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USF's Grothe Checking On NFL Draft Possibilities

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By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 19, 2008

TAMPA - University of South Florida quarterback Matt Grothe isn't sure what to expect, but he wants to check just in case.

That's why the junior said he will petition the National Football League's draft advisory council after this season to see where he might get drafted.

If Grothe is projected to be selected in the first four rounds, he said he "probably would go" to the NFL and not return for his senior season.

"I might as well [check]; it can't hurt anything," Grothe said. "If I was drafted by the third or fourth round, I would go."

Grothe, who has started 35 of 36 games for the Bulls, said he will graduate in either May or this summer.

Grothe leads the Big East in passing (236.2 yards per game), touchdown passes (15) and total offense (275.5 yards). For the third consecutive season, the 6-foot, 205-pound Grothe also is USF's leading rusher. He already ranks second on USF's all-time list in TD passes (44), TD runs (22), yards passing (7,608) and total offense (9,495) and third in yards rushing (1,887).

While he's not sure how much of a demand there is in the NFL for a 6-foot quarterback, Grothe said playing in the NFL would fulfill a lifelong dream. Grothe is rated as the nation's 18th best NFL quarterback prospect by NFLDraftScout.com.

"If they moved me to nose guard, I'd play," he said.

In Saturday's loss to Rutgers, Grothe suffered a severely sprained ankle and has been wearing a protective boot since. He did not practice Tuesday and is unsure when he will return to practice. However, he said he would play in Sunday's home finale against Connecticut, even if he had to "play on one leg."

The Bulls already are losing 22 seniors, including 14 starters, from this year's team. Losing Grothe would be another big loss since junior defensive end George Selvie, projected as a first-round draft pick, may leave early for the NFL and not to return for his senior season.

Selvie, who will graduate in May, said he won't make a decision until after the Bulls' season ends, but it's likely Selvie will leave early for the NFL.

Reporter Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928.

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