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| Friday, April 6 Associated Press | |||
BLACKSBURG, Va. – The San Diego Chargers are making it
pretty clear that Michael Vick is their man.
"This guy is for real," Chargers coach Mike Riley said after
nearly a week in Blacksburg with the Virginia Tech quarterback, who
is leaving school after just two seasons. "I don't have any more
questions. I'd love to have the opportunity to coach him."
Since the Chargers have the No. 1 pick in the April 21 NFL
draft, Riley can get his wish although the final decision lies with
general manager John Butler. Butler is being more coy than his
coach, but he also indicated during NFL meetings last week in
California that Vick seems the obvious choice.
Vick isn't so sure.
"That's part of the excitement and joy of all this," said
Vick, who led Virginia Tech to consecutive 11-1 records the past
two seasons. "On the 21st, knowing you've worked so hard, it's
still a gamble where you're going to go."
At 6-1, Vick is slightly shorter than the optimum height pro
scouts look for in a quarterback. But his quickness and agility
have made him one of the most exciting players in college football
the past two seasons. The success of young quarterbacks with
similar styles, like Donovan McNabb and Steve McNair, have made
coaches more likely to take a player like him.
As a redshirt freshman, Vick led Division I-A in passing
efficiency and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting. In one
of his best performances, Vick passed for 225 yards and ran for 97
more against Florida State in the 2000 NCAA championship game.
The Hokies lost 46-29, but Vick put on a mind-boggling show,
leaving in his wake a field of frustrated Seminoles.
Last season, the Hokies' hopes were hampered by Vick's severely
sprained right ankle. But Vick finished his career with a solid
performance in a 41-20 victory over Clemson in the Gator Bowl.
"He's been well schooled," said Zeke Bratkowski, a retired NFL
quarterbacks coach who has been working with Vick since February.
Bratkowski, who coached Randall Cunningham with the Philadelphia
Eagles, said Vick possesses the same rough ability that when
polished has unlimited potential.
"He's faster than Randall Cunningham, but Randall was stronger
and taller," Bratkowski said.
Bratkowski agrees with most NFL personnel people, including
Butler and Riley, that it will take some time for Vick to adjust to
the pros after just two years of college experience. San Diego has
signed 38-year-old Doug Flutie, who has a similar style, as their
starter, which would give him time to learn.
Vick said he will be in Atlanta for a workout Saturday, then
will head to San Diego next week to visit the Chargers' facilities.
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