Sports360AZ
As is the case more often than not, with a new head coach comes changes both on and off the field.
It is certainly no different in Tempe where Arizona State’s Todd Graham inherits Dennis Erickson’s old program, but necessarily his old players.
First it was linebacker Vontaze Burfict, then late last week quarterback Brock Osweiler will also forego his final season of eligibility and enter the NFL draft.
Both appear to be intriguing pro prospects for two different reasons.
Burfict, the 6’3 250-pound wrecking ball, has the size and speed NFL scouts crave, but his off-the-field behavior has been questioned league-wide.
The 6’8 Osweiler set several ASU single-season passing records, including most yards (4,036) and completion percentage (63.2), however some feel, with only 15 career starts, he could use more seasoning before taking his game to the next level.
“He’s a tremendous talent, a great leader,” well-known Phoenix-based NFL agent Eric Metz told “Big Guy on Sports” Wednesday. “Obviously, if he’s my little brother I’m gonna convince him to play as much college football as he can. I spoke to someone close to him and told him it’s a horrible mistake.”
Burfict, who was named to several pre-season All-American lists, struggled at times on the field and was eventually demoted to second-string by Erickson before the Devils 56-24 loss to Boise State in the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas.
“Three things that are going to be key with [Burfict],” Metz explained. “His film, how he tests out medically, and I think the psychological exams are going to be very key. It only takes one team to fall in love with ya.”
The three-day draft is April 26-28 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
