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John Skelton and Dominic Randolph raise Patriot League's NFL profile
By Corky Blake
April 21, 2010, 10:00AM
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/corky-blake/index.ssf/2010/04/john_skelton_and_dominic_rando.html
Express-Times File Photo | JOE GILLFordham quarterback John Skelton uses his 6-foot-5 frame to go over the pile to score on Lafayette
Dominic RandolphThe Patriot League normally isn’t a haven for NFL scouts.
This time next week, the league that pumps up its academic virtues as much as its athletes could have two quarterbacks inked to NFL contracts.
And if all breaks right, Fordham’s John Skelton and Holy Cross’ Dominic Randolph could hear their names called during the upcoming three-day NFL Draft.
Skelton, the 6-foot-5, 243-pounder, is more of a sure thing with the NFL scouts. They liken him to Joe Flacco, the Baltimore Ravens quarterback by way of the University of Delaware.
Skelton was lightly -- read, not -- recruited out of high school in El Paso, Texas, and landed in the Bronx on the suggestion of a family friend who attended nearby Columbia.
Skelton received an invite to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis and wowed everyone with his arm strength and testing in the 40, vertical and standing long jump.
It didn’t hurt he stepped up in class and completed 7 of 10 passes for 63 yards in the East-West Shrine game. Skelton started 41 of 43 games for Fordham. Among his suitors are the Bills, Bengals and yes, the Eagles. His downside is sometimes he’s wildly inaccurate.
So the question with Skelton becomes is he a sleeper pick if everyone is calling him a sleeper pick?
That tag could be transferred to Randolph, who is a flat-out winner since his first season as a redshirt freshman at Holy Cross.
Lafayette fans along with head coach Frank Tavani and defensive coordinator John Loose remember all too well Randolph’s coming out party -- 34-for-46 for 352 yards and four TDs against the Leopards in 2006. Also lightly recruited from the Cincinnati area, Randolph went on to set virtually every Patriot League passing record (13,455 yards, 117 TDs, 14,240 total yards).
Randolph, at 6-3, 225 pounds, isn’t as big as Skelton nor does he possess the arm strength. He didn’t test as well, either, but then again do you want a football player or someone who looks like Tarzan but plays like Jane?
One scout said Randolph possesses Drew Brees-like qualities. Randolph performed at Boston College and University of Massachusetts pro days and didn’t hurt his stock. The Giants had him in last weekend, and they’re in the market for a third QB. Randolph’s also worked out for the hometown Bengals.
The projection is Skelton will get drafted -- fourth round according to Mel Kiper Jr. -- and Randolph won’t.
Skelton, on the surface, has the physical tools. In my mind, Randolph has the “it” factor and that could get him on an NFL roster when they play the real games on Sundays in the fall. Hopefully, both Patriot League QBs will be drawing NFL salaries in 2010.
By Corky Blake
April 21, 2010, 10:00AM
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/corky-blake/index.ssf/2010/04/john_skelton_and_dominic_rando.html
Express-Times File Photo | JOE GILLFordham quarterback John Skelton uses his 6-foot-5 frame to go over the pile to score on Lafayette
Dominic RandolphThe Patriot League normally isn’t a haven for NFL scouts.
This time next week, the league that pumps up its academic virtues as much as its athletes could have two quarterbacks inked to NFL contracts.
And if all breaks right, Fordham’s John Skelton and Holy Cross’ Dominic Randolph could hear their names called during the upcoming three-day NFL Draft.
Skelton, the 6-foot-5, 243-pounder, is more of a sure thing with the NFL scouts. They liken him to Joe Flacco, the Baltimore Ravens quarterback by way of the University of Delaware.
Skelton was lightly -- read, not -- recruited out of high school in El Paso, Texas, and landed in the Bronx on the suggestion of a family friend who attended nearby Columbia.
Skelton received an invite to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis and wowed everyone with his arm strength and testing in the 40, vertical and standing long jump.
It didn’t hurt he stepped up in class and completed 7 of 10 passes for 63 yards in the East-West Shrine game. Skelton started 41 of 43 games for Fordham. Among his suitors are the Bills, Bengals and yes, the Eagles. His downside is sometimes he’s wildly inaccurate.
So the question with Skelton becomes is he a sleeper pick if everyone is calling him a sleeper pick?
That tag could be transferred to Randolph, who is a flat-out winner since his first season as a redshirt freshman at Holy Cross.
Lafayette fans along with head coach Frank Tavani and defensive coordinator John Loose remember all too well Randolph’s coming out party -- 34-for-46 for 352 yards and four TDs against the Leopards in 2006. Also lightly recruited from the Cincinnati area, Randolph went on to set virtually every Patriot League passing record (13,455 yards, 117 TDs, 14,240 total yards).
Randolph, at 6-3, 225 pounds, isn’t as big as Skelton nor does he possess the arm strength. He didn’t test as well, either, but then again do you want a football player or someone who looks like Tarzan but plays like Jane?
One scout said Randolph possesses Drew Brees-like qualities. Randolph performed at Boston College and University of Massachusetts pro days and didn’t hurt his stock. The Giants had him in last weekend, and they’re in the market for a third QB. Randolph’s also worked out for the hometown Bengals.
The projection is Skelton will get drafted -- fourth round according to Mel Kiper Jr. -- and Randolph won’t.
Skelton, on the surface, has the physical tools. In my mind, Randolph has the “it” factor and that could get him on an NFL roster when they play the real games on Sundays in the fall. Hopefully, both Patriot League QBs will be drawing NFL salaries in 2010.
DAL @ GB
