Ready or Not, Here Comes Vick

0 Comments | Insight on the News, April 16, 2001 | by Jody Foldesy

Virginia Tech's Michael Vick wasn't even a finalist for last year's Heisman Trophy, but he remains the odds-on top pick in the National Football League's draft -- despite being a redshirt sophomore. The 20-year-old can toss a football 80 yards, then out-run everybody to get it. But is he ready for the rough world of professional football?

"It's going to be tough," Vick acknowledges. "I'm going to be a rookie all over again. I have tons and tons of things to learn. The one thing I want to do is go in respecting my teammates and coaches and show them that I'm willing to do what it takes to learn and be the best."

With the San Diego Chargers holding the top pick, Vick's peril is clear. The Chargers selected Washington State's Ryan Leaf with the No. 2 pick in the 1998 draft and coped with the quarterback's immature behavior until recently waiving him. Vick's brief college experience pitted him mostly against suspect defenses in the Big East. And, the story goes, he considered moving to wide receiver as a freshman because the Hokies' offense was too complex.

"I'm just going to go in and do the right thing," Vick says when asked about Leaf's missteps. "That's what I've been doing my whole career -- at high school and Virginia Tech. I'm well-respected by others. I'm a disciplined person. I believe if you do things right, success comes with discipline."

Ready or not, teams apparently are clamoring to draft Vick, who has spoken with Seattle, Chicago, San Diego, Atlanta and New England. The teams are vying to draft a passer who, by all accounts, should play with the versatility, improvisation and success of Philadelphia's Donovan McNabb. McNabb finished second in the league's most-valuable-player voting last year and led the Eagles to the playoffs despite a dearth of talent in his supporting cast.

Until April, Vick is trying to stay above the fray. "I'm just playing it by ear," he says. "I'm not predicting anything. I'm not going to be worried about where I'm going to go. That brings distractions and disappointment."