Paulus becomes BIG distraction for Cuse

Any PR is good PR? I'll give in to the old maxim. But ESPN's Brian Bennett says the buzz created by Duke point guard Greg Paulus choosing Syracuse to play one year of Division I football makes the Orange relevant again.

He's full of crap. I normally agree with Bennett, but he's off on this one. Paulus has been away from the game for four years and he may be lucky to beat out Ryan Nassib, who was named the starter for this season early in spring practice.

I understand Bennett's point. National media will follow this story all season. And if he finally plays or even starts it will lead ESPN's coverage. I'm sure they are already planning some big feature on Paulus for Game Day and Bennett will probably do daily or weekly updates on Paulus.

Also, Paulus may help draw more fans into the Carrier Dome, and give opposing fans plenty to get riled up about each week.

But this will be destracting for everyone else involved with Cuse football and won't have any long-lasting implications for future recruiting.

Now this could work out real well for first-year coach Doug Marrone. He gets a former top-rated prep prospect for one season as he tries to rebuild the Orange. But it's more likely to backfire and cause some dissension in the lockerroom.

I believe Nassib is a gutsy guy who'll relish the competition. But freshmen quarterbacks can also be a bit fragile. Openly courting Paulus may not sit well. Still, Syracuse was 3-9 last season and everything is free game.

Also, Paulus did say all the right things on ESPN radio and added that he couldn't pass up playing for Marrone and the academics of Syracuse as he works on a graduate degree in communications.

Herbstreit is one lucky dude

It's not enough that Kirk Herbstreit has a hot wife, adorable children and a great gig with ESPN. Now the Worldwide Leader is letting him go around the nation during the offseason and interview some of the best in college football.

Above is a good interview with Texas QB Colt McCoy. I thought McCoy was the best college quarterback last season and after watching this interview I love this guy's confidence and think he feels he has something to prove in 2009. Should be an interesting season.

Second thoughts?

Do you think Ball State standout quarterback Nate Davis is second guessing his decision to leave early for the NFL?

Probably not. Davis doesn't think that way. He is now a member of the San Francisco 49ers after being selected in the fifth round Sunday. However, this is well below early expectations.

When the athletic kid stepped away from college football to chase the fame and riches of pro football he never thought he would slip this far. Many experts were saying he could find his way into the first round, but he was definitely a second-round selection.

Then he had a poor showing at the combine and he joked about his poor performance in high school classes. Now word is out that he has dyslexia, which explains his learning difficulty.

But the NFL doesn't want a quarterback who struggles with basic reading and math. There were also concerns his unorthodox throwing style, small hands and those gloves he wears. Plus, he struggled in the Cardinals biggest games of 2008.

He has a chance, though. Many players who have been overlooked or slipped have proven many GMs to be wrong. Nate Davis just may be that guy. The Sporting News believes Davis could be the future QB in San Fran.

We'll see. Davis could be a huge fifth-round steal.

Bringin' Sexy Back at SC

The past few years Steve Spurrier has appeared unfocused and spinning his wheels trying to muster anything that resembles a productive offense with the Gamecocks. However, after running across this photo the Ol' Ball Coach seems to have the fire back. Just look at the passion in those eyes. He actually looks sexy. Hell, Spurrier may be the best QB at South Carolina.