Clarett might bolt Buckeyes

[DR STRANGELOVE]

http://covers.com/includes/articles.aspx?theArt=9686

By Reed Holmes


Once his suspension is over, Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett might not return to the Ohio State Buckeyes, a football source has told Covers.com.

?The word is that he potentially may miss the year. Then I heard someone say he's talking about transferring,? said Jim Popp, general manager of the Canadian Football League?s Montreal Alouettes.

Clarett, who is under investigation for NCAA violations, is no longer practicing with the Buckeyes and has been suspended from the team indefinitely.

If Clarett loses his NCAA eligibility or decides not to return to school, he could end up playing in the CFL until he reaches the age when is eligible for the NFL Draft.


Currently, the Alouettes own his CFL rights but have not made any effort to make contact the star tailback.

?I could if wanted to but I wouldn't, I wouldn't try to get in there and try to tell him not to stay in school. I would never do that,? said Popp.

?I'm sure he's aware we have his rights just because of all the news stories. And if he is considering not going back to school or if he's not going to be eligible to play again, I'm sure if he ends up getting representation, then he'll be calling.?

Being only in his sophomore year, Clarett could play in the CFL for the rest of this season and next year before he would be eligible for the NFL draft.

While only 19, Clarett likely possesses the athletic skills to excel in the CFL, says Popp.

?You're talking about a kid who came right out of high school as a freshman at 6-foot, 230 pounds. That's abnormal for a high school kid to come out that size. That's why he had success right away.

?It's tough to really say how he would be until you had him and put him in your system and saw his development. He's surely worth looking at, no question. And my guess is he would do really well.?

Although he would be a great addition to the Alouettes, Popp hopes Clarett stays in school.

?I hope he gets his education and plays in the NFL and makes lots of money. But if for some reason it doesn't happen, then obviously (the CFL) is an avenue.?

Over the years, the CFL has been a haven for football players who have either played in the NFL or have gone on to play in the NFL.

Recent NFL players to succeed north of the border include Raghib ?Rocket? Ismail, Doug Flutie and Jeff Garcia.

Last year, former Los Angles Rams running back Lawrence Phillips ran from more 1,000 yards in the Alouettes? Grey Cup winning season. This year, Phillips is playing with the Calgary Stampeders.

 

[ND2002HORNS]

Good stuff! I remember how the Als put Clarett on their neg. list a month ago. You just never know. Imagine Clarett playing in the CFL. Wild.

HORNS

 

[Master Capper]

You may be right that he will try to go to the CFL, but I look for Mo to challenge the NFL rule on entering the league. I have known Maurice's high school coach for years and he has had a hand in shaping the lives of Mike Doss, Kenny Peterson, Martin (Cowboys) and he has told me on many occassions that Mo was his biggest challenge of any student he has ever coached and that he would not be surprised if Mo challenged the NFL in court because he would thrive in the spotlight. If you look at how Clarett is positioning himself by bringing in Jim Brown and a crew of three lawyers and add the fact that he also more than likely has the ability for a quick cash loan from his pal Lebron James to keep him afloat while the lawsuit works it's way through the system it looks live he will challenge the rule. I don't think the CFL in Mo's mind would be a big enough stage for him and that's not a knock on the CFL, this guy has a serious case of penis envy towards Lebron James and the attention that Lebron has received. As far as transferring to another school, I doubt any of the big time schools would take on Mo's baggage at this point just due to the NCAA Ethics violation which is the same violation that greased the skids for old Ricky at Washington this year (lying to the NCAA). If he transferred it would have to be to a smaller Div1A school or possibly to a Div1AA school where he possibly could play this season.

 

[CWood97]

MC, did you ever have a chance to discuss Prescott Burgess with Coach McDaniels? If so, what did he have to say about his abilities/potential?

 

[Master Capper]

CW,


Burgess was one of Thom's favorite players, he was a little shocked that he choose Michigan over OSU but he feels that Prescott just wanted to get out of Clarett's shadow. Good all around kid that is always near the ball has remarkable recovery speed. Wolverines got a jewel in Burgess, this kid if he plays at safety will be a monster, he has the frame to eventually play Linebacker and with his speed would be a tough edge rusher. The only knock on him is that he has had shoulder injuries the past two years. Warren Harding this year is the best team Coach McDaniels has had since he took over the reigns, there are at least 7 starters that are all Division 1A players, look for Delbert Fergouson to have a monster year.

 

[CWood97]

I was shocked he chose UM also. Heard something about MC13 stealing his girlfriend, which may have entered into his thinking. He looked really good on special teams against CMU this weekend. I'm guessing he'll end up an OLB, but we'll see. He looked awful fast for 6'3" 225 on kick coverage.

I hear Ferguson is a monster. Another great year for HS talent in OH. It'll be interesting to see if UM can make a play for Ginn Jr or Freeman. I doubt it, but Lloyd stole Crable/Burgess last year so who knows.

 

[wareagle]

Should i pick up Clarett for my fantasy football team? To keep for next years team?

 

[CWood97]

Only if CFL stats count. He will spend two years in the courts if he challenges the NFL entry rule.

I expect he will transfer to any top D1 program (outside of the BigTen) who will take him. He won't have to sit next year as he is sitting out this one.