Local players get pre-draft exam

[DolFan619]

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/dolphins/content/sports/epaper/2008/04/09/a7c_fins_0409.html

Local players get pre-draft exam

By TIM GRAHAM
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

During the next three days, the Dolphins will greet dozens of prospects in Davie, making their last big scouting surge before the draft.

The Dolphins today and Thursday will bring in several players for visits.

Many might not have been invited to the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis; the Dolphins might want to follow up with a few others.

It's easier to obtain Warren Buffett's ATM code than it is Dolphins' scouting information, but a few names have emerged.

Among the visitors are Auburn pass rusher Quentin Groves, Hampton defensive end Kendall Langford, Richmond running back Tim Hightower, Idaho fullback Rolly Lumbala and Missouri receiver Will Franklin.

On Friday morning, the Dolphins will hold their local pro day. The mass workout session gives players from South Florida colleges and high schools an extra chance to make an impression and helps the Dolphins mine regional talent.

NFL clubs are allowed to host an unlimited number of draft-eligible prospects from colleges and high schools within their metro area. The invitations don't count against the allotment of 30 visits each team receives before to the draft. Prospects are not draft eligible until three years after their high school graduation.

The Dolphins' home turf includes the eastern part Palm Beach County.

The number of players each club invites varies. The Washington Redskins, for instance, hosted 69 prospects on Friday. The Baltimore Ravens worked out only nine players late last month.

The Miami Hurricanes will be well-represented Friday. Among them will be three highly rated prospects: outside linebacker Tavares Gooden, defensive end Calais Campbell and safety Kenny Phillips. Also expected are receiver Lance Leggett and guards Andrew Bain and Derrick Morse.

Local athletes who went away to college, such as Mount Union receiver Pierre Garcon from John I. Leonard, also will work out Friday.

One big name who won't be there is Virginia Tech cornerback Brandon Flowers, a Delray Beach native projected as a late first-round draft choice. Flowers cannot attend because he'll be visiting another NFL team.