Two former Bulls protected in AAFL draft
The All-American Football League, the spring pro league that has a Florida-based team, has its inaugural draft today in Atlanta, and Team Florida protected two USF players before the draft.
Each of the six teams were allowed to "protect" players from the home territory by "pre-selecting" them with draft picks, starting in the sixth round. Team Florida entered the draft with former USF defensive end Craig Kobel -- now a linebacker -- and former Bulls linebacker Maurice Jones on roster. Kobel was pre-drafted using a ninth-round pick, while Jones required a 19th-rounder.
Only three protected players -- all also from Team Florida -- were taken with higher draft picks than Kobel. Former Florida quarterback Chris Leak was the highest-valued protected player, protected with a sixth-round pick. Team Florida has already used 40 of its 50 draft picks to protect players from Florida, so there's a good chance that USF players available in the draft will go to other teams.
The breakdown of Team Florida's 40 protected players? Eighteen are from UF, eight from Miami, four from Florida State, three from Florida A&M, two from USF and UCF and one each from Florida Atlantic, Florida International and Edward Waters.
The AAFL draft consists of 50 rounds of six picks each, so we'll have an update after the draft. Team Florida plays most of its home games in Gainesville but will play one game in Tampa, as well as one in Jacksonville.
Times sportswriter Greg Auman, who covers USF, will post news and thoughts on the Bulletin and we invite your participation in the comments area.
Saw Hugh Smith in the 46th round, page 10. Some great names on that list: Rod Smart (He Hate Me), Tee Martin, Eric Crouch, Earthwind Moreland, and more.
Posted by: Dave W | January 27, 2008 at 12:06 AM
They face some stiff competition from the local paint drying festival.
I give this league about 5 weeks. Maybe they could team up with the XFL and form a super bowl of worthless football.
Posted by: Ari Hinkelberger | January 27, 2008 at 12:14 AM
AAFL - another dumb idea to create a bush league football league.
At least the XFL had strippers for cheerleaders and wrestling "stars" as commentators.
This may last one season if they are lucky.
Posted by: The Truth | January 27, 2008 at 12:58 AM
Nothing wrong with trying to have our own minor league besides Arena and CFL, guys.
Posted by: windbane | January 28, 2008 at 12:09 PM
You can see the draft yourself at:
http://event.playonsports.tv/aafl/?eventId=3673
Posted by: AAFLfan | January 29, 2008 at 10:11 PM