The Long Snapper (4/28/10)
To many (me included),
Aaron Hernandez
seemed to drop and drop and drop during the NFL Draft. Being selected in the fourth round is hardly a bad thing – especially when you go to the
New England Patriots
– but many expected Hernandez to be gone by the time the second round was over. And then reports came out of him failing multiple drug tests during his time at
Florida
. His fall in the draft was being attributed to Hernandez’s problem with marijuana.
Now Hernandez is refuting the reports
. Sort of. The tight end has admitted he did fail a test during his time with the Gators, but he says it was only one. Hernandez also says he was very clear with every team he spoke with prior to the draft and was open and honest with them. He still fell, but again, where he fell to may be better for him in the long run. Make sure to head to page two of the article where former defensive back
Wondy Pierre-Louis
has some interesting things to say about
Urban Meyer
cleaning up the program.
I’ve said it before and now the SEC is: if expansion runs rampant, the conference will be ready. Commissioner Mike Slive has said the SEC has not actively pursued the idea of expanded, but they will put together a plan just in case they have to. Slive mentioned that if other conferences add teams, it doesn’t necessarily mean the SEC has to, but he also has said the conference will do whatever it takes to maintain its prominent status. I pointed out earlier this week that some believe the SEC would be best suited picking up the big boys of the Big 12, but let’s be more realistic. I would still lean toward Clemson and Georgia Tech joining the SEC East with the possibility of an East team moving to the West. If the conference goes to 14 teams, there’s also a chance each team could pick up an additional SEC game during the regular season. I doubt many would argue with a schedule featuring three out-of-conference opponents and nine SEC opponents. The format would be similar to what it is today, play every team in your division, have one opponent from the other division that you play every year, and have two additional opponents from the other division that rotate every two years. Seems logical to me.
Depending on how you look at it, the quarterback situation at Georgia could either be getting muddier or clearer. Muddier in that one got kicked off the team and another is considering heading elsewhere. Clearer in that the 2010 starter has pretty much been determined at this point. Just recently, Zach Mettenberger was dismissed from the program and now Logan Gray is “weighing his options.” Tampa, FL native Aaron Murray has been placed on top of the depth chart and even though head coach Mark Richt hasn’t officially named Murray the starter, Gray may have had enough. The junior hasn’t transferred yet, but could soon. Either that or he could look to change positions. Gray has been a frequent special teamer during his time as a Bulldog and it’s possible he could return to that role on more of a full-time basis. Wherever Gray ends up, the path to 2010 starter may be open for Murray. He’s the only one that hasn’t been shown the door or debated leaving. Sounds like starter material to me. And sounds like a good rallying cry for the upcoming season. “Don’t break rules. Don’t transfer. Do play. Georgia Football 2010!”
So we all know the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made news when they asked former FSU safety Myron Rolle about deserting his team to go study at Oxford (way to go Bucs), but I didn’t hear about this other incident until recently. Former Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant was asked by the Miami Dolphins if his mother was ever a prostitute. Bryant has a checkered past that includes him being declared ineligible for his final season with the Cowboys. His mother did have a history with drugs, but Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland may have crossed the line here. I understand teams are trying their best to find out everything about players these days. They invest a lot of money in these athletes and want to ensure they are getting someone who is focused on their job. But I’m surprised Bryant didn’t come across the table when asked that question.
The List: A few things to occupy your time now that we’ve hit the dead time of year.
1. Baseball. You all know my thoughts, but hey, sports are sports. Nothing like keeping your competitive nature going.
2. Both the NBA and NHL are only in the first round of their playoffs. They’ll be more action for weeks to come.
3. Recruiting. I never fully understood people who consider themselves huge college football fans yet don’t follow recruiting. There’s nothing quite like the rush of getting your hopes dashed by the decisions made by teenagers.
4. There are things other than sports on TV. Now’s the time to catch up on them.
5. Apparently there are activities one can partake in outdoors.
The Sixth Man: Florida isn’t listed among the top 10, but Alex Tyus is mentioned. Many think Tyus won’t return. After all, he nearly transferred before last season. After declaring for the NBA Draft, the writing may be on the wall. The forward may have played his last game as a Gator. But Florida would be best served if he returned. The Gators have a young, talented team that appears to be improving. Tyus is definitely a part of that. Florida will move on without him, but is better off moving forward with him. The Gators can build on last season’s NCAA Tournament appearance with all they have returning, but inside presence has been an issue for the past few years. Tyus coming back is as close to a “need” as you can get.