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USF's Erskin, Teammates To Speak At Middle School

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By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 7, 2008

TAMPA – University of South Florida junior wide receiver Colby Erskin knows all about following dreams. Without any scholarship offers, he walked on to USF in 2005 to prove he could play. And, despite two torn ACLs, he expects to be ready for this fall.

Tonight, Erskin will spread that message to about 150 students at St. Petersburg's Meadowlawn Middle School. Joining Hearn will be USF senior quarterback Grant Gregory, senior offensive lineman Matt Huners and junior defensive end George Selvie.

"I will tell them to follow their dreams and never let anyone tell them they cannot be something," Erskin said. "The only person that can stop you from becoming what you want to be is yourself.

"But you have to accept the responsibilities that came with your dream and achieve those as well. And in college football and high school football, getting good grades is one huge responsibility that comes with it. The key is to have a plan and being responsible."

A friend of Erskin's father, who is a teacher, asked Erskin to speak to the students. Erskin, though, wanted to bring along some of his teammates.

"We need to try and do this stuff more often," Erskin said. "I think our players need to get more involved in the community, help get our name out there. It will be good for our fan support also.

"It's good to talk to the kids, so they have some guidance and get to know our players. They can see we're human beings and not superhuman."

Erskin tore the ACL in his right knee for a second time seven weeks ago, and said his rehabilitation is "going better than last time."

He earned a starting position before the 2007 season, then suffered a season-ending knee injury last August. He was the Bulls' fastest player, being timed in a sub 4.3 40-yard dash last year.

"In another week, I'll be jogging in the pool," Erskin said. "And I'll be outside running [in five more weeks]. I'll be a little bit more careful. We've got six months [since the injury] to get ready.

"I am going to do everything I can to take care of it, the best I can. I won't make any promises [about returning in 2008], but I want to play.

"And that's what I'm going to do."

Reporter Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928 or bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

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