Ohio Valley Conference

EASTERN KENTUCKY
Former Colonel safety Pierre Wright (6’1”, 210) could be a name on some late-round draft boards. He had six interceptions in 2004, as well as 102 tackles and four sacks. Wright, who is a natural athlete, will most likely

JACKSONVILLE STATE
Punter Richie Rhodes may have what it takes to sign as a free-agent in the coming weeks. Rhodes averaged 40 yards a punt during the 2004 season, while pinning 15 inside the 20, opposed to just three touchbacks.

MURRAY STATE
Three Racers will stay close to the telephone this weekend, with hopes of an NFL team calling. Projected as late-round picks or free-agent acquisitions, former Murray State players Jimmy St. Louis (TE), Marcus White (DT), and Laroni Gallishaw (DB) will most likely be invited to an NFL training camp come July.

After a serious knee injury in 2003, the 6’4”, 260-pound St. Louis returned in 2004 to catch 13 passes for 161 yards. The soon-to-be MBA graduate was recently ranked the sixth best tight end in the draft by . He was also tabbed as one of the fastest ends in the draft after registering a 4.57 second 40-yard dash on March 4, making him a possible late-round gem for some west-coast offense-minded team.

White, who is 6’5”and 280 pounds, also impressed scouts with his 40 time, but with a draft chock-full of Division I-A defensive lineman, he has his work cut out for him. If White goes un-drafted this weekend, he will be a hot Division I-AA commodity on the free-agent market.

Gallishaw, a 5’11”, 210-pound defensive back, possesses the necessary skills to play bump-and-run. His physical abilities should garner a call from a team late on Sunday or as a free agent.

SAMFORD
Wide receiver Efrem Hill had a sensational career at Samford, where he hauled in 214 receptions for 3,054 yards and 31 touchdowns, making him one of the most exciting big-play artists in OVC history. Despite having a better junior than senior year, Hill’s athleticism and performances in post-season games should be enough to carry the All-American off the draft board sometime on Sunday.

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
Offensive linemen Dan Connolly (6’4”, 310) and Dan Bieg (6’4”, 305) are two names that may show up on training camp rosters. Connolly might have the better chance of being a draft pick because of his experience at both the tackle and guard positions. If drafted or acquired through free agency, both former Redhawks will most likely need to add more bulk to their already impressive frames.

Former Southeast Missouri tight end Ray Goodsen (6’4”, 245) is another OVC player to watch for on Sunday. Goodson corralled 124 balls for 1,216 yards during his last two years, good enough to lead the Redhawks in both categories during that span. With deceptive speed and raw athleticism, the former All-American should report to an NFL camp, if not as a draft pick, than surely as a free agent.

TENNESSEE STATE
The 2005 draft has its share of running backs, which is why the elusive Charles Anthony(5’11”, 205) has cruised under the proverbial NFL radar. The former Tiger was not invited to the NFL Combine, and he was overlooked for the Walter Payton Award in each of the last two years. But, rushing for over 1,700 yards in both his junior and senior years, Anthony is a possible draft choice and certain free agent candidate.

TENNESSEE TECH
Along with Efrem Hill and Dan Connolly, Frank Omiyale (6’4”, 310) represents the fourth OVC player with the best chances of being drafted. After holding his own against the big-eaters from the I-A ranks at the NFL combine, Omiyale is in a nice position to be a late-round selection. And, according to most websites about this year’s draft, Omiyale’s stock continues to be on the rise.