IU Football Pro Potential 2010

Having players in the NFL can have a huge boost to college football programs for many reasons. First off it helps in recruiting. For instance, Lawrence Barnett was quoted to the fact that Tracy Porter going to the NFL helped him in his decision to come to IU. Another reason is that when players go off and make NFL money sometimes they tend to donate some back to their Alma Mater. For instance, Trent Green donated $250,000 to pay for IU’s new locker room many years ago. So having more players go to the NFL can only help a college program. Although it is still early here is who I think could get drafted or end up on an NFL roster next year.

1. Jammie Kirlew- Only Aaron Maybin had more sacks than Jammie Kirlew in the big ten last year and he was a first round pick. With a similar year to last year Jammie could definitely be a middle round NFL pick.

2. Greg Middleton- so much hype surrounded him after his 16 sack out break two years ago. He took a step back last year but looks to be rebounding this year. Not only is he getting to the QB but he is also having more success with getting tackles for loss and defending the run. If he continues to play the way he is playing so far he could very much end up getting picked in the NFL draft next year.

3. Matt Mayberry- Mayberry showed a lot of promise last year. He registered 4 sacks against Central Michigan which really put him on the map. He has gained a ton of weight since coming to IU and has a great deal of speed. Last year he was inconsistent with his tackling but this year he has consistently led the team in tackles. Yesterday’s game he registered ten more.

I think that depending on how some players senior seasons play out there could be 4 more players that have the potential to go to the NFL.

4. Rodger Saffold- He is probably our only offensive player who has a chance at being drafted next year. He has a ton of playing experience and gotten stronger this year by improving his bench roughly 105 pounds this off-season.

5. Austin Thomas- when he is healthy he is known to be a pretty big hitter. His two interceptions against Akron will help his stats as well. A good rest of the year could give him the opportunity to play on Sunday’s.

6. Nick Polk- Polk was hitting hard against Michigan and played like a man on a mission. Depending on the outcome of this season Polk could have a chance to play on Sunday’s.

7. Will Patterson- Like Saffold, Patterson also has a ton of playing experience. A pretty quiet guy off the field he is pretty tenacious on the field. He has played solid so far this year and I also think he could have an opportunity to get on an NFL roster if he plays very well for the rest of the year.

I know it is still early in the year to predict but getting players into the NFL is important to a college football program. I think Kirlew, Middleton, and Mayberry have the best opportunity to get drafted but also think that depending on how Saffold, Thomas, Polk, and Patterson play they could also have an opportunity to play as well. Polk and Thomas missed most of last year so they didn’t really have the opportunity to play to their potential.

I know this could be pretty optimistic but that’s just me. What do you guys think so far? Agree or disagree? Feel free to open this up for a discussion.