2008 Woodie Awards
NFL a possibility for QB
By: Daniel Monson
Issue date: 11/16/07 Section: Special Section Dan LeFevour
- Page 1 of 1
Even though two years haven't passed since Dan LeFevour took his first collegiate snap, one question lingers in the minds of many Chippewa fans.
What will become of LeFevour once his days as a Chippewa are over?
According to some, the National Football League could be in the future.
"He's got his head screwed on right," said Gary Goforth, LeFevour's high school football coach in Lisle, Ill. "You can't put an objective number on work ethic. I think he's got plenty of tools to go to the next level."
And while LeFevour has two years of college eligibility remaining, he can opt to enter the NFL draft after this season.
Mike Bajakian, CMU offensive coordinator and former Chicago Bears assistant, said LeFevour still has a lot to fine-tune, but could see the sophomore quarterback playing on Sundays.
"He's a football junkie - always studying extra video, always asking questions," Bajakian said. "That part alone will help you with a chance. Then you add to that his physical attributes, his arm strength, his athleticism. He's still got a lot of work to do, but he's improved a lot and he's going to continue to."
And Mid-American Conference quarterbacks have had success at the next level. In 2006, five started in week five, more than any conference besides the Pacific-10.
The most notable include Ben Roethlisberger (Miami), Chad Pennington (Marshall), Byron Leftwich (Marshall), Bruce Gradkowski (Toledo) and Charlie Frye (Akron).
Goforth said LeFevour possesses something a lot of NFL quarterbacks don't have.
"They talk about NFL quarterbacks and how bad they are, and a lot of it comes down to the decision-making process," he said. "And Dan has that. With his running ability to his arm strength, what more do you want?"
LeFevour said he credits Bajakian and head coach Butch Jones for the success he's carried over from his phenomenal freshman campaign.
"Everyone likes to quote the 'sophomore slump,'" LeFevour said. "Those were two guys that said, 'That's not even in your vocabulary.'"
And though LeFevour may not admit he's looking ahead, there's a good chance scouts are.
"He approaches the game from a mental standpoint like the guys I've been around in the NFL," Bajakian said. "He's very intelligent - very analytical. That's one of his strong points and that will help him get to the next level for sure."
sports@cm-life.com
What will become of LeFevour once his days as a Chippewa are over?
According to some, the National Football League could be in the future.
"He's got his head screwed on right," said Gary Goforth, LeFevour's high school football coach in Lisle, Ill. "You can't put an objective number on work ethic. I think he's got plenty of tools to go to the next level."
And while LeFevour has two years of college eligibility remaining, he can opt to enter the NFL draft after this season.
Mike Bajakian, CMU offensive coordinator and former Chicago Bears assistant, said LeFevour still has a lot to fine-tune, but could see the sophomore quarterback playing on Sundays.
"He's a football junkie - always studying extra video, always asking questions," Bajakian said. "That part alone will help you with a chance. Then you add to that his physical attributes, his arm strength, his athleticism. He's still got a lot of work to do, but he's improved a lot and he's going to continue to."
And Mid-American Conference quarterbacks have had success at the next level. In 2006, five started in week five, more than any conference besides the Pacific-10.
The most notable include Ben Roethlisberger (Miami), Chad Pennington (Marshall), Byron Leftwich (Marshall), Bruce Gradkowski (Toledo) and Charlie Frye (Akron).
Goforth said LeFevour possesses something a lot of NFL quarterbacks don't have.
"They talk about NFL quarterbacks and how bad they are, and a lot of it comes down to the decision-making process," he said. "And Dan has that. With his running ability to his arm strength, what more do you want?"
LeFevour said he credits Bajakian and head coach Butch Jones for the success he's carried over from his phenomenal freshman campaign.
"Everyone likes to quote the 'sophomore slump,'" LeFevour said. "Those were two guys that said, 'That's not even in your vocabulary.'"
And though LeFevour may not admit he's looking ahead, there's a good chance scouts are.
"He approaches the game from a mental standpoint like the guys I've been around in the NFL," Bajakian said. "He's very intelligent - very analytical. That's one of his strong points and that will help him get to the next level for sure."
sports@cm-life.com
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