Hoosier Draft? I Think So

Photo by James Brosher for the Indiana Daily Student

I’ve never been more excited for the NFL Draft than I am this year. This is the weekend where, for many players, life as they once knew it will end. Things will change for them – better for most. A new life, new opportunities, new pressures, new cities, and new temptations will be upon them. Speculations on potential picks are all around. Who will go where? How much money will he make?

Word is the St. Louis Rams haven’t confirmed that they’ll be taking Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, but it looks like that’s exactly what they’re going to do according to ESPN. Would I take him? Sure. Would I take Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh? Sure. The fact is you can’t go wrong with either pick. But, to be perfectly honest with you I’m not worried about that pick or any of the first ten picks.

My excitement over the NFL Draft this year comes, not from the tantalizing suspense of who will pick who (although, I do still love that aspect), but the fact that a good number of Hoosiers could be picked this year. My boys, my teammates, my friends. The guys I danced and sang with in my underwear with while in the locker room. The boys I talked to nearly everyday for 5 years. The boys who I bled, cried, and fought with through pain, death, heat, sweat, heartbreak, happiness, anxiousness, everything.

And the memories! Hell, me and Rodger used to make up dances and songs about training camp, the season, winter conditioning, whatever. I’ll always miss those days.

There’s a chance Rodger could be picked tonight. If so, he’ll be the first IU player taken in the first round since wide receiver Thomas Lewis in 1994. He’s been shooting up many scout’s and critic’s draft boards since November. The same goes for Jammie Kirlew, although he’ll likely be picked in the mid to late rounds. Then there’s Nick Polk, Greg Middleton, Ray Fisher, Matt Mayberry, Austin Thomas, D McCray and more. They’ve all got a chance!

No matter what happens this weekend I’m proud of all my boys and the memories we’ve made. It’s unreal to see them go through this process. Success will come to all of them in one way or another. I just want it to be in the way they want it. The NFL will come calling for them. I know they’re ready. I just hope the NFL is ready for all these Hoosiers.