Grothe Will Query NFL

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 NFL's draft advisory council after this season to see where he would be drafted.

If projected to be selected in the first four rounds, Grothe 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 either in May or this summer.

Grothe leads the Big East in passing (236.2 yards per game), TD 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.

Mike Detillier, an NFL draft expert with M & D Draft Report and SaintsReport.com, said if Grothe came out early he would project as a sixth- or seventh-round pick in a heavily junior-laden draft.

"He's a good college player, tough kid, mobile and he has improved his overall accuracy skills," Detillier said. "But he is not real tall and has a tendency to blow hot and cold with his accuracy.

"I see a lot of rough edges in his passing game and techniques. He needs to come back his senior season and refine his overall skills as a passer."

NFLDraftScout.com rates Grothe as the nation's 18th-best NFL quarterback prospect.

Grothe said playing in the NFL would fulfill a lifelong dream.

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

Grothe, who suffered a sprained ankle against Rutgers on Saturday, did not practice for a second consecutive day Wednesday. However, Grothe said he definitely would play Sunday against UConn.

Junior defensive end George Selvie, who will graduate in May, is projected as a first-round NFL draft pick and is considering leaving early. He said he won't make a decision until after the Bulls' season ends.

"I love Selvie's athletic ability and his initial step off the snap," Detillier said. "Super-quick guy, he has learned how to use his arms and hands well to play off of blocks, and he has excellent closing speed to the quarterback."