Off to NFL, Osweiler must prove he’s ready

First it was Dennis Erickson, now his quarterback is leaving Arizona State. 

Brock Osweiler made it official Friday afternoon. He will be forgoing his senior season in Tempe to enter the NFL draft.

The Kalispell, Montana native who set single-season Sun Devil passing records for yards (4,036), completions (326), attempts (516), and completion percentage (63.2) said the timing was right to move on.

“While I bleed and sweat maroon and gold,” Osweiler said in a released written statement. “I have decided to declare myself eligible for the NFL draft. It was an exceptionally difficult decision to make  but having spoken to my family and close friends it became clear to me that this is the next path I must take to advance my personal and professional career.”

There were rumors earlier this week Osweiler, who is close to earning his degree, might consider transferring to another school outside the Pac-12 where he could play immediately. He ultimately chose the pro route and said he takes nothing but good memories away from his time at ASU.

“I will never forget how many people have gone out of their way to make ASU home for me. I would like to thank the fans that have supported me throughout all of the trials and tribulations.”

Early reports say Osweiler is likely a mid-round pick, but his draft status could rise with good workouts and the fact two high-profile juniors, USC’s Matt Barkley and Oklahoma’s Landry Jones, opted to stay in school.

With that being said, he will have to prove he’s prepared to run an NFL offense before April’s draft.

“I think he’s got a ton of talent,” ASU color analyst and former quarterback Jeff Van Raaphorst told Brad Cesmat on “Big Guy on Sports” Friday. “What the NFL is going to want to see out of him is put his hands under and center and take a three and five-step drop. Cam Newton certainly made that transition and didn’t have a problem with it. Andy Dalton from TCU made that transition so it’s not like he can’t make it.”

New coach Todd Graham will likely turn to Osweiler’s backup Mike Bercovici, who saw limited playing time last season, or highly touted redshirt freshman Michael Eubank to run his spread offense this fall.