The leader of local pack?

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, April, 2007 | by Marc Narducci Inquirer Staff Writer

Ben Patrick never considered himself a Division I-AA football player, and for most of his career he wasn't.

When the NFL draft begins tomorrow, Patrick, a tight end from the University of Delaware, could be the highest-picked player with local roots. They are not deep-seated roots, but are local roots nevertheless.

Originally from Georgia, Patrick played three seasons at Duke, where he received his degree in African American studies last year. He took advantage of a new NCAA rule that allowed graduating seniors to transfer and be immediately eligible if they had a year of eligibility remaining.

In three seasons at Duke, including two as a team captain, Patrick had 79 receptions for 781 yards and two...