consistency, he definitely has an NFL body and should be able to immediately overpower smaller defensive backs at the line of scrimmage and in the red zone.

Photo Courtesy of Jeff Jacobsen, KU Athletics