Bulls in the Draft: Part 2

To go along with the great news today, as temporary as it may be, that the NFL lockout has been lifted by the federal judge, I want to continue this series on USF players with the high hopes of getting selected by a pro team this week with a piece on Sampson Genus and Craig Marshall. Each important players on opposite sides of the trenches, they both bring a similar quality in their intelligence on and off the field. Genus has been the centerpiece of the offense for almost his whole career, while Marshall has been a successful member of an outstanding defense the past few years.

Since the day Sampson Genus stepped on the field for coach Jim Leavitt, the coach knew he had something outstanding. In his first year out of Lake City's Columbia High School, Genus worked is mostly a reserve role as the third-string center during Jake Griffin's breakout year. The following season, Genus played in all 13 of the team's games, including five starts at defensive tackle, recording nine tackles, while Griffin played center for his senior season. In the 2009 season, Genus moved back to the offensive line, earning a start in every game he played. He was named to second-team All-Big East, and named "Offensive Lineman of the Year" by USF coaches. Florida State's defensive coordinator said that Genus was "the best Center we've seen all season". After Leavitt's abrupt departure, Genus felt obligated to take on the role of a leader to help the athletes transition to Holtz's regime. In his senior season, Sampson was named a captain and started every game before being named to first team All-Big East and a nominee for the Wuerffel Trophy.

Sampson Genus worked out on Pro Day, measuring up at 6'1", 315 pounds. He really impressed NFL executives with his performance on the bench, blowing past everyone else on the team with 28 repetitions of 225 pounds. He's not exactly the fastest player, but a good center doesn't need to be too fast if he's strong. His on and off-the-field intelligence is outstanding, as well, so he'd have no problem addressing the press or interviewing with teams.

Fresh out of Choctawhatchee High School in Fort Walton Beach, Craig Marshall didn't get too many looks from college recruiters, so he took his talent to Pearl River Community College, where he played alongside future Bulls teammates Theo and Kion Wilson. It was there that Marshall began improving his stock as soon as he touched the field, as he had an outstanding season resulting in him being named the 30th best Junior College prospect after just one year of play. Marshall had playing time in all of the games of his first year with the Bulls, becoming a real turnover magnet as he recovered two fumbles, forced another, and even got himself an interception. The following year, Marshall started four games in Jason Pierre-Paul's shadow, but that didn't stop him from racking up some solid numbers. He sacked FSU QB Christian Ponder twice in his best perfomance of the year. 2010 was a year of injury for Marshall, as a contusion in his foot caused him to miss four games. Even so, he put up the best numbers of his career in those nine games he played, recording 34 total tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and another interception.

Craig Marshall's talent has been overshadowed by playing in the shadows of USF legends George Selvie and Jason Pierre-Paul, but every chance he got, he showed what he could do. Marshall posted a 4.96 in the 40-yard dash and 20 reps on the bench, which can be compared to 4.71 and 19 reps by Pierre-Paul. His size is relatively good for an NFL end, measuring up at 6'4", 279 lbs. Marshall has been quiet off the field, which these days seems like a lesson that should be taught to many current players, but his presence is always apparent on the field.

These two players don't appear on many draft boards, but there is always a necessity for great linemen, offensive or defensive. It will be interesting to see whether an NFL team takes a chance on either of these athletes, as they may have some intangible qualities that coaches hold in high regard. Personally speaking, Sampson Genus is one of the nicest guys you could ever meet, so I'm really hoping he's made an impression on a team. He also graduated in only three and a half years in addition to playing football full-time, so there is a lot that can be said for his character and determination. I'm really rooting for both of these guys, and I hope to hear their name called sometime this week.