I actually think Slaton made the right decision. ESPN's expert rates him as a late 2nd or 3rd round pick. I tend to agree with you, TOK, that he is probably more of a mid round selection. However, with the emergence of Noel Devine, I think Slaton's best numbers are behind him. If he has a good combine and/or pro day, he could be a hot commodity. I just think he has a better shot this year at being a high selection than he would if he had waited and come out after next season. Guess we'll never know for sure though.
I agree that with Devine his production has declined and it's not likely to get better next year. That plus the coaching change probably sealed the deal with him. Now days with the NFL min somewhere around 400K per year you don't really have to be a high draft choice to have economic incentive to go Pro..just some hope to make the roster. Even if you just make the Practice Squad I think you'll make close to 100K, not many kids comming out of college can get that for their starting salary.
The Buckeye Nation is smiling.....we only lost 1 of the projected 5 first rounders we were anticipating. I think Laurinaitis was tabbed a top 10 pick, so I'm not sure it's in his best interest from purely a financial standpoint, but I think his Daddy made a few bucks in his day and they're probably not starving. :wink: Last year we lost 17 of 22 starters, overachieved and had a helluva a surprising run. Next year we return 39 from our two-deep and hopefully learned some lessons that only experience can teach along the way......the anticipation for the showdown with the Trojans in LA next September has already just begun. Thank God I'm a Buckeye! 8)
I really like Foster and I'm glad he's coming back. I really like him catching balls out of the backfield. I think the prospect of him playing in Coach Clawson's system that produced the first 1000 yd rushing and 1000 yd receiving back in NCAA history (Brian Westbrook) is very exciting. I think that Tennessee still has great depth at RB as well and I can't help but be excited about the prospects of UT football in the upcoming season. I think the Vols are going to surprise some people especially if the players can lay off the grass.
Actually, Aquila, the players must stay on the grass because the concrete... Oh???............ that kind of grass???........... Well, that is different............ Never mind! Emily Litella :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: Singapore is driving me crazy!!!