By Daymon Johnson
So, imagine this…..You’re in your Junior year at one of the most prestegious University’s in the country that just happens to have a dominating and successful football program that’s put more players in the NFL than any other college since 2000. The year wraps with a disappointing bowl loss, and everyone is telling you that you’re going to be a mid-1st rounder in the draft and that you should declare yourself eligible, thus earning your “payday”. You however, opt against declaring (knowing in the back of your mind that the money will be there in a year) and decide that you’re going to go back for your senior year, pleasing your coaches, your family, the fans and most importantly, yourself. You know you’ve done the right thing!
Well, let’s say that Senior year, turned out to be a….well…..mediocre season, and as the season progressed, you heard over and over how you should have went pro, and eventually, after hearing it about 1000 times, you start to believe it. Remember, just one year ago, you were considered a top 3 talent at your position and now, people consider you to be a 6-7th rounder if you’re even worthy of being drafted. Some have you ranked as an Undrafted Free Agent….which in the football world, usually means your career is effectively over. Sure, there have been some undrafted guys who have done some special things in the NFL, guys like James Harrison, Jake Delhomme, Priest Holmes, Willy Parker, Antonio Pierce, Tony Romo, John Randle and maybe best of all Antonio Gates. However, those guys are few and far between, and you know this, and now’s when the panic sets in……
Alex Boone, on the field and in front of the mug-shot cam.
