Wisconsin RB Montee Ball still mum on NFL Draft plans

by Dan Kadar on Jan 4, 2012 3:31 PM EST in 2012 NFL Draft

The speculation has gone back and forth whether or not Wisconsin junior running back Montee Ball will enter the 2012 NFL Draft. Ball has said in the past his decision will be predicated on the grade he receives from the NFL Draft advisory board. First or second round and he's gone. Third or fourth and he'd return for his senior season with the Badgers.

Ball had an interesting quote on USAToday.com about his decision.

"Basically, I looked myself in the mirror and told myself what I needed to do for me, what I needed to do for my family and for my teammates," Ball said. "And that's what it came down to."

That has led to much speculation this afternoon that Ball will be returning to Wisconsin. But Ball quieted those rumors, at least temporarily.

Lots of speculation out there, leaning one way but just not ready to make an announcement yet, appreciate everyone's patience," Ball wrote on Twitter.

The likeliest scenario is that Ball received a solid third-round grade from the advisory board. That has to leave him going back and forth on his decision. If he does return, it would be nearly impossible to duplicate his season 1,932 rushing yards and 39 total touchdowns.

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Any chance he's gonna wait and see what some of his teammates do?

I could see that, but I agree his stock will be hard pressed to increase next year. He went to NYC this year too.

Wolf. Wolfgang Wolf

by dbcouver on Jan 4, 2012 3:46 PM EST reply actions

Please, please go...

Some guy at Penn State Hershey just discovered a virus that eats cancer. Where were the CNN trucks for that? Now Someone at PSU found something that could cure Leukemia. Coverage? None. THON will probably break $10 mil this year. Put that on "Outside the Lines" you sanctimonious pricks!

by ICEICETHATGUY13 on Jan 4, 2012 5:35 PM EST reply actions

On Wisconsin

Just announced he is coming back to school.

by Auric on Jan 5, 2012 5:13 PM EST reply actions

He announced that he's staying at Wisconsin for his senior season...

And I cannot disagree more for the following reasons:

Higher risk of injury prior to his first NFL paycheck
Another year of wear and tear on his body, and due to the new CBA Montee wouldn’t truly be looking at a monster contract until he plays out his first one
Less talent surrounding him with the probable departure of Peter Konz and definite departure of Russell Wilson, Kevin Zeitler and Nick Toon
A new Offensive Coordinator (previously the O-line coach, however)
And finally, it will be a monumental task to improve his draft stock following the season he’s just had

Or maybe I’m just venting because I kept picturing this kid in Honolulu-Blue. Still surprised he only received a 3rd round grade from the NFL Draft Advisory Board. I digress…

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it ~Aristotle

by BriansLions on Jan 5, 2012 11:06 PM EST reply actions