Building on a story we broke this
past Tuesday, Oregon bunning
back Onterrio
Smith and tight
end George Wrighster both said they will give up their final seasons
of eligibility and enter the NFL draft.
Smith missed three games with a knee
injury that eventually required surgery while Wrighster set a school record with
41 receptions this season, most ever by an Oregon tight end.
Two more OU juniors, safety
Keith Lewis and receiver Sammie Parker are also considering making
the jump to the NFL.
University of Colorado tailback Chris
Brown also declared himself eligible for this year's National Football
League draft, making public his decision Friday morning.
Brown received feedback from the NFL that indicated he would be at least be a
second round pick.
"I think this is the best thing for me to do," Brown said about
reversing his decision "I've thoroughly explored it, and am comfortable
with my decision, as is my family.
Oklahoma defensive end
Jimmy Wilkerson informed Bob Stoops and the Sooner coaching staff today that
he has decided to forgo his senior year enter the 2003 NFL draft, OU
Insider confirmed today.
Hinting before the start of the season he would leave early for the pros were he
to have a good year, Wilkerson now figures into the later rounds after what was
a very disappointing campaign in 2003.
TFY Analysis: Smith is
taking a huge chance but as we stated Tuesday, he may have had no other choice.
Wrighster could move into the first day based on his athleticism and a weak
tight end crop but needs to bulk up and run fast. A good forty time (4.55
area) could move Brown into the first round and ahead of Smith on the running
back charts. Wilkerson is making a big mistake (as would both Lewis and
Parker were they to leave) as he sorely needed another year to develop
physically.