In all, as many as 212 players will participate in the AFC and NFC championship games on Sunday – four teams, 53 players per team. When including players not on the active rosters of the four teams playing for a shot at the Super Bowl, however, the total jumps to more than 250.

The schools represented on the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens range from college football's elite (Alabama, Ohio State, Texas and Florida) to those situated far outside the national picture (Hillsdale, Bellhaven, Lane and Indiana).

Here are the eight schools most represented by the four teams playing Sunday for a trip to the Super Bowl:

1. Miami (Fla.): 12. P Matt Bosher, OL Harland Gunn, DL Micanor Regis (Atlanta); LB Tavares Gooden, RB Frank Gore (San Francisco); DL Vince Wilfork, DL Marcus Forston (New England); LB Ray Lewis, OL Bryant McKinnie, RB Damien Berry, WR Tommy Streeter, S Ed Reed (Baltimore).

2. (tie) Oregon: 7. WR Drew Davis (Atlanta); RB LaMichael James, FB Will Tukuafu (San Francisco); TE Ed Dickson, DL Haloti Ngata, QB Dennis Dixon (Baltimore).

2. (tie) Florida: 7. LB Mike Peterson (Atlanta); DL Ray McDonald (San Francisco); DL Jermaine Cunningham, RB Jeff Demps, TE Aaron Hernandez, LB Brandon Spikes (New England); WR Deonte Thompson (Baltimore).

4. (tie) Alabama: 6. OL Mike Johnson, WR Julio Jones (Atlanta); DL Brandon Deaderick, LB Dont'a Hightower (New England); DL Terrence Cody, LB Courtney Upshaw (Baltimore).

4. (tie) Iowa: 6. DL Jonathan Babineaux (Atlanta); LB Jeff Tarpinian, TE Brad Herman, OL Markus Zusevics (New England); S Sean Considine, OL Marshal Yanda (Baltimore).

4. (tie) Texas: 6. OL Justin Blalock (Atlanta); CB Tarell Brown, OL Leonard Davis (San Francisco); OL Kyle Hix (New England); CB Chykie Brown, K Justin Tucker (Baltimore).

4. (tie) South Carolina: 6. DL John Abraham, DL Cliff Matthews, DL Travian Robertson, CB Dunta Robinson (Atlanta); S Emanuel Cook, CB Chris Culliver (Baltimore).

4. (tie) Ohio State: 6. OL Alex Boone, WR Ted Ginn Jr., LB Larry Grant, S Donte Whitner (San Francisco); TE Jake Ballard, S Nate Ebner (New England).
Another eight schools have five players on the rosters: Arizona State, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, UCF, Rutgers, Syracuse and Illinois.

Teams with four players: Oklahoma State, Marshall, Michigan, Fresno State, Utah, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Missouri, Louisville, LSU and Georgia Tech.

Three players: Auburn, Wisconsin, Maryland, California, Wake Forest, Florida State, Penn State, Kansas, Purdue, Northwestern, Texas Tech and Arkansas.

Two players: Baylor, Michigan State, Stanford, Boston College, Clemson, Connecticut, ECU, Oregon State, Richmond, San Jose State, Kentucky, Montana, North Carolina, Northern Illinois, TCU, UCLA, Notre Dame, Central Michigan, Delaware, Iowa State, Colorado, Tennessee State, Nebraska, Buffalo, Arizona and Washburn.

Luck of the draw plays a role, of course, but it's a bit surprising to see that schools like Virginia Tech, USC, Oklahoma and Texas A&M only have one player each on the four rosters. Not surprising? That one player represents schools like Prairie View A&M, Lane, Harvard, Weber State, Chadron State (Danny Woodhead), Hillsdale and Hofstra (which no longer has a football program).


(usatoday.com)

The Patriots have promoted defensive tackle Marcus Forston from the practice squad to the active roster, the team announced. Forston fills the spot on the 53-man roster that was recently vacated when the Patriots placed tight end Rob Gronkowski on injured reserve.

After going undrafted out of Miami in 2012, Forston was signed by the Patriots as a free agent, and was one of three undrafted free agents to make the active roster coming out of training camp.

Forston remained on the 53-man roster for three regular season games before being waived and re-signed to the team's practice squad. Incidentally, Forston appeared in just one game earlier this season, a Week 3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, who the Patriots host tomorrow in the AFC Championship.

The Patriots have relied heavily upon a three-man defensive tackle throughout 2012, led by Vince Wilfork. After having Kyle Love alongside him as a starter earlier in the season, Brandon Deaderick has emerged as the team's second interior defensive line starter.


(espn.com)

The Patriots have promoted defensive tackle Marcus Forston from the practice squad to the active roster, the team announced. Forston fills the spot on the 53-man roster that was recently vacated when the Patriots placed tight end Rob Gronkowski on injured reserve.

Forston made the team’s initial roster out of training camp, was inactive for the first two games of the season, then played eight snaps in the Patriots’ 31-30 loss to the Ravens on Sept. 23. He was waived after that game and landed on the practice squad, where he’s worked behind the scenes all season, at one time filling in along the offensive line in practice when bodies were thin.

After a strong sophomore season in 2010 at the University of Miami, Forston (6-2, 310) was viewed as a potential high draft choice but a knee injury in 2011 limited him to three games and he wound up going undrafted.

The Patriots have had success with undrafted players in recent years, and Forston, who grew up in Miami, hopes to add his name to the list. He shared his “football journey” with ESPNBoston.com this week:

When he first started playing football: “When I was 6. I started playing because my older brother was, and my mom got me into it. I was always heavier than the guys my age.”

First positions: “Running back and linebacker.”

Role models growing up: “My mom [Pearline Simmons], seeing her and the things she did raising six kids basically by herself. She was never complaining, even though she had a job that wasn’t paying her very much. We still made it work. We always food on the table. We always had clean clothes; they might not have been new, but they were clean. Just seeing the things she went through, I always said I would never complain. I knew the situation she was in my whole life. So the situation I’m in now, even though it’s practice squad, is amazing.”

How his upbringing shaped him: “Anybody that meets me, or knows me, the first thing I think people would say is, ‘He’s humble.’ I’ve always been like that. I’m always going to be, because I know everything that is happening to me right now is truly a blessing. I’m thankful and grateful for this opportunity. Sometimes it’s frustrating being on the practice squad, because as a competitor, you want to play. I just have to do my part and control what I can control.”

Favorite teams and players growing up: “I watched Warren Sapp coming up and liked the Dolphins.”

Favorite memories at Northwestern High School: “Winning state championships back to back, my 11th grade and 12th grade year.”

Attending the University of Miami: “It was always Miami, growing up down there and watching guys like Vince [Wilfork] play. I remember him being dominant and I wanted to go there and do the same thing he did. I always liked playing against Florida State, that whole week preparing to play them.”

Expectations of being selected in the 2012 draft: “I thought I would. It was hard not getting drafted, but then you think, ‘What do I do now?’ I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I was like, ‘Maybe it isn’t God’s plan.’ But look at me now, I’m still here, part of a great team.”

A knee injury affecting his draft stock: “Coming into my [fourth] year [in 2011], everyone had me going first round, second round. Then I messed my knee up and had to get surgery. That dropped my stock. I only played [three] games and that hurt me a lot. … I think I’m way stronger now.”

Describing life as a Patriot: “A tremendous experience. From Day 1, you know that you have to change. Whatever you thought you were doing right, you have to change it. You come here and they teach you to be a professional, on and off the field. Nobody around here takes any bull. Nobody accepts that. You have to be on time, be early, do the right things.”

Reflecting on his one NFL game, against the Ravens: “That was a great experience, a Sunday night game, prime time. It was something I always dreamed about. Being a football fan, you know what kind of game that is, and what type of magnitude comes with that game.”

Spending the year on the practice squad: “I accepted my role. I’m not complaining, and coming in every day working hard, giving 110 percent. I’m going against a great offensive line and I’ll use that to make me better. When my name gets called, it gets called. You can only control what you can control, which is in the weight room and on the field.”

What he loves about football: “Just the excitement and preparing. I feel like football gets you ready for things out of this locker room -- things like ‘be on time’, ‘be early.’ One day you might have to get a job. These days here, the same amount of work you put into football, you’d put into the other job too.”

Describing his style of play: “I pride myself on being smart. I know the game well, and I like to help teammates out watching film and pointing things out and picking up tendencies.”

Summing up his football journey: “Coming up all the way from elementary to the middle of high school, I didn’t know the effect I had on some kids. I came out of high school highly recruited and a lot of kids looked up to me and I didn’t really understand it. When I went to college, and even now, kids will say to me, ‘Maybe I can do that. Maybe I can come out of the same projects and still have a dream like you dreamed.’ My mom and dad didn’t have the money for college, but I knew I couldn’t make any excuses.”


(espn.com)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Defensive linemen Jake Bequette and Marcus Forston were among four Patriots named practice players of the week for Sunday's win over the Dolphins.

It's the fourth time each player has been honored this season, tying them with quarterback Ryan Mallett (who was also honored this week) for second place behind defensive end Justin Francis (five awards).

Forston has spent most of the season on the practice squad, and after defensive tackle Ron Brace was waived on Saturday, he would seemingly be the next man up if the Patriots decide they need another interior defensive lineman.

Receiver Jeremy Ebert, who returned to the practice squad in late November, earned his first black practice jersey of the season. Ebert was a seventh-round pick of New England in 2012.

The practice player of the week goes to the players whom the coaching staff feels best prepared the team in the days leading up to a victory.


(espn.com)

In what seems like a strong indication of how highly the Patriots' coaching staff viewed the Texans' defensive line talent, and how limiting them was crucial on Monday night, three d-linemen were named practice players of the week.

Rookies Jake Bequette (3rd round, Arkansas), Justin Francis (free agent, Rutgers) and Marcus Forston (free agent, Miami) were three of the four award winners. They were joined by running back Shane Vereen, who was a winner for the second week in a row (he must have nicely simulated Arian Foster).

The practice players of the week are players that the coaching staff feels best prepared the team in the days leading up to a victory.

Let's focus on Forston, who is on the practice squad, as he could be a candidate to fill the team's open spot on the 53-man roster.

The Patriots were a little thin on the interior in Monday's win over the Texans, with only Vince Wilfork, Brandon Deaderick and Kyle Love dressing. If they are eyeing another layer of depth, Forston (6-3, 305) would be a natural candidate.

Earlier this year, Forston had been doubling up by playing offensive line on the scout team when the Patriots had a run of injuries, which was another reason he was recognized for his practice work.

Forston made the club out of training camp and has appeared in one regular-season game this season, logging eight snaps vs. the Ravens on Sept. 23. He was waived Sept. 26 and re-signed to the practice squad after clearing waivers.


(espn.com)

New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork (75) talks with defensive lineman Marcus Forston (98) and defensive end Justin Francis (94) during NFL football practice at the team's training facility in Foxborough, Mass., Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The Patriots didn't take the field for a true practice during their short week leading up to a Thanksgiving meeting with the New York Jets, but Bill Belichick nonetheless cited excellent preparation from his players as a critical part of the 49-19 win.

In particular, three players' efforts garnered special notice: defensive lineman Marcus Forston, fullback James Develin, and offensive lineman Mitch Petrus, who were named the practice players of the week for Week 12.

Petrus, the former New York Giant, was signed by the team Nov. 13 so this is his first honor of the season. It was Develin's third and Forston's second.

The practice players of the week are those deemed to have best prepared the team in the days leading up to a victory.


(espn.com)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The Patriots on Friday announced the re-signing of defensive tackle Marcus Forston to the practice squad.

In a corresponding move, the team released safety Cyhl Quarles from the practice squad.

Forston, an undrafted free agent from Miami, made his NFL debut on Sunday night in Baltimore, but was waived on Tuesday. Quarles had signed with the Patriots on Sept 12.


(espn.com)

The New England Patriots announced today that DL Terrell McClain has been signed. Terms of the contract were not announced.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots announced today that DL Terrell McClain has been signed. Terms of the contract were not announced.

In addition the Patriots announced that rookie DL Marcus Forston has been released.

McClain, 24, is in his second NFL season. The 6-foot-2, 291-pounder joined the NFL as a third round draft pick (65th overall) of the Carolina Panthers out of South Florida in 2011. Last season with the Panthers, McClain started in 12 games and finished the season with 19 total tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery. He was released by Carolina on Sept. 2, 2012.

Forston, 22, was signed by the Patriots as a rookie free agent on May 10, 2012 out of Miami. The 6-foot-3, 305-pounder, was inactive for the first two games of the 2012 season before making his NFL debut last Sunday night at Baltimore with action on defense as well as on special teams.


(patriots.com)

Anyone who saw the Patriots’ first preseason game saw what observers have noticed at training camp — first-round DE Chandler Jones is the real deal. Jones has ascended up the depth chart since the spring and he pushed around Saints OLT Jermon Bushrod in the preseason opener.

Jones is not the only young D-lineman showing flashes in camp. Two undrafted rookies, we hear, have earned notice — Justin Francis and Marcus Forston.
Francis was a college teammate of Bill Belichick’s son, Stephen, at Rutgers, and the two are friends. On the field, Francis has long arms and is versatile. He had 6½ sacks last season.

Forston’s final season at Miami (Fla.) ended prematurely because of a knee injury, and is a big reason why the early entry was undrafted. Forston had been a mid-round talent.

Both players are fighting for roster spots. Francis sits behind fellow youngsters Jermaine Cunningham, Trevor Scott and Jake Bequette on the DE depth chart and Forston is behind a group of veterans at defensive tackle. However, the Patriots are no strangers to keeping undrafted rookies on the 53-man roster and often rotate D-linemen, which gives Francis and Forston a chance to crack the squad.


(sports.yahoo.com)

Marcus Forston might have been the most impressive UDFA Thursday night. He gets off the snap incredibly fast and used that to his advantage getting behind the line of scrimmage. If Forston can stay healthy, he could be a great player in the NFL. Forston finished the night with two tackles and one tackle-for-loss.


(nepatriotsdraft.com)

NAME: Marcus Forston

POSITION: Defensive tackle

AGE: 22

2011 STATS: 3 games (all starts), 5 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble -- with Miami (FL)

INJURY STATUS: No known injuries

CHANCE OF MAKING 53-MAN ROSTER: 20%

WHY HE SHOULD MAKE IT: Forston is an intriguing prospect at a position where the Patriots have more question marks than quality depth. One of the nation's best at his position coming out of high school, Forston was set to enter the draft after the 2010 season, but decided to stay in Miami for his redshirt junior campaign. ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper rated Forston the second-best junior defensive tackle last summer, and he was on preseason watchlists for several college football awards. However, Forston was suspended for the first game of the season along with 11 other Miami players for receiving improper benefits while being recruited, and later suffered a season-ending knee injury. Should he emerge during the preseason, Forston could earn a role with the Patriots at a position the team didn't address through the draft or free agency.

WHY HE SHOULD NOT MAKE IT: One major storyline that will continue through training camp and into the preseason will be the use of sub packages on defense, and how that affects playing time of defensive linemen. If the Patriots are comfortable with having defensive ends Jonathan Fanene and Brandon Deaderick slide inside in the event of an injury to interior linemen Vince Wilfork or Kyle Love, there will be less of a need to keep more than one or two reserve options at defensive tackle on the roster. This will put on a squeeze at the position where Forston would be better served on the practice squad, with more experienced players such as Gerard Warren or Myron Pryor grabbing the few roster spots that may be available.

CLOSEST COMPETITION: DT Ron Brace, DT Gerard Warren, DT Myron Pryor


(espn.com)

FOXBORO — When Marcus Forston arrived at the University of Miami, there was talk of him being the best defensive tackle from southern Florida since Vince Wilfork [stats].

That was a mighty lofty claim. And Forston, a Parade All-American out of Miami’s Northwestern High School, didn’t exactly run from it. He embraced the hype, then dialed it up a notch.

“Vince Wilfork is a tremendous defensive tackle, and it’s going to be my goal to try to beat some of his records,” Forston proclaimed in one interview after arriving at Miami. “I’m going to lay down that there’s a new sheriff in town.”

Well, there might have been a new sheriff, but he barely laid a hand on the old one. While Forston flashed on occasion, he more often struggled to stay afloat in a sea of injuries. There was also the little matter of being suspended by the NCAA for the 2011 season opener for taking impermissible benefits while being recruited.

Forston’s college career was decent, not great. He showed signs of being a major disruptive force in the middle given his natural ability, but not enough.

Opting to leave college early didn’t exactly do him any favors either, as he wasn’t drafted.

But the Pats signed him as a rookie free agent, and with Wilfork getting up in years — he turns 31 in November — and needing to lessen his load, it’s possible Forston could make the team as a backup.

Forston, however, has plenty to learn and a lot to prove before winning a roster spot. That much he knows. Speaking yesterday prior to the rookie camp workout, he sounded a bit more humble than the kid who thought he was going to take the Hurricanes by storm. There were no promises and no guarantees. Just vows of doing whatever was needed to make it at this level.

“I’m just ready to work,” Forston said. “I want to do everything my coach tells me to do at 110 percent.”

One of the knocks on Forston is that while he has incredible talent and raw ability, he doesn’t always use it. That may have been another factor as to why teams passed on him through seven rounds. Forston, however, now may be using that as a motivator.

“It don’t matter where you get drafted,” he said, “because once you come in, everyone’s on the same level. So I just want to come here, work hard, whatever role my coaches want me to do, I’m going to do it.”

As for Wilfork, Forston is looking forward to learning from the man he thought he could trump at Miami. He hasn’t formally met Big Vince yet, but was hoping to get an audience with him and the rest of the defensive line.

“I feel I can learn a lot because the way those guys play, you want to play like that, too,” Forston said. “You know when you see the Patriots [team stats] defensive line, they’re aggressive, they’re nasty, and they play hard.”

Forston is 6-foot-1, 300 pounds. He doesn’t have the same girth or body frame as Wilfork, but he did bench-press 225 pounds 35 times at the NFL combine, which is impressive.

It was suggested that coming to the Patriots might be an opportunity for him to start fresh. Sounded good to him.

“I’m going to come here (and) do everything right,” he said. “I’m going to come here and do my job. I’m going to work hard. Once you work hard, everything else comes into place.”


(boston.com)

FOXBORO, MA - MAY 11: Marcus Forston and Alfonzo Dennard of the New England Patriots takes part in the 2012 Rookie Mini Camp at Gillette Stadium on May 11, 2012 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Marcus Forston was one of the more highly recruited athletes out of Southern Florida. The Parade All-America wound up at the University of Miami and the sky was the limit for the defensive tackle.

But between numerous injuries, being suspended for the 2011 season opener by the NCAA for taking impermissable benefits while being recruited, and perhaps, only showing his ability in flashes, his star never really took off.

Then he decided to leave school early, take his chances. It didn’t pay off until the Patriots opted to sign the 6-1, 300-pound tackle to a free agent deal. 

”It don’t matter where you get drafted,’’ Forston said, ‘’because, once you come in, everyone’s on the same level. So I just want to come here, work hard, whatever role my coaches want me to do, I’m going to do it.’’

The Pats are constantly looking for defensive line help, and Forston is clearly talented with some raw skills, but injuries really hurt him along the way. Forston today said he was 100 percent healthy and ready to go. He was also looking forward to learning from Vince Wilfork & Co.

’I feel I can learn a lot because the way those guys play, you want to play like that, too,’’ Forston said. ‘’You know when you see the Patriots defensive line, they’re aggressive, they’re nasty, and they play hard.’’


(bostonherald.com)

The Pats made official the signing of veteran running back Joseph Addai, which leaked out Saturday thanks to the loose-lipped Peyton Manning, and also announced reaching agreement with seven rookie free agents, who will be at rookie camp starting tomorrow.

The list includes Mississippi RB Brandon Bolden, Miami DT Marcus Forston, Rutgers DE Justin Francis, Iowa TE Brad Herman, Kentucky WR Matt Roark, South Florida OG Jermiah Warren and Iowa T Markus Zusevics.

DL Marcus Forston, 22, was limited to three games last season at Miami due to an injury. Forston, 6-3, 300 pounds, played in 13 games with 12 starts in 2010 and registered 37 total tackles, 3.0 sacks and one interception.


(bostonherald.com)

Olivier Vernon (Junior) was the first proCane drafted in the 2012 NFL Draft going to the Miami Dolphins with the 9th pick of the 3rd Round 72nd pick overall.

Sean Spence (Senior) followed Olivier Vernon by getting picked with the 23rd pick of the 3rd Round and 86th pick overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Lamar Miller (Redshirt Sophomore) was then picked in the 4th Round by the Miami Dolphins with the 2nd pick in the 4th round, 97th pick overall.

Travis Benjamin (Senior) was selected by the Cleveland Browns three spots later with the 5 pick in the 4th round, 100 overall.

We then had to wait till the 6th round for Tommy Streeter (Junior) to be selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the 198th pick overall, 28th pick in the 6th Round.

Brandon Washington (Junior) followed Streeter by getting picked by the Philadelphia Eagles 2 picks later with the 30th pick in the 6th round, 200th pick overall.

Below are the free agent signing which will be constantly updated:

Chase Ford TE (Senior) - Undrafted Free Agent - Philadelphia Eagles
Marcus Forston DL (Junior) - Undrafted Free Agent - New England Patriots
Micanor Regis DL (Senior) - Undrafted Free Agent - Atlanta Falcons
LaRon Byrd WR (Senior) - Undrafted Free Agent - Arizona Cardinals
Adewale Ojomo DE (Senior) - Undrafted Free Agent - New York Giants
Jacory Harris QB (Senior) - Undrafted Free Agent - Miami Dolphins (TRYOUT) & Arizona Cardinals (TRYOUT)
Tyler Horn C (Senior) - Undrafted Free Agent - Atlanta Falcons
Aldarius Johnson WR (Senior) - Undrafted Free Agent -
JoJo Nicolas DB/S (Senior) - Undrafted Free Agent - New York Giants
Joel Figueroa OL (Senior) - Undrafted Free Agent - Miami Dolphins (TRYOUT)
Lee Chambers DB (Senior) - Undrafted Free Agent -
Chris Ivory LS (Senior) - Undrafted Free Agent -
Harland Gunn OL (Senior) - Undrafted Free Agent - Dallas Cowboys
Mike Williams DB (Senior) - Undrafted Free Agent -
Andrew Smith DE (Senior) - Undrafted Free Agent -
Jordan Futch LB (Senior) - Undrafted Free Agent - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Marcus Robinson DE/LB (Senior) - Undrafted Free Agent -

In his seven-round mock draft released Wednesday night, ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay projects seven Hurricanes will be chosen. They are Lamar Miller (2nd round, 59th overall to Green Bay), Olivier Vernon (3rd round, 80th overall to Arizona), Sean Spence (4th round, 124th overall to Buffalo), Tommy Streeter (5th round, 154th over New York Jets), Brandon Washington (5th, 159th overall to Pittsburgh), Marcus Forston (6th round, 176th overall to Jacksonville) and Travis Benjamin (6th round, 191st overall to Cincinnati). By comparison, McShay predicts nine players from national champion Alabama will be drafted, although five are projected to go in the first round.


(palmbeachpost.com)

“Forston’s motor is wildly inconsistent,” Sporting News draft analyst and former Browns scout Russ Lande said. “At times, he plays like a top 10 kid. At times, he plays like he shouldn’t be drafted.”

But Forston said Sunday he believes he’s ready for the NFL and is fully recovered from his torn meniscus in October.


(miamiherald.com)

Jacory Harris Grade 51
6'3" Height
32 1/8" Arm Length
203LBS. Weight
9 3/4" Hands

Travis Benjamin Grade 73
5'10" Height
31 3/4" Arm Length
172LBS. Weight
8 3/4" Hands

Marcus Forston Grade 64.5
6'3" Height
300LBS. Weight

Lamar Miller Grade 87
5'11" Height
31 3/8" Arm Length
212LBS. Weight
9 1/4" Hands

Sean Spence Grade 80.2
5'11" Height
222LBS. Weight

Tommy Streeter Grade 71
6'5" Height
34 3/4" Arm Length
219LBS. Weight
9 1/2" Hands

Olivier Vernon Grade 82
6'4" Height
265LBS. Weight

Brandon Washington Grade 66
6'3" Height
33" Arm Length
320LBS. Weight
9 3/4" Hands

AVENTURA – Olivier Vernon trotted past the finish line so fast Pete Bommarito just about triple checked his stopwatch. The former University of Miami standout who left school early to enter the NFL draft had just ran a 40-yard dash time that would be declared fast for a linebacker. Ironically, that's the position most NFL experts believe this Hurricanes defensive end might end up playing.

"Don't you dare write that down," said Bommarito, the founder and CEO of Bommarito Performance, a training program that works with NFL and MLB players.

Bommarito immediately became paranoid, and no longer trusted the 40-yard dash times he had on the 50 NFL draft prospects he's trained for this week's NFL Combine, and their school's Pro Day.

Suspecting his times were wind assisted during their Tuesday workout Bommarito spends 15 minutes changing directions of the sprints. But Vernon runs another fast 40-time fellow teammate, UM linebacker Sean Spence, is envious of.

If Vernon manages to keep that pace at this week's NFL combine his lukewarm draft stock will certainly heat up.

"I want to show off my athletic ability. I want to show I'm versatile. I want to show I can play in any scheme, a 4-3 or a 3-4," said Vernon, who contributed 18 tackles, and 1.5 sacks in the six games he played last season. "I don't want to be looked at as a defensive end."

Vernon, who contributed 39 tackles and six sacks in 2010, missed six games because of an NCAA suspension. Plenty Hurricane fans second guessed his decision to enter the NFL draft, but he has plenty of company in his early exodus to the NFL.

A record-setting 65 underclassmen entered this year's draft class, and five of them were Hurricanes.

Tailback Lamar Miller skipped his final two seasons at UM after rushing for 1,272 yards and nine touchdowns. However, he's got a pretty decent excuse considering tailbacks have a short shelf life in the NFL.

Miller, who is often compared to Clinton Portis, is projected as a second-round pick, and is unanimously viewed as one of the draft's top three tailbacks.

Tommy Streeter, who led the Hurricanes in catches (46), receiving yards (811) and touchdown catches (eight), cashed out after his one breakout season. Streeter hopes his rare blend of speed (6-foot-5), size and athleticism pushes him up the draft boards.

Brandon Washington left UM after playing out of position as a tackle his junior season. This offensive guard is viewed as one of the draft's top 50 prospects.

"I felt like I was ready for the next level," said Washington, who a first-team All-ACC left guard selection as a sophomore. "My mindset was different. I'm ready to play against grown men."

Defensive tackle Marcus Fortson played in three games last season before blowing out his knee. He could have petitioned the NCAA for another year of eligibility, but preferred to move on.

"It is unusual to have that many [early entries] especially given the record they had last year. I don't know what the situation is," said Mike Mayock, NFL Network's draft analyst. "I'm an Al Golden proponent. I live in Philadelphia. He came from Temple. I don't know if he went down there with a different way of doing things, and that's why so many underclassmen left. I don't know that answer. But we're not talking about five first-round picks like in the old days at Miami."

The early defections gutted the Hurricanes' talent base. But UM's loss could be the NFL's gain.

All of the early entrants were invited to the combine, and with strong performances in the draft process their draft stock could rise considerably.

The recent success of former Hurricanes tight end Jimmy Graham, a third-round pick who made it to the Pro Bowl last year, and undrafted success stories like Sam Shields and Antonio Dixon proves the UM brand still has some cache.

"I'm a physical specimen, a physical playmaker, a guy who creates mismatches on any area of the field," said Streeter, who'll receive his degree this spring. "I still feel like the first round is still a possibility….I control my own destiny."


(sun-sentinel.com)