An Interesting Prospect

Do you need college football experience to play in the NFL? Stephen Neal didn't. After dominating the college wrestling ranks at Cal State Bakersfield, he found his way onto the New England Patriots roster as an Offensive Lineman. He's been a solid contributor over the past two seasons. Now that's some creative scouting on the Patriots part, I must admit. So I guess I answered my own question. Technically you don't need previous football experience to play in the NFL, but, it is a rarity.

Last week an interesting prospect has emerged out of the D-I ranks ... D-I basketball. ED NELSON of UConn has decided to try his abilities as a Tight End in the NFL despite never playing college football. He was an ACC Rookie of the Year at Georgia Tech before transferring to UConn were he was mainly a reserve. At 6'8" 265 pounds he sure has the size, but the skills? Maybe. He possesses a strong body, good agility and quickness ... all great TE qualities no doubt. Tony Gonzalez has attributed his experience in basketball to helping him become the complete athlete that he is today, maybe the same could be said for Ed Nelson. Or will he end up like Rod Monroe? What, you don't remember Rod Monroe? Exactly.

- Matt