By Josh Wilcox
DSN Contributor
April 25, 2008

As this weekend approaches, there are two significant football stories to be told, of course that is if your an Oregon fan. The Spring Game and the Draft. Two different ends of the spectrum, but both offers opportunities.

Speaking for myself of course, I can say that I was not the biggest fan of Spring Ball or the Spring Game. Although I had a good spring in 1993, it only helped ease some of the anxiety of losing a great player, Willie Tate. I can honestly say Spring Ball ranks right up there with a 20 page term paper, something you really are not looking forward to. It is great in the sense that you can compete, and show your development. But with good weather and Spring Term, it was hard to stay focused.

Then you have the Spring Game. I can remember traveling to three places, two in Portland, and once in Medford to play the Spring Game. This was of course back in the day when there were no airplanes, and we had to walk five miles in the snow to get to practice, and we had no water breaks, just salt tablets. As much as I love football, the Spring Game to me did not get my juices flowing, because most of the time after the game, you and your buddies were ready to blow of some steam. This would be called the 5th quarter, and luckily for me I had friends that could play all five quarters.

Now for the NFL Draft. First of all, I wish all players from the U of O the best of luck. There no doubt will be some nervous people out there, as well as their friends and family. The best thing to realize is that as much as the Draft is in the spotlight, it really is a crap shoot. Lets face it, it’s a gamble on players which you think will help your team.

With the influx of “numbers” people into football, I think that the factor of what a player does on tape is sometimes overlooked. As much as you hear, “We watched tape”, there will be numerous players who help themselves in this draft by being workout warriors. Too often people get caught up in all of this and what the player looks like instead of how he plays the game. They are called “Fast Risers”. And just because someone falls in love with a player does not mean he is the pick to make. There are a million examples out there and it happens every year. Then some of these players are labeled “busts”. Well what are you going to do tell a team not to pick you? I mean I don’t think I have ever heard a story of someone telling a coach that they are drafting them to high! It is just funny that GM’s are always smart when they draft good and morons when someone busts. Have any of you noticed that it seems teams who make those mistakes, more often than not have a track record of making bad moves?

Sometimes people do just not fit into the right team or the player has tapped out their potential. I would say one of the factors in this new age is agents having the players practice interviews for scouts, and similar things. Anyone can say the right things if coached. And who can blame a guy for trying to make more money? This is just an example of the big business football has become. Many of the agents out there are not just looking to help the player, but make their name as well.

So this years draft already has a signed #1, and the Rams are on the clock. I was thinking about re-entering the draft this year as I have cut my 40’s down to 3 a night. I know bad joke. But honestly I am thinking about heading to Canada this weekend so I don’t get drafted. Me and my buddy the Cruiser.

Another note I would like to clarify is that as some of you know I was a pro wrestling fan, and still am to some extent. However there was another Oregon Tight End, Russ Francis, who was actually in WrestleMania 2. So I guess it kind of runs in the Tight End genes.

Also, congratulations To Gary Zimmerman. Another Oregon player in the NFL Hall of Fame. We are in the top 10 for all colleges with the amount of HOF’ers we have. Wonder if the will include my imaginary XFL hall of fame?

Did anyone else think it was just cool that Kellen Clemens child was blessed by the pope? I can not think of a better person, who handled adversity well and deserves it. The one common factor you will find about many Oregon players is they have lots of character, and he would be right up there. On that note, I saw somewhere where sources said the Jets were worried he was a system QB at Oregon. Well maybe we should get some of those crappy coaches out of the NFL and put them out to pasture, and get some new good coaches in. Didn’t he have like three offensive coordinators? Which system? Same as the Tedford effect. Just a bunch of crap. If they can get them to play in college where there are not all-stars at every eleven spots, then shouldn’t coaches at the highest level be able to get something out of them?

So, if you’re one of the guys who has his seventh version of his mock draft, good. If not and you watch the ticker good to, just have all the Oregon guys in your thoughts and wish them the best. Many of these guys gave more than many of us could ever give to the U of O. Thank you for all of your effort and you will be remembered. But young guys, here is your chance, seize the moment, and have some fun!