WAC in the draft

[PonyPride]

10 WAC players taken in NFL Draft

<A HREF="http://www.wacsports.com//article.asp?articleid=43563" TARGET=_blank>http://www.wacsports.com//article.asp?articleid=43563</A>

DENVER – The Western Athletic Conference had 10 players selected in the 2003 NFL Draft over the weekend including three from the University of Hawai‘i. Warrior linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa was the first WAC player selected when he went to St. Louis in the second round. Last year, Tinoisamoa had 129 tackles and six and a half sacks in earning first team all-WAC honors.

The next WAC player drafted was Nevada receiver Nate Burleson who was picked by Minnesota in the third round. Burleson led the nation in receptions with 138 and was second nationally in receiving yards with 135.8 per game. Burleson also caught 12 touchdown passes for the Wolf Pack.

Two Hawai‘i offensive lineman were drafted immediately after Burleson as Vince Manuwai went to Jacksonville and Wayne Hunter was picked by Seattle. Shortly afterwards, Fresno State linebacker Sam Williams was picked by Oakland.

On Sunday, five more WAC players were drafted. Rice center Ryan Pontbriand and SMU cornerback Kevin Garrett were taken in the fifth round by Cleveland and St. Louis, respectively. In the sixth round, Jacksonvilled selected Rice defensive end Brandon Green, Boise State running back Brock Forsey went to Chicago and Miami drafted San Jose State offensive tackle Tim Provost.

Forsey led the nation in scoring last year with 14.8 points per game. He scored 32 touchdowns and rushed for 1,611 yards to help lead Boise State to a 12-1 record and a WAC championship.

2003 WAC NFL Draft Choices
Rd-Pick Name, Pos., School, NFL Team
2-43 Pisa Tinoisamoa, LB, Hawaii, St. Louis
3-71 Nate Burleson, WR, Nevada, Minnesota
3-72 Vince Manuwai, OG, Hawaii, Jacksonville
3-73 Wayne Hunter, OT, Hawaii, Seattle
3-83 Sam Williams, OLB, Fresno State, Oakland
5-142 Ryan Pontbriand, C, Rice, Cleveland
5-172 Kevin Garrett, CB, SMU, St. Louis
6-176 Brandon Green, DE, Rice, Jacksonville
6-206 Brock Forsey, RB, Boise State, Chicago
6-209 Tim Provost, OT, San Jose State, Miami

[FloridaMustang]

I'm really excited about the upcoming NFL season. Jacksonville took Brandon Green and Vince Manuwai from the WAC..and we know they are monsters, but also Byron Leftwich, my favorite QB around right now. He's going to take Brunell's spot quickly I'd say.

[Corso]

Not so fast, my friend! Leftwich is a hoss, but he's got to learn an entirely new offense -- an offense at which Brunell happens to be extremely profficient. I'd say next year at the earliest, if not 2005, before Leftwich takes the job.