2008 Woodie Awards
NFL fate comes Saturday for Zips
Vincent Dorsey
Issue date: 4/22/08 Section: Sports
Charlie Frye started the trend in 2005. Domenik Hixon followed in 2006. Andy Alleman made it an official streak in 2007. For three consecutive years, former Zips' football players have been drafted into the National Football League.
Will the streak continue this weekend when the 2008 NFL Draft takes place in New York City?
Jabari Arthur, Reggie Corner and Davanzo Tate believe it will. They have worked in the weight room and on the practice field since their senior seasons ended Nov. 23 in hopes of making that happen and fulfilling their childhood dreams.
Since the trio worked out for 14 NFL scouts and team representatives from the Arena Football League 2 and the Canadian Football League at UA's Pro Day March 19, the players' time has been split between personal workouts and meeting with possible suitors.
Corner said the past few weeks have proven to be an exciting, but emotionally draining experience.
"The last few weeks have had their ups and downs," he said. "You start to stress about certain things at a time that you can't control, but for the most part, it's been a great experience.
"I'm very thankful for it. I look forward to seeing where I will end up."
The Mid-American Conference's leader in interceptions in 2007 said that he's worked out for the Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs and the Cleveland Browns on two occasions. Corner added that he's talked with several other teams.
Arthur has the best odds of becoming one of the 252 players to have his life change with one call from an NFL team executive during the two-day, seven-round media frenzy. The wide receiver is the school's all-time leader in receptions (184) and receiving yards (2,653). The All-American also set the school record for most catches in a game (15) and receiving yards (223) in 2007. Arthur further legitimized himself as a pro prospect with five catches for a game-high 88 yards in the Hula Bowl Jan. 12.
Tate made the most of his audition at UA's Pro Day by achieving personal bests in completing a 40-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot broad jump. His 40-yard dash time ranged from 4.26 to 4.35 seconds. The three-year starter's 17 pass breakup last season led the MAC and ranked third-best nationally.
Will the streak continue this weekend when the 2008 NFL Draft takes place in New York City?
Jabari Arthur, Reggie Corner and Davanzo Tate believe it will. They have worked in the weight room and on the practice field since their senior seasons ended Nov. 23 in hopes of making that happen and fulfilling their childhood dreams.
Since the trio worked out for 14 NFL scouts and team representatives from the Arena Football League 2 and the Canadian Football League at UA's Pro Day March 19, the players' time has been split between personal workouts and meeting with possible suitors.
Corner said the past few weeks have proven to be an exciting, but emotionally draining experience.
"The last few weeks have had their ups and downs," he said. "You start to stress about certain things at a time that you can't control, but for the most part, it's been a great experience.
"I'm very thankful for it. I look forward to seeing where I will end up."
The Mid-American Conference's leader in interceptions in 2007 said that he's worked out for the Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs and the Cleveland Browns on two occasions. Corner added that he's talked with several other teams.
Arthur has the best odds of becoming one of the 252 players to have his life change with one call from an NFL team executive during the two-day, seven-round media frenzy. The wide receiver is the school's all-time leader in receptions (184) and receiving yards (2,653). The All-American also set the school record for most catches in a game (15) and receiving yards (223) in 2007. Arthur further legitimized himself as a pro prospect with five catches for a game-high 88 yards in the Hula Bowl Jan. 12.
Tate made the most of his audition at UA's Pro Day by achieving personal bests in completing a 40-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot broad jump. His 40-yard dash time ranged from 4.26 to 4.35 seconds. The three-year starter's 17 pass breakup last season led the MAC and ranked third-best nationally.
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