draft day story on bulls

smazza · April 24, 2004

in trib

TAMPA - This is what the hard work and dedication was for.

This is why they put in the extra time in the weight room and forced themselves to work out when their bodies wanted a day off.

South Florida's Maurice Jones, J.R. Reed and Huey Whittaker hope the blood and sweat they've poured into football will be rewarded by being drafted.

``I'm ready for it,'' said Whittaker, a 6-foot-4, 234-pound receiver. ``I'm not worrying about when I'm picked; I just want a team to give me an opportunity to play on the next level.''

Reed, a 5-10, 201-pound safety, echoed Whittaker's feelings.

``I'm going into the draft open-minded,'' Reed said. ``I don't care who picks me or what round it is. I'm just hoping to be blessed enough to be selected.''

Jones, a 6-0, 249-pound linebacker, says he's not consumed with the process and will watch only part of today's draft.

``It's exciting, but I'm going to treat it like any other Saturday,'' he said. ``I'm not going to be glued to the TV. Everyone's got all my numbers, so they can find me.''

Draft analyst Mike Detillier projects Jones as an early fourth-round selection, Reed a late fourth- to early fifth-round pick, and Whittaker a sixth- round choice. If that's the case, the three will have to wait until Sunday to find out their football futures.