FoxSports.com: New Antrel Rolle Draft Diary

[Griff]

DRAFT DIARIES: "Senioritis" has set in

Leading up to the NFL Draft on April 23-24, projected top 10 pick and Miami Hurricanes cornerback Antrel Rolle will regularly share his inner thoughts as the day of his dreams draws near.




PROSPECT GLANCE
ANTREL ROLLE
Position: Cornerback
Height: 6-0 1/8
Weight: 201
School: Miami (Fla.)
Pos. Ranking: No. 2 among CBs

Senior citizen

I've got a severe case of Senioritis.
While daily reports arise of my counterparts working out for NFL teams, I'm actually stuck in an accounting class daydreaming about my future. I won't lie, these are tough times to be a student, knowing the great financial situation that is sitting just a couple of months away. But at the same time, I'm smart enough to know that football isn't forever and finishing my degree is the best way for me to prepare for the outside world.

But sitting through these classes at this point is quite a chore. I dread waking myself up and dragging myself to sit through the hours.

Money matters

My accounting class in required as I'm finishing a minor in business but even if it wasn't part of the curriculum I still would have taken the course. I would never trust anyone enough besides my parents to deal with my money. I don't want to be in a situation where somebody else is telling me, "This is how much you are getting paid and this is when you are getting paid." I want to ensure that I understand all of my financials independently rather than having to rely just on what someone else says. If you don't see and understand things firsthand, that's when guys can get themselves in a bind.
I know other guys who wait and let others dictate to them with regards to their money. There are other athletes I know of who still give others power of attorney over their money. They just don't know any better.

I guess the rudest awakening is the fact that it's now all about business. It's not about fun and games anymore, but I have to keep it fun regardless. I'll always have passion for the game, I'll always love it. You hear about guys who supposedly loved the game but it changed when it turned into a business. I don't believe that — I don't think those guys ever had the passion from the beginning. I don't think you can lose the passion for the game if you have it the way I do.


My work's not done yet

My schedule has been hectic because after classes in the mornings I'm still working out to make sure I come into minicamp in great shape. Teams have also begun to call to set up visits. I have workouts set up with the 49ers, Miami and Detroit so far.

Luckily, I have a lot of close friends who are in the league and they're helping me prepare for these visits. I had a long talk with (Jets linebacker) Jonathan Vilma the other night about what goes on at these visits and what I should expect. I also get a lot of advice from Ed Reed, D.J. Williams, Reggie Wayne and Santana Moss — who are all getting me in the right frame of mind.

One final note for the week — if anyone is wondering how much I look at the internet to keep track of my stock, sorry to disappoint. I never read things like that. I never look to see if my stock is supposedly rising or falling or where I'm predicted to go. I've done everything I could to put myself in the best situation possible. I laid it on the line so I don't see the point in worrying myself with all the predictions. I can't do anything about it at this point anyway.

I had a good combine, a solid workout ... I'm not a kid who is unprofessional or gets into trouble. I carry myself with respect, so why worry about something that is now out of my control?

Besides, in another month that Senioritis will be cured and I'll know where I'm moving anyway.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/3500984

[illone]

If someone did not edit his words then he sounds like a true professional.

[BIGGS_DADDY]

Man this draft needs to hurry up and get here!

[chiefhogskin48]

If this was really his draft diary, I'm extremely impressed. I'm always a bit wary of players from the U, that their attitude and feeling of invincibility will eventually be their downfall. But when you look at their recent track record--- Vilma, Moss, Wayne, Reed--- those guys are true professionals on and off the field. It remains to be seen for Sean Taylor. The TEs, Shockey and Winslow, seem to be the only problem children of the bunch.

I think Rolle would be very effective in this defensive scheme. I still have concerns about his quickness and speed, but he IS a true, hardnose football player. So even if he gives up the occasional big play, which I have seen him do, he makes up for it in run support, blitzing, and intimidation.

[Blue Collar Skins]

Well, I used to have my doubts about Antrel Rolle, but after reading this, I am impressed. Impressed with him completing his classes and getting his degree. It seems like he has a good head on his shoulders. One thing that caught my eye, though maybe I am looking too far into it, but when he mentioned who he was on the phone with getting advice, he listed Reed, Vilma, and Moss with no mention of Sean Taylor. I've heard great things about Ed Reed and how is very mentoring, but with mention of Vilma I would have thought he might have sought advice from Sean Taylor.

[RedskinzOwnU]

I like sean taylor as much as anyone, but he'd be one of the last players I asked for advice as far as preparing for the responsibilites of playing in the NFL

[VaSkinsNut]

Well Taylor is a tremendous player but he's not exactly the brightest of the bunch. Remember things such as..."Agentgate."

Its nice to hear he's talking to Santana though. Maybe Santana can put in a good word and pitch this guy to the coaches.

[Dead Money]

Lets see, over half of the article is about getting paid and the stregth it takes to go to class knowing that hes about to get paid...

If you come away from this impressed, then I would have to feel sorry man.

When I think of him I think of daffy duck don in the mine with Hassan, taking a bath in treasure saying "MINE...MINE...ALL MINE..."

[Ghost of Nibbs McPimpin]

Wait, Kevin B, what do you mean?

By all accounts Rolle is a smart guy. He seems it in the diary entry.

Are you saying that he should pretend that it isn't hard to concentrate on class when you know that millions are sitting there in a couple of months? That him saying he wants to earn his degree and that he understands that football isn't forever is a BAD thing?

What exactly do you have a problem with--his honesty?

[Dead Money]

Nah, I have a probllem with his attitude in a couple of interviews that I've seen. Its always about him and never about his team, coaches, or anybody else. This just added to that.

[Bazooka Tooth]

Originally posted by illone
If someone did not edit his words then he sounds like a true professional.

Very true..... but come on this is "The U" Maybe I am wrong. What did he score on the wonderlic?

[illone]

Originally posted by Bazooka Tooth


Very true..... but come on this is "The U" Maybe I am wrong. What did he score on the wonderlic?

Don't get caught slippin BT. Not ALL players from the U are stupid. Vilma is a great example. That guy had a high 3 point GPA. I am remembering 3.8 but I could be wrong there.

Plus, wonderlic score means nothing when translated to Football smarts. Shining example there WOULD be Sean taylor He scored very low on the WL but I wouldn't trade him for Peyton Manning.